In this book for principals and other school leaders, the authors explain how administrators, teachers, parents, and staff can all work together to create a positive school climate. Principals and teachers have very different perspectives of the school and different pressures that they are working under. But everyone is working toward the same goal-improved student achievement. By breaking down the misconceptions and misunderstandings that commonly crop up between teachers, principals, parents, volunteers, and other school staff, these different groups can work together to solve problems and build a culture of caring and respect. Creating a Positive School Culture is authored by a psychologist and a teacher and the ideas and strategies are based on 200+ interviews with principals and teachers. Some of the problems addressed include gossip, cliques, negativity, and competition - the authors provide innovative solutions for overcoming these energy and morale sapping problems. The authors also offer preventive strategies that help principals create a climate of trust and support and stop problems from developing in the first place.
Marie-Nathalie Beaudoin, Ph.D. is the Training Director of the Narrative Therapy program at Bay Area Family Therapy Training Associates (BAFTTA) where she supervises the counseling of doctoral interns in schools from three school districts in Silicon Valley, California. In her private practice, she enjoys working with young people, their families, and their schools, on a wide variety of issues. Marie-Nathalie values bringing forth people's own wisdom and knowledges, through respectful, creative, and collaborative conversations. She has published numerous professional articles, has been featured in several magazines such as the California Educator and Educational Leadership, and is known internationally for her entertaining, thought provoking, and inspiring workshops. She was recently invited to produce three videotapes with Alexander Street Press (one which is specifically on school work). Marie-Nathalie has won several grants and awards, with the most recent one focusing on the effectiveness of narrative therapy based group activities. She is the author of several successful books such as Working with groups to enhance relationships (1998), Responding to the culture of bullying & disrespect: New perspectives on collaboration, compassion and responsibility (2004, 2009); Creating a positive School Culture: How principals and teachers can work together (2004); and the popular paperback for parents, teachers, and therapists titled The SKiLL-ionaire in Every Child: Boosting Children's Socio-Emotional Skills Using the Latest in Brain Research (2010) (sample at www.skillionaire.org). She has been the recipient of several prestigious awards such as a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada grant (SSHRC), a Canadian Foundation for the Advancement of Research grant (FCAR), the John F. Kennedy University best psychology professor award (JFKU), and more recently the Shine A Light narrative research fund (SAL). Also availabler from the author: "From Bullies to Buddies" Maureen Taylor is an educator in Northern California. Her background includes teaching preschool through sixth grade and being an environ-mental educator. Her main interests lie in teaching science and writing, two subjects that gently unfold for the learner. Taylor is currently devel-oping a program for children blending art, environmental education, and social issues.
Preface About the Authors 1. Understanding the Different Experiences of Teachers and Principals 2. Creating an Environment for Change 3. Typical School Culture Problems and Their Effects 4. When Serious Problems Divide the Staff 5. Changing Staff Habits Without Conflict 6. Preventing Problems and Creating a Climate of Support 7. Practices That Support a Caring School Culture 8. Working With Parents and Volunteers Conclusion: Questions and Answers Resource A: Glossary Resource B: Staff Development Activities Resource C: Summary of School Climate Problems and Practices That Prevent Them Resource D: Job Satisfaction Survey Resource E: Teacher Survey Resource F: Principal Interview Protocol References Index
This book is outstanding. It addresses a definite need in schools today and will be very effective in helping people understand some of the school climate-related issues. If educators understand problems and their causes and have potential methods of solving them, only good can come from it. -- Charles F. Adamchick, Jr., Teacher This book is a great resource for those interested in creating an enriching and inspiring school environment. At a time when so many of our schools are in crisis, it is so refreshing to read a book that demonstrates how teachers and administrators can turn a school into a safe and caring community. Beaudoin and Taylor consolidate the expertise of teachers and administrators who know how to realistically build nurturing, constructive, and positive relationships. -- Gerald Monk, Professor, Department of Counseling and School Psychology
