CULTURIZE
Book Study Takeaways
“Building a community of leaders is how we
create school cultures where everyone, from
the youngest student to the the most seasoned
educator, believes they have an obligation to be
a culturizer with the power to impact the school
in a positive way.” p. 62
“We serve in a profession where we are blessed
every day with the opportunity to help change
the course of someone’s life with our words, our
actions, and our belief in their ability.” p. 16
(Karen Lentine)
“As champions for our students, our responsibility is to put
systems in place to ensure that all--not just some--students
are cared for on a more personal level at school. The word
“systems” may seem cold, but the reality is that unless we are
intentional about creating connection with children,
someone will fall through the cracks.” p. 30
(Many of our successful students make
connections naturally. They probably
don’t require “systems to be in place” for
them to feel cared for. But how do we
make sure we create connections with
those kids who could fall through the
cracks?)
Karen Lentine 5
Make the Choice!
“We may not get to decide which kids to serve, but we do
get to decide the kind of climate in which we want to
serve them.” (p.15)
We must make the conscious choice to move past the
complaining and negativity. We get a group of students
(and parents) placed in our classroom every year. We have
to be hopeful- for our individual students, entire school
community, and ourselves.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to be a part of
something great.” (p.16)
Erin Krajewski
6
Your Vibe Attracts
Your Tribe
“Our spoken words and the positive way we conduct
ourselves can be the catalysts that can spark change
and culturize a school community that yields success
for all students.”
Refresh your mindset so you see the role of teacher as a
way of life, not a job.
Surround yourself with others who help keep you focused
on the things that matter, who energize you, and give you
hope.
- Amy Cabe
7
Design to the edges -
“Where does average exist in
your organization?” “As
school teachers and leaders,
it is our responsibility to
prohibit average from
becoming our standard.”
Tina Frazier
8
What does it mean for us -
“Culturize: To cultivate a community
of learners by behaving in a kind,
caring, honest, and compassionate
manner in order to challenge and
inspire each member of the school
community to become more than they
ever thought possible.”
Tina Frazier
9
“Everyone
is a leader”
and “leaders can inspire greatness in others.”
Tina Frazier
11
Culture Matters...
“Designing curriculum, instruction, and
assessment is critical to preparing
students for success, but equally
imperative to student achievement is
the culture and atmosphere in which
students learn.” “The most effective
teachers are not the ones who know
the most but the ones who care the
most.”
Tina Frazier
12
Every Kid Needs A Champion
● “It is a moral and ethical imperative that we
be champions for all students. As leaders,
we must model this for others, never
wavering in that core belief.”
● “I believe that all children need a champion
who cares about them and is willing to
encourage them.”
● “Remember that our work matters- that
connecting with and championing for
students matters more than we may ever
know.”
Tina Frazier
13
Focus on the 3 Rs:
relationships...relationships…
relationships.
*Get to know your students on a
more personal level.
*Allow students to get to know you -
invite them to see your core.
*Create an environment where
students get to know one another
and regularly interact with one
another.
Silvia Ruhl
14
No child wants to be a failure - they lack
the skills and/or confidence to be
successful.
*They have not developed the ability to think beyond
the short term. They do not have the experience or
level of maturity to understand the long-term
consequences of their choices or actions.
*Our focus must always be on the learning
opportunities that lie before us.
*One of the best skills we can teach kids is failure
recovery - grit, perseverance, and empathy.
*Ask them how you can help them have a successful day
at school.
15
Challenge Yourself
To Be A Merchant
of Hope
● Bring Your Best Everyday
● Give Two Minutes of Your Time to One
Student and One Colleague Everyday
● Be Empathetic
● Value the Mistakes of Others
● Model Forgiveness
● Have high standards for all kids every day.
● Address inappropriate behaviors
● Take time to smile/laugh
16
Inhibited By The 3Cs
Connection Capability Confidence
When educators sustain Kids take cues regarding The key to success for
a connection with their beliefs about their students is to build up
children throughout their own capability from their their confidence to the
entire school experience, teachers level they believe they
the positive impact is can learn or achieve
PROFOUND! anything they put their
minds to.
Wiegand 17
Lack of
Confidence is
the #1 Reason
Kids Fail
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cww-9LHXf1
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Wiegand
18
Our mission is to welcome
Edison families into a safe,
caring, supportive
Our
Mission
environment that fosters
student engagement and
personal growth- to create a
life-long love of learning.
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