Community Building
Throughout the process, Partners Inc. staff invites teachers and administrators to think about the prevailing norms of teaching and learning in their schools, and encourages teachers to be “reflective practitioners” who evaluate and adjust their practices and strengthen their skills to facilitate healthy social and emotional development without giving up high standards. Partners Inc. provides the all-important time to step outside of their daily duties to reflect, building both the individual and the community.
Involves Parents and the Community
Partners Inc. actively seeks out parents and community members who are willing to be part of this process as well.
In order for schools to build a civic culture that strengthens relationships and fully supports the social, emotional, and academic success of every students and staff member, schools must include parents and other community stakeholders in their work in an integrated and meaningful way. Consequently, Partners Inc. has a deliberate Parent/Teacher/Community Component (PTCC) and works to facilitate and strengthen their inclusion and an active, two-way dialogue.
Addresses School Climate
This Partners Inc. process significantly improves school climate, even in schools already functioning well, producing greater cohesion and collegiality among the staff, students, and home. Any school, however successful, always has room for improvement in this world of constant changes and continuous improvement. And communities need to be cultivated and nurtured. It’s all about connectivity.
Remember, a good team’s ultimate outcome has been proven to be superior to any of its smartest members! Community Building and Team Building from the classroom to the broader community around a school, is an essential goal of Partners Inc. and leads to better academic and social-emotional skill development.
