A positive school culture is when everyone in the school community, like students, teachers, administrators, and parents feel like they belong and are respected.
Connect with the Your School Community
One way to build a positive school culture is by involving parents in school activities. Schools can have parent-teacher conferences, parent-teacher associations, and school-wide events. For example, at one school, a Parent Volunteer Group (PVG) organized a charity event to raise money for the school and local charities. This event allowed parents and teachers to get to know each other outside of the school environment and created a sense of community. When people get to know each other, it helps them understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives and contributions to the school community.
Connect with the Your International School Community
Another way to build a positive school culture is by collaborating with other international schools. Schools can share ideas, work together on projects, and learn about different cultures. For example, one school I worked with had a music student exchange program. Students from China visited a school in Thailand to learn from each other and experience each other’s cultures. This exchange program helped students understand different cultures and made lifelong friendships.
Provide Your Teachers with the Tools They Need
Schools should also prioritize professional development for teachers. This means providing teachers with opportunities to learn and grow so they can provide better instruction and support to their students. For example, one school held a professional development workshop on differentiated instruction, which helps prevent classroom behavior issues. Teachers learned practical strategies to create an inclusive and effective learning environment.
Creating a positive school culture is a continuous process that requires ongoing attention and effort. It is not something that can be achieved overnight, but rather, requires a sustained commitment from all school community members. When everyone feels like they belong and are respected, it creates a supportive and happy environment for everyone in the school community. Students are more likely to be engaged and motivated, which can lead to improved academic performance and overall well-being.
