Course Overview

Read through the information below carefully before enrolling. For further information, please consult the FAQ linked at the top of this page.

Course Description

Welcome to "Building Positive School Cultures: Collaboration and Welcoming Environments." In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the need for strong, positive school cultures has never been more critical. This course is designed to equip school leaders, teachers, and staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to cultivate collaborative practices and create welcoming environments that foster success for all. Throughout this journey, you'll explore strategies for developing a shared vision, enhancing teamwork, improving communication, and building collective efficacy among staff. You'll also delve into the nuances of creating physically and emotionally safe spaces, strengthening personal connections, and becoming more attuned to social cues within your school community. By the end of this course, you'll be empowered with practical tools and insights to transform your school's culture, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes, increased staff satisfaction, and a more vibrant, inclusive learning community. Whether you're a seasoned administrator or a new teacher, this course will challenge you to reflect on your current practices and inspire you to become an agent of positive change in your educational setting.

Course Goals

1. I can develop a collaborative school culture
   1. I can analyze the key components of a collaborative school culture
   2. I can implement effective strategies for fostering teamwork among staff
   3. I can cultivate open communication channels between administrators, teachers, and support staff
   4. I can develop a shared vision and goals for the school community
   5. I can enhance collective teacher efficacy through collaborative practices and shared successes
2. I can foster a welcoming school environment
   1. I can recognize the importance of physical and emotional safety in building a positive culture
   2. I can implement strategies to enhance proximity and personal connections among staff and students
   3. I can develop awareness of and responsiveness to social cues within the school community

Estimated Time: 4-6 Hours (Half Day)

This self-paced course typically requires 4-6 hours to complete, though the actual time may vary based on individual factors.

Course Preview

You can preview the course content through the following link. Keep in mind that you are unable to take any quizzes, turn in any assignments, or earn contact hours/credit/certificates when previewing. Preview link: https://bhssc.instructure.com/courses/413

Access and Credentials

Click on "enroll now" to begin enrolling in the Course listing. After registering, click on “Canvas” at the top of the page to access your course in Canvas.

Free for Members

This course is a TIE Member course. It is free for educators from TIE Member schools with a code. If you do not know your code, please use the link at the top of this page to reach out and request it. 

Bulk Enrollment

Administrators, PLC leaders, and others can enroll their whole team; there's an option for bulk enrollment in the Catalog for registering multiple members. You first need to reserve and purchase multiple enrollments. After that, you can invite individuals to your purchased seats.

Team Discount

If registering 20 or more individuals for a team or district, reach out to BLicht@bhssc.org to arrange for special pricing before purchasing.

Credentials: 5 CECH

After completing this course, you can obtain 5 CECH (continuing education contact hours) for South Dakota. CECH/CEUs are free of charge and can be obtained instantly upon completing all requirements.