Module 9 School Climate and Culture

Creating a Culture of Care

As you have learned, each adult on a school campus plays a role in shaping a school's climate and culture. So, how do we create a culture of care? By shadowing Jordan in the previous module page, you learned that even small gestures like knowing a child's name, smiling and greeting them at the door of the school or classroom make a difference in how a child experiences school.

When students feel cared for and supported, they thrive. As you work with the two sources on this page, be sure to note the practices that make it possible to show students they are cared for and that foster connection and relationships.

Ways to Show Students You Care

Read the article, "6 Ways To Let Students Know You Care"

As you read, take notes on a few ideas that you think are particularly strong or powerful for connecting with students.

Every Kid Needs a Champion

In this section of the module, we are focused on relationships as a vehicle for creating a positive school climate and culture. In her TED Talk, "Every Kid Needs a Champion," master educator and school leader Rita Pierson outlines practices that foster healthy relationships.

As you watch take notes using the following questions:

What practices does Pierson describe that allow her to foster excellence in her students?
What do you find inspiring, challenging, or thought-provoking about Pierson's arguments?

You can read a transcript of Pierson's talk here.