How can we better utilize our campus features and the design of our classrooms and gathering spaces to foster community and advance our mission? 

That's the motivating question for school leaders across the country in every genre of education who are looking for a competitive edge while also elevating the quality of learning and engagement. Building on the momentum of stronger enrollment and philanthropic commitment, they are exploring methods that are uncommon within the education space but appear to offer powerful distinctives.

Culture, more than any other strategy or program, is the one sustainable competitive advantage that enables greater joy in school leadership and long-term impact throughout the community.

Did you know that a beautiful school has a harmony that uplifts the soul? It's true.

We've witnessed the difference.

And, this isn't an experience that is limited to an elite few. Using an integrated approach to planning and design, a dynamically engaging experience can be created that inspires greater learning and powerful community moments.

This doesn't require some "cutting edge" innovation that's full of promises but wholly misses the mark. Instead, we're applying a proven method of design that also works wonders for schools.

Inspiration can come at the most unexpected times.

In September of 2020 we hosted an online symposium for school administrators on sustaining a healthy school culture in the early stages of the pandemic. The mood among these leaders wasn't good―actually it was miserable. 

They were tired, tired of it, and some were already making other career plans as a result of the unending conflict and stress.

That moment was the catalyst for the Weekly Encouragement for Educators email and the recently published book, "Love'em and Lead'em: Encouragement and Inspiration for Educators." Genuine care and relationships among colleagues is crucial in this work, and we have a new tool to get there.

Below are three ways you can more effectively Love and Lead educators.

We are constantly searching for new strategies to grow schools and elevate the culture for educators. Every now and then we learn about a concept or an idea that we believe is going to have a big impact.

That's what happened when we met Alan Metcalfe at the National Business Officers Association (NBOA) conference a few years ago and learned about Interpretive Master Planning. 

If you're looking for a better way to distinguish your school, then you will definitely want to explore this powerful growth method.

I got that summertime, summertime gladness 

Su-su-summertime, summertime gladness 

Got that summertime, summertime gladness 
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh

The summertime gladness of educators is extremely joyful this year, but also mixed with a curiosity about what's next. What questions will you pursue this summer to grow and achieve excellence? Start with these...

Conflict is an inevitable part of leadership, especially in education where we have a high level of emotional engagement among stakeholders. Wisdom becomes an even more critical asset for us to overcome the resulting tensions and dysfunctional behaviors. 

In our executive coaching resources for members of the School Growth Network, we include these guidelines to more wisely negotiate resolutions that support your mission and values.

2020-21 was a big year for leadership growth among administrators and boards. The culture and brand of the school are most vulnerable during these high-stress periods.

We've seen so many institutions refocus on the human aspect of school leadership to rekindle their joy and work together on the factors that most contribute to excellence. 

From their research of school growth and performance over the first half of 2020, The Fordham Institute shared, "Five things schools thriving during Covid-19 have in common."

These traits offer valuable insight, and we added one more that is critically important for those administrators who want to sustainably thrive. 

Testing is a big deal these days. Testing for a contagious disease. Testing for student progress. How about a school ambassador test?

Your school needs board members, employees, families, and donors to test positive for willingly and energetically sharing your story with others. 

What are educational leaders learning during 2020 that will produce positive, long-lasting impact on schools? School Leaders are making substantial changes to their strategic plans based on their experiences so far this year.

Dr. Ashley Berner shares valuable insights about what they've learned at the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Education Policy, including why curriculum and culture remain the foundations to achieve sustainable school growth.