Real Talk for Teachers: Is this School Right for Me?
Principal Sean Larry Stevens breaks down how teachers can learn whether the school you're interviewing at is the right fit for you.
Presenter: Sean Larry Stevens, NYC School Leader
What is School Culture?
It IS
- One vision systematically implemented ("one vision, many systems")
- Consistency of systems and language
- Virtue building
- Details
- Staff culture
It is NOT
- Motivational speeches
- Statement of values
- Mission and vision statements
'Hacks' to Analyze School Culture
Data (ask for it from the main office or operations manager!)
- Attendance and uniforms
- Homework (completion and accuracy)
- Teacher retention
- Academic achievement
- Family and community engagement events
Aesthetics
- Walls and outside showcases
- Floors, hallways, and bathrooms
- Bulletin boards (inside classroom)
- Teacher workspaces and offices
Strategic Tactics to Analyze School Culture
Conversations with:
Scholars
Q: "If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?"
Red flag: statements regarding systemic functions that are broken as opposed to issues the school has little control over, such as 'school starts too early')
Teachers
Q: "What makes you want to come here everyday?"
Red flag: teachers talk mostly about the kids.
Good: teachers talk about the community, other teachers, leadership -- something more than just the kids (who will always be there and is likely the reason you're teaching in the first place)
School leaders
Q: "Describe your leadership."
Good: people & teacher-centric; authentic & honest
Q: "What are your top, foundational priorities?"
Good: teacher quality/retention, continual improvement
Observations of:
Student-teacher 'talk ratio'
Are students taking ownership of learning? Are they controlling and leading the conversation?
Student-teacher interactions
Sit back in the hallway and watch interactions. Is the tone positive/understanding? If it's discipline-related, is it warm and strict?
Five star customer service
Is there an atmosphere of hospitality and courtesy? How stressed are teachers and how do they treat colleagues?
Walkthrough with school leader
What does a typical day look like? (red flag: no mention of in-classroom feedback, being present for arrival-lunch-dismissal, or ignores real-time issues that arise during walk)
Top 5 Drivers of Teacher Satisfaction
Based on survey of 150 K-12 teachers in June 2016:
- School Leadership
- School Culture
- Academic Excellence
- Teacher Autonomy
- Development and Feedback
School leadership and culture are at the top of the list of teacher satisfaction and retention.
Recommended Reading List
School Culture Rewired: How to Define, Assess, and Transform It by Steve Gruenert and Todd Whitaker
Practice Perfect: 42 Rules for Getting Better at Getting Better by Doug Lemov
Leverage Leadership: A Practical Guide to Building Exceptional Schools by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo
Driven by Data: A Practical Guide to Improve Instruction by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo
Real Talk for Real Teachers: Advice for Teachers from Rookies to Veterans by Rafe Esquith
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller
Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson
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