Reviving the Professional Culture 1

Reviving the Professional Culture

Sandy Nunez

Grand Canyon University: EAD 513

July 8, 2020
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Assessment of the Existing Culture

I want to take this opportunity first to thank the district and the superintendent for their

confidence in allowing me to lead Maynard High School. Starting July 1, I will assume the role

as the new principal of Maynard High School. I have carefully assessed the existing culture and

developed new goals centered on professional development, school culture, and student-centered

classrooms. The core focus of this plan is to re-establish relationships and trust among all

stakeholders resulting in positive school culture. This assessment will outline a new plan

consisting of a new vision, action steps, outcomes, and goals.

My current assessment is based on my observations made from February until the end of

the school year in May. Maynard High School is a public high school starting its second year in

existence. Maynard High School serves the grade levels 9th-11th grade, with a population of 1,100

students. Grade 12 has been in development, and starting next school year will bring the school's

population to an estimated 1,450 students. Last year was a transition year for Maynard High

School, with an interim principal and assistant principal completing the school year. In terms of

school personnel, there are 45 full-time teachers, 3 administrative assistants, 1 receptionist, 1

attendance clerk, and 3 guidance counselors with a new position budgeted for the fall. An

essential key observation made is seven teachers have given notice and will not be returning

back for the next school year. I will be posting seven new positions effective immediately on the

district's website. Due to the fact that some teachers have not received their evaluations my

priority for the upcoming school year is to complete all formal evaluations properly. Through my

observations, it was evident that teachers were not utilizing the standard curriculum, which could

be a result in the lack of support and professional development offered by the school.

Professional learning communities are also non-existent at Maynard High School. “PLCs focus
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on outcomes or end results. For teachers, this means continual improvement in instructional

practices and more successful experiences for students" (Keenan, 2020). PLC's not only support

student achievement but also foster a positive school culture through collaboration and positive

working relationships.I look forward to implementing new professional opportunities in hopes of

promoting a positive school culture.

Setting a New Vision

As the new principal of Maynard High School, I believe that all stakeholder's input is

necessary to lead the school in academic success. With that being said, I put together a team

consisting of all stakeholders to complete a survey, which provided direction towards

establishing a new mission and vision for our school. In setting the new mission and vision for

Maynard High School, the stakeholders and I would set high expectations for both students and

staff, set core values, promote a positive school culture, and clearly communicate to our

community and families. All stakeholders are valued and play an integral part in executing our

new mission and vision.

Goals and Outcomes

To ensure that our school culture can produce growth and overall success, short-term and

long-term goal have to be executed to achieve success. All stakeholders should encompass the

beliefs and values of the school. Two short-term goals that immediately need to take place are

the hiring of new teachers, which our leadership team will take an active role in the hiring

process, and establishing a new mission and vision statement that will be implemented for the

following school year.

In terms of long-term goals, school culture will promote high expectations from

administration, staff, and students through daily practices. Teachers will also be required to
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participate in PLC's with their grade level weekly. As the principal, I cannot stress enough how

vital collaboration amongst staff. To see change, teachers need to understand that we are

recommitting to professional learning communities and professional development tailored

toward their needs.

Incorporating Student and Community School Relationships

“It takes a village to raise a child is a popular proverb with a clear message: the whole

community has an essential role to play in the growth and development of its young people”

(Parent, Family, Community Involvement in Education 2008). As the principal of Maynard High

School, I believe community involvement is essential to building positive school culture. A

School-family-community partnership is more inclusive to all participating members. When all

community members are involved in goal-oriented activities, the outcome results in higher

student achievement and school improvement. Incorporating parent volunteer programs and

collaborating with community outreach programs are a few ways that Maynard High School can

bridge all members together. Another way to incorporate the community by creating a school

work program where local business workers can come in and speak about their careers and allow

students the opportunity to intern and learn essential skills sets needed in the workforce. By

establishing a healthy relationship with the community, support for our school's mission and

vision will ensure growth and student success.

Advocating for Students, Families, and Community

As the principal, I would like to be known that all staff at Maynard High School are

positive role models. As educators, we take the responsibility to ensure that all teachers are

provided with the proper curriculum, resources, and training. Our school culture should be an

open door policy where all students feel safe to express any concerns or emotions they may have.
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We are the students’ mentors, counselors, school leaders, and role models. “Principals must have

a principled understanding of how their school fits into the community and how its resources can

help families and students” (DeMatthews, 2019). Families in need are provided food bags every

Thursday as additional support. Free breakfast and lunch are provided to all students regardless

of family income. School uniforms are also available free of charge. The community can also

play an active role by volunteering in after school programs, participating in our school clean up

day, and creating a community garden everyone can enjoy.

Student-Centered Environment

Student-centered environments start with the new creation of Maynard High Schools'

new mission and vision. This new mission sets the stage where instruction is focused on the

equity, diversity, and democracy of the students. "Student-centered classrooms include students

in planning, implementation, and assessments. Involving the learners in these decisions will

place more work on them, which can be a good thing. Teachers must become comfortable with

changing their leadership style from directive to consultative -- from "Do as I say" to "Based on

your needs, let's co-develop and implement a plan of action” (McCarthy, 2015). It is a proven

fact that teachers are continuous learners who are always adapting to new learning styles and

curriculum. Through student-centered instruction, the student comes first and is held responsible

for their learning and actions.

Conclusion

Therefore as the principal of Maynard High School, I look forward to recreating and

sustaining a positive school culture for my students, staff, and community. I will use my position

to ensure that all teachers are supported with proper resources, training, and curriculum to ensure

student success. I believe that the plan I have presented will revive the school culture, which in
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terms is the foundation of school success. I plan to hold all accountable, encourage, and

collaborate to promote prosperity and create a positive culture.

References

DeMatthews, D. (2019, February 20). The Principal as Community Advocate. Retrieved July 08,

2020, from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/08/31/the-principal-as-community-

advocate.html

Keenan, M. (2020). Professional Learning Community (PLC). Salem Press Encyclopedia.

Parent, Family, Community Involvement in Education. (2008). Retrieved July 7, 2020, from

http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB11_ParentInvolvement08.pdf

McCarthy, J. (2015, September 09). Student-Centered Learning: It Starts With the Teacher.

Retrieved July 09, 2020, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-centered-learning-

starts-with-teacher-john-mccarthy