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Building a Positive Staff Community at National Heritage Academies

Creating a nurturing and engaging environment is vital for student achievement. At National Heritage Academies (NHA), the focus is centered around building a strong, family-like community among staff. Principal Nickie Laney of Prevail Academy explains this initiative as a way to not only enhance staff morale but to also ensure that students receive the best possible care.

The Importance of a Family Environment

When parents seek educational institutions for their children, they often prioritize a caring and supportive staff. Laney emphasizes this sentiment: "My biggest priority is to have that family feel and really take care of our staff so they can take care of students and parents." This philosophy is integrated into every aspect of the school's operations, from decision-making to everyday interactions among staff members.

Recognizing Staff Contributions

Employee recognition is pivotal at NHA, and it starts with Principal Laney's intentional approach. During staff meetings, teachers can acknowledge one another's efforts publicly or privately using tokens like the GOAT keychain. This initiative reflects an understanding that recognition varies from person to person:

"We tried to mix things up because everyone responds to recognition differently," says Laney.

Throughout the school, staff members benefit from different types of acknowledgment, ensuring that all contributions are celebrated adequately.

Involving students in these recognition activities further strengthens the community atmosphere. Weekly gatherings provide an opportunity for everyone in the school to celebrate notable achievements including birthdays and anniversaries, thereby promoting a culture of positivity and mutual support among students and staff alike.

Valuing Staff Time

In addition to recognition, NHA is keenly aware of the value of time for its staff members. Laney has developed initiatives that help staff reclaim precious hours, thus enhancing not only their professional efficiency but also their personal well-being.

Twice a month, teachers receive an extra hour for planning, during which the school's Achievement and Behavior Support Specialist conducts social-emotional learning sessions with students. This approach alleviates some of the workload for teachers while enriching the students’ educational experience.

Furthermore, NHA has chosen to limit after-school faculty meetings, allowing teachers the flexibility to manage their own schedules as they see fit. This trust not only fosters a work-life balance but also empowers staff to focus on what truly matters: the well-being of their students.

"We want the person in front of our kids to be the best version of themselves," Laney insists, underscoring the belief that happy staff translates to happy and engaged students.

The Ripple Effect on Student Engagement

The outcome of these initiatives has been profound. Laney observes that a positive staff community fosters better relationships with students, effectively translating that family-like atmosphere into the student body. "We’re starting to cultivate a culture where every kid has someone in the building they can connect with," she notes.

Students who feel supported are likely to engage more actively in their education. As Laney puts it, "Kids work hard for people they like and know have their back," highlighting the importance of strong interpersonal relationships in an educational setting.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Building a strong community among staff serves as a foundation for student success. Although it requires consistent efforts and attention, Laney firmly believes the results speak for themselves.

“Happy teachers make for happy students and happy parents,” she states. The emphasis on staff recognition and authentic relationship-building promotes greater levels of engagement across the board.

When an educational institution prioritizes a culture that puts people first, it creates an environment where both students and staff are motivated to show up each day ready to achieve their best. This philosophy is precisely what National Heritage Academies strives to achieve across all its schools.

About National Heritage Academies

National Heritage Academies is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, dedicated to serving over 68,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information about NHA and to find the nearest school, please visit nhaschools.com.