For the past 3 years, I have been sharing resources on my Patreon, with that being shut down, I figured I would share some of them here. This is one of my latest posts, I hope it is helpful.
If there one thing that is constant in education, it’s change. I think it’s what drew me to be a teacher in the first place, besides the kids, of course. Education is full of change. New ideas, new programs, new expectations—always something new to implement, improve, or undo. And yet, we rarely stop to ask:
What’s actually working?
Not in a “let’s be grateful” way. Not to ignore what’s broken. But in a real way—naming the things that are making a difference for kids right now and figuring out how to keep them from disappearing.
Because the best things in education? They don’t vanish because they stop working. They vanish because no one gets to protect them.
Five steps to protect your real best practices
Instead of just naming problems, try this instead:
1️⃣ Name It
What’s actually making a difference right now?
Not “what should be working” or “what’s supposed to work”—but what’s really helping kids learn, feel safe, or stay engaged?
This could be:
• A structure that supports all learners
• A routine that fosters belonging
• A teaching practice that engages even the hardest-to-reach kids
Think about your classroom, your team, your school. What’s worth protecting?
2️⃣ Figure Out Why It Works
• Is it because of a system in place?
• A shared school-wide effort?
• A few committed teachers holding it together?
If something only works because a few people are giving 200%, it’s fragile. The goal isn’t just to notice what works—it’s to understand why it works.
3️⃣ Ask: Is This Replicable?
Would this still work if new teachers joined? If leadership changed? If budgets shifted?
If the answer is no, then it’s not protected.
Good practices should outlast the people who start them. If what’s working is too dependent on individuals, it’s time to build structures that make it sustainable.
4️⃣ Make a Plan to Protect It
The best ideas don’t survive unless someone fights for them. So, as a team, ask:
• What do we need to keep this going?
• Who needs to see its value so it’s supported long-term?
• How do we make sure this isn’t just an “extra,” but a part of how we do school?
If something is working, it should be built into your school’s foundation. Not just something you “hope” stays.
5️⃣ Keep It Visible
The next time a new initiative rolls in, a funding shift happens, or a schedule changes, pull out this list and ask:
❓ Will this change threaten what’s already working?
❓ How do we keep what’s good while making space for new ideas?
We lose the best things in education when no one names them, protects them, and reminds people why they matter. So make the list. Keep it visible. Use it to push back when needed.
Your Turn
What’s working in your school right now that must be protected? How do you make sure it lasts?
Try this with your team. Then come back and tell me what showed up.
Pernille Ripp 