Transforming School Culture
In Anthony Muhammud’s book Transforming School Culture he states that there are 12 characteristics of a powerful and positive school culture. Included in these 12 characteristics are trust and confidence, experimentation, high expectations and involvement in decision making. He goes on to say that the Believers that he studied displayed these characteristics and aspirations, which is significantly important due to the resistance that they faced from teachers who would not be considered Believers. The characteristics that Believers tend to hold are ones that will help shift school culture when needed, as opposed to characteristics that discourage change.
When it comes to giving the Believers a stronger voice and …show more content…
He shared that he was a principal at another elementary school for many years before Freedom opened, and when he transitioned into the new position he was allowed the opportunity to handpick the staff members from previous job experiences to create his new staff. Although it is impossible to determine how certain personalities will mesh together, he knew that each person had qualities that he wanted his staff members to exhibit. Because of this liberty, he feels that he has been able to establish his own norms, values and beliefs for the school and to create a positive school culture. He has worked hard to encourage those original staff members to act as Believers and pass that on to new staff …show more content…
It can be hard to keep up with tweeners (turned believers) when they are adopting new initiatives, especially when they have proven to be successful. Furthermore, creating a positive culture is all about relationships. When asked whether he thought his staff members would help out with something student related after contract hours, Dr. Jeff Johnson mentioned two different scenarios. He said that he felt 9/10 of his staff members would agree to help out if he went directly to them to ask a favor, because the fact that he asked directly would show that it was important. In the other scenario being a situation where a volunteer opportunity arises, he stated that less would feel obligated but many would still help out if they could, in spite of their own personal and familial obligations. Staff members being involved in “extra-curricular” activities after school can strengthen relationships with students, which can indirectly affect student learning. Students learn better in an environment where they can trust others and be trusted themselves, where they can feel comfortable to ask questions and ultimately where they can see their teacher as a real person.
Reflect on how you “as a teacher
In Anthony Muhammud’s book Transforming School Culture he states that there are 12 characteristics of a powerful and positive school culture. Included in these 12 characteristics are trust and confidence, experimentation, high expectations and involvement in decision making. He goes on to say that the Believers that he studied displayed these characteristics and aspirations, which is significantly important due to the resistance that they faced from teachers who would not be considered Believers. The characteristics that Believers tend to hold are ones that will help shift school culture when needed, as opposed to characteristics that discourage change.
When it comes to giving the Believers a stronger voice and …show more content…
He shared that he was a principal at another elementary school for many years before Freedom opened, and when he transitioned into the new position he was allowed the opportunity to handpick the staff members from previous job experiences to create his new staff. Although it is impossible to determine how certain personalities will mesh together, he knew that each person had qualities that he wanted his staff members to exhibit. Because of this liberty, he feels that he has been able to establish his own norms, values and beliefs for the school and to create a positive school culture. He has worked hard to encourage those original staff members to act as Believers and pass that on to new staff …show more content…
It can be hard to keep up with tweeners (turned believers) when they are adopting new initiatives, especially when they have proven to be successful. Furthermore, creating a positive culture is all about relationships. When asked whether he thought his staff members would help out with something student related after contract hours, Dr. Jeff Johnson mentioned two different scenarios. He said that he felt 9/10 of his staff members would agree to help out if he went directly to them to ask a favor, because the fact that he asked directly would show that it was important. In the other scenario being a situation where a volunteer opportunity arises, he stated that less would feel obligated but many would still help out if they could, in spite of their own personal and familial obligations. Staff members being involved in “extra-curricular” activities after school can strengthen relationships with students, which can indirectly affect student learning. Students learn better in an environment where they can trust others and be trusted themselves, where they can feel comfortable to ask questions and ultimately where they can see their teacher as a real person.
Reflect on how you “as a teacher