Culture

What comes to mind when you hear the word culture? Maybe your thoughts go straight to a favorite meal or a meaningful holiday tradition. This is certainly part of Culturally-Responsive Learning, where we will focus on this idea more in-depth.

Culture is also about how we live and learn together in shared spaces. It is the feeling in the hallway, the tone of a team meeting, the way people listen or don’t. This kind of culture is more subtle, shaped by our daily interactions, the expectations we hold, and the unspoken norms that guide how we treat one another. It takes a shared understanding and a commitment to how we show up for each other, the roles we step into, and the ways we choose to build trust and connection in the ordinary moments. It is not built in one day, but rather nurtured over time, through small choices that speak volumes.

We are going to take a closer look at culture by exploring it through two interconnected pathways: organizational culture and school culture. These two lenses help us understand the systems and relationships that shape the daily experiences of everyone in the building from leaders and teachers to custodial staff and cafeteria teams. Each person brings their own identity, values, and sense of purpose to their role, and how those are honored (or ignored) plays a major part in shaping the culture of a school.

Culture does not just happen on its own. It is shaped by the systems we create, the language we use, and the ways we treat one another. When those systems are intentional and inclusive, they build trust and create space for people to thrive. But when those systems are unclear or inconsistent, the cracks begin to show. They are signals of imbalance. And more often than not, it traces back to the culture that has been allowed to grow, either by design or by default.

What builds up a healthy culture

These elements create a sense of trust, belonging, and shared purpose. They invite people to bring their full selves to the work and help sustain energy and collaboration over time.

Clear and shared values
When values are named, lived, and consistently modeled, they become the backbone of culture. They guide decision-making and build unity.

Trust and psychological safety
People feel safe to take risks, ask for help, and admit mistakes. There is a shared belief that everyone has good intentions and is working toward the same goal.

Inclusive leadership
Leaders actively listen, involve others in decision-making, and reflect the values they expect from others. Their presence feels supportive, not performative.

Consistency and follow-through
When expectations are clear and consistent across classrooms and teams, it builds trust. Follow-through from leadership signals integrity and care.

Collaboration and shared ownership
Teams work together toward shared goals. Collaboration is purposeful, not just a checkbox. Successes are collective, not competitive.

Take a moment to reflect on these aspects of a healthy culture and think about how many of them are in your organization. These characteristics of our culture really make a different