A positive culture is an essential element of successful schools, and principals are in the best position to model and nurture an environment of support and encouragement. They must find and develop ways to ensure that their staff, teachers and students maintain a healthy and optimistic outlook.
To be effective in their roles, principals need a strong understanding of what it truly means to be a leader. Eastern Washington University’s (EWU) online Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Educational Leadership program prepares you to step confidently into these roles. These proven methods create positive cultures in schools at all levels:
Keep the Messaging Positive
How can people maintain a positive outlook when negative messaging surrounds them? If signage in your school primarily uses words like “no” or “don’t,” you may be putting students in a negative, unconstructive headspace.
To avoid this, you can frame the rules and regulations of the physical spaces at your school in positive terms. This helps students feel empowered and have a greater sense of ownership of the hallways, classrooms and common areas in their schools. Empowering students fosters a positive school culture while supporting student social-emotional development, which is critical to helping every child become a successful, socially responsible member of society.
Encourage Risk-Taking
It is stifling to work and learn in an environment where administrators discourage ideation and revert to “no” as the de facto answer. Due to the immense pressure to meet state standards and perform well on standardized exams, public schools often prove susceptible to this pitfall. Conversely, intentionally avoiding a risk-averse mindset allows schools to embrace new ideas and be responsive to student needs.
A culture of innovation takes root when principals actively encourage fresh ideas from staff and students and follow through by supporting those ideas. Principals who prioritize school culture, celebrate experimentation and actively learn from setbacks set a tone that inspires creative thinking at every level.
Celebrate Success at School Assemblies
Daily schoolwide assemblies or weekly rallies occur less frequently than in years past, and reintroducing these tools could help with building a positive school culture. Schoolwide gatherings give principals an opportunity to foster school pride, celebrate the achievements of students and teachers and reinforce the goals and expectations that make schools successful.
Too often, discussions on how to create a positive culture happen only while planning for the upcoming term, and the mission loses steam once the day-to-day responsibilities of the school year begin. More frequent schoolwide events allow principals to keep that mission at the forefront of daily conversations with both staff and students.
Leading With Purpose: The Foundation of Positive School Culture
Establishing and maintaining a positive culture requires the leadership of a principal capable of shaping strong vision and philosophy. Culture-building methods like positive messaging, a spirit of innovation and consistent celebration of success all stem from intentional, values-driven leadership.
Whether you are early in your career or building on years of classroom experience, the online Master of Education – Educational Leadership program at Eastern Washington University will prepare you for leadership roles in schools With the right training and mindset, you can make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of students.
Learn more about EWU’s online Master of Education – Educational Leadership program.
