2026 Conference Archive

Transforming School Culture and Climate, A Principals Perspective

First Presenter's Highest Degree Earned

M.Ed.

Year First Presenter's Degree Was Awarded

1995

First Presenter's Field of Study

Elementary Education

Institution Where First Presenter Received Highest Degree

The Ohio State University

First Presenter's Institution

Columbus City Schools

First Presenter's Brief Bio and Description of Credentials for This Presentation

Doc West 1990 Mifflin High School Graduate Received his Bachelors, Masters degrees from the Ohio State University. Also received his Educational Administration and Superintendent certifications from Ohio State. Doc has served the students of Columbus for over 30 years. Doc is well loved in the Columbus community for his passion and love for all people. Doc has brought people together through education and community for a long decades. Doc has worked at Windsor ES, Linmoor MS, Franklin MS, Yorktown MS, Columbus Africentric Early College and Independence HS. Doc is best known for building relationships with staff, students and parents. His leadership style consists of a charismatic, hands on, no non-sense approach to getting all his students across the graduation stage. Doc has also served as Director of Development for 2 years for Ed Solutions Company. Currently Doc speaks across the country on school culture and climate. He also owns an ice cream shop and serves as a sub administrator for Columbus City Schools.

Location

Scarbrough 4

Document Type

Individual Presentation

Primary Strand

School and District Leadership

Relevance to Primary Strand

This presentation focused on moving the entire school community forward. Continuous improvement broken down to the detail of each day of school, each student at a time. This presentation touches on every aspect of the Ohio School Improvement Plan.

Alignment with School Improvement Plan Topics

Climate and Culture

Brief Program Description

Develop Leadership Teams: By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify key strategies for building and strengthening leadership teams, including teacher leadership teams, to support a positive school culture. 2. Implement Systems for Student Success: By the end of the session, participants will be able to design and implement systems that foster student attendance, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being. 3. Transform School Culture and Climate: By the end of the session, participants will be able to apply strategies that improve school culture and climate, creating an environment where all students thrive both academically and socially.

Summary

This session focuses on providing effective strategies from a principal’s viewpoint to enhance the school culture and climate, aiming to create an environment where both students and staff thrive. Building a successful school starts with strong leadership, and this session will guide participants through key steps to establish and strengthen their leadership teams, including teacher leadership teams. By empowering teachers as leaders, schools can foster a more collaborative and supportive atmosphere, which is crucial for promoting student success.

One of the main strategies discussed in the session is the importance of creating systems that support student attendance and overall well-being, both academically and socially. Participants will explore how to implement structures that ensure every student comes to school ready to succeed. This includes fostering positive relationships, providing appropriate resources, and building a culture where every student feels valued and supported.

Additionally, the session will dive into the role of the principal and leadership team in driving change. Participants will learn actionable steps to establish systems that encourage collaboration, create a positive school environment, and ensure that all students are set up for success in the classroom. The ultimate goal is to transform the school into a place where students not only excel academically but also thrive socially and emotionally.

By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with practical tools and strategies to transform their schools, build stronger leadership structures, and create an inclusive, supportive environment for all students. These approaches will help ensure that every student has the opportunity to come to school, engage in learning, and grow in a positive, thriving community.

Evidence

86% graduation rate.

0% Staff turnover rate

School Culture and Climate Award

Learning Objective 1

Develop Leadership Teams: By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify key strategies for building and strengthening leadership teams, including teacher leadership teams, to support a positive school culture.

Learning Objective 2

Implement Systems for Student Success: By the end of the session, participants will be able to design and implement systems that foster student attendance, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being.

Learning Objective 3

Transform School Culture and Climate: By the end of the session, participants will be able to apply strategies that improve school culture and climate, creating an environment where all students thrive both academically and socially.

Start Date

6-2-2026 1:00 PM

End Date

6-2-2026 2:00 PM

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Jun 2nd, 1:00 PM Jun 2nd, 2:00 PM

Transforming School Culture and Climate, A Principals Perspective

Scarbrough 4

This session focuses on providing effective strategies from a principal’s viewpoint to enhance the school culture and climate, aiming to create an environment where both students and staff thrive. Building a successful school starts with strong leadership, and this session will guide participants through key steps to establish and strengthen their leadership teams, including teacher leadership teams. By empowering teachers as leaders, schools can foster a more collaborative and supportive atmosphere, which is crucial for promoting student success.

One of the main strategies discussed in the session is the importance of creating systems that support student attendance and overall well-being, both academically and socially. Participants will explore how to implement structures that ensure every student comes to school ready to succeed. This includes fostering positive relationships, providing appropriate resources, and building a culture where every student feels valued and supported.

Additionally, the session will dive into the role of the principal and leadership team in driving change. Participants will learn actionable steps to establish systems that encourage collaboration, create a positive school environment, and ensure that all students are set up for success in the classroom. The ultimate goal is to transform the school into a place where students not only excel academically but also thrive socially and emotionally.

By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with practical tools and strategies to transform their schools, build stronger leadership structures, and create an inclusive, supportive environment for all students. These approaches will help ensure that every student has the opportunity to come to school, engage in learning, and grow in a positive, thriving community.