Welcome to the School Climate and Culture Show!

Welcome to the "Climate and Culture Podcast" with my co-host Meg Diede from IntegratEd! So happy you made it! We are thrilled to introduce this engaging and insightful podcast specifically designed for educators, administrators, and leaders looking to enhance the climate and culture of their schools or organizations.

We are thrilled to share practical strategies, real-world examples, and ideas you can immediately apply to create a positive and thriving environment. Meg Diede brings her current classroom expertise to the conversation and her instructional strategies from IntegraeED, LLC- with a focus on encouraging interactive lessons in the classroom. Whether you're looking to boost staff morale, foster student engagement, or develop a more inclusive and supportive culture, this podcast gives you the tools and simple ideas to make meaningful and lasting changes in your career as a classroom educator, administrator, or school leader. 

My aim is to bring valuable perspectives about innovative approaches tested and proven in the classroom. The plan is to cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that all your needs for fostering a healthy and productive atmosphere are met, no matter what specific challenges you're facing. We know, we have been there!

What is Culture and Climate? And why does it matter?

Climate refers to the immediate feelings and perceptions that individuals within a school or organization experience daily. It encompasses the atmosphere, the energy, and the overall mood that is felt as soon as one walks into the building. The climate is influenced by factors such as the level of safety, respect, and the general emotional tone of interactions among staff, students, and administration. It's about how welcoming, supportive, and positive the environment feels to those who are part of it.

Culture, on the other hand, represents an organization's deeper, more enduring aspects. It includes the shared values, beliefs, traditions, and norms developed over time. Culture shapes the behaviors, attitudes, and practices of everyone in the organization. It's about what is collectively understood as "the way we do things around here." This includes the organizational mission, vision, and core values that guide decision-making and interactions.

 In essence, while climate is the short-term, perceptible atmosphere, culture is the long-term, ingrained ethos of the organization. Both climate and culture are crucial to creating a positive, productive, thriving environment. By improving both, you can ensure that your schools or organizations are places where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their best.

With that said, schools all over the country are getting ready to return to school. I know some of you are groaning louder than the students at the idea of summer ending! I feel you.  But what if some simple activities could change all that? For both you and your students? 

Culture and Climate in the Classroom

After the parent drop-offs, hopefully, there will be no more tears (from the kids or parents—not you), and everyone finally gets into the correct room. There are over twenty little, medium, or large faces looking at you. They are taking it all in, looking all over the classroom, and sizing you up! 

So, what does your first day of school look like? What does it feel like? What does it sound like? If any of these questions are answered with a bulletin board that has been up for five years, students sitting at the desk with their hands folded, and silence while you review the rules- it’s time for a change.  At that moment, they feel the same way you do about the bloodborne pathogens training.  It is the children’s version of a buzz kill, and you have completely missed the chance to make a memorable first day. No cap! (It’s time to brush up on your slang too!)

Establish Routines and Develop Relationships

Both of these things can happen simultaneously. In the first few days and weeks, the goal should be to create a safe environment for your students. Alongside this, expectations can be set while you model some simple ground rules and build these over time. Be authentic and welcoming, and hold firm to your expectations. What tone are you trying to set? Are you getting ready for battle? Or are you educating? 

Education in the last few years has been a complete tornado for some students and staff. Refrain from assuming they know what you expect.  You have no time to play the blame game with the grade-level teachers below you. Not only do different teachers have different rules, but you can have those high expectations for students if you show them the way. Just like writing, show, don’t tell. Even Scouting America knows the EDGE formula: explain, demonstrate, guide, and enable. Be specific. It is an investment of upfront time to increase the probability of success instead of wasting time going over it repeatedly.  

Students need to be reminded, more than they need to be taught. #standtallstatements

Turning some of your processes and procedures into a game, freeze dancing, or any type of movement will make their experience positive. Y’all, think about it. There is a reason why “Silent Ball” was invented! With one or two rounds of Silent Ball, you can discuss classroom volume, times when to be quiet, honesty, and good sportsmanship. Recognize and praise students who are acting in a way you expect.

Embed processes and procedures into your activities and events. Build this activity into your instruction this week. Adding any kind of physical movement brings more engagement to your lessons. 

 Snowball Fight!

It is so simple to have a little fun.  Think smarter, not harder!  First, provide the students with a plain white (can be lined) piece of paper.  Ask them to write three particular and unique facts about themselves, all on their own.  Give them some non-examples so they know just what to write.  When everyone finishes, tell them to crumple up their papers.  Then yell, “SNOWBALL FIGHT!” Get the snowball fight started with your own list. Gang, they are going to lose their minds! Don’t be surprised if some of them look to you for reassurance that throwing something in your classroom is okay.

After everyone has thrown their paper, students must pick up a random crumpled paper.  Students will then have to guess which student their paper belonged to! Obviously, join in the game! Even if you know the correct answer- ham it up! 

Want to add a classroom procedure practice to your lesson? You can take this activity to a new level by including where the recycling bin is located, how you call groups to take turns, and the importance of cleaning up our learning spaces. Look at how a blank piece of paper can change the climate and culture of your classroom! 

Values

Consider a conversation about values before you dig into the “rules.”  Values are beliefs that guide your behaviors and actions, but specifically to your classroom.  First, reflect. What do you respect and value in your classroom? If you are not sure where to start, check out this list!  RespectValue One Sheet.pdf

Post the values before the rules.  Discuss, vote with Google Forms, an anonymous ballot, or a combination of all three! Ensure one of your top words is brought into the mix, and allow the students to add theirs to the list. Root your behavior and actions with these words all year long. Stick with the big three. I know some of you just love your anchor charts!  Jazz it up and have the students sign the poster in their favorite color. You are sending the message loud and clear- This is how we do things, who we are, and why you are here. Continue to use positive reinforcement and praise!

Need classroom ideas? Head over to IntegratED’s Blog. Meg and Kara have fantastic ways to connect with your students through engaging activities. 

Do you need building, district, or campus-wide ideas? Get a copy of Ideas, Ideas, Ideas and check out free or low-cost ways to improve climate and culture. 

Within Our Ranks

Are you looking to make a real impact in the field of education? Do you want to join a community of passionate educators and take your career to the next level? 

With the beginning of school approaching, you know what is next? Terrible professional development.  While you are sitting through boring trainings, lecture-like keynote speakers, and just mediocre PD sessions, if you find yourself tuning out and thinking:

• I could do this.
• I could do this better.
• How much money is this person getting paid?
• This is a waste of my time. Can I get back to my classroom already?

This an exclusive opportunity that you will want to take advantage of. It's called Within Our Ranks, and it's your ticket to making a real difference in the world of education. It's more than just a program; it's a transformative experience for educators who aspire to be professional speakers and make their voices heard.

Here's the deal: "Within Our Ranks" is an intensive training program that equips educators (with at least ten years of K-12 experience) with the skills and knowledge they need to step into the world of professional speaking, training, and consulting. It's a chance to unlock your full potential and share your insights around the globe.

Think about it for a moment. Have you ever felt like you have a message that could change the lives of educators or students? Do you dream of inspiring others, but you need help figuring out where to start? "Within Our Ranks" is your golden opportunity to turn your dreams into reality.

This program isn't just theoretical; it's hands-on and practical. The Within Our Ranks Team will provide the tools, strategies, and insights you need to become a confident and impactful educational speaker. Even better, you'll join a community of like-minded educators who share your passion for making a difference. It's a year-long journey that covers a wide range of topics, from crafting powerful messages to marketing yourself as a speaker and everything in between. It's not just about speaking; it's about creating lasting change in the education field.

Within Our Ranks is hosting a summit in November in San Antonio. It's the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in and see what the program is all about. This summit is a chance for you to connect with Steven Bollar and other educators who are ready to make a change.

Space is limited for the summit because this differs from your typical, overcrowded conference. Within Our Ranks focuses on quality over quantity. I want to give every attendee personalized attention to ensure you get the most out of the experience. So, if you're serious about making a change, don't wait. Head to withinourranks.com for more information. Join us for this incredible event and take the first step toward becoming a professional educational speaker. Your journey to impact and influence starts here.