Improving School Culture Practical Strategies for Engagement, Equity, and Excellence

Presenters

• Dr. Tisa Montgomery, Ortega Elementary School Duval County Public SchoolsFollow

First Presenter's Highest Degree Earned

EdD

Year First Presenter's Degree Was Awarded

2021

First Presenter's Field of Study

Education

Institution Where First Presenter Received Highest Degree

University of Phoenix

First Presenter's Institution

Duval County Public Schools

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

Dr. Tisa Montgomery is a dynamic educational leader committed to transforming school culture and driving academic success. She currently serves as the Principal of Ortega Elementary School, where she leads with a vision of equity, engagement, and excellence for all students. Dr. Montgomery was a key member of the administration team that successfully changed the academic standing of Annie R. Morgan Elementary School, which was once the lowest-performing “F” school in the state of Florida. Through strategic leadership, data-driven instruction, and a relentless focus on student achievement, she helped guide the school to significant improvement, setting a benchmark for turnaround efforts statewide. With a passion for fostering positive school climates, Dr. Montgomery champions initiatives that empower educators, elevate student voice, and create inclusive learning environments. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring every child has access to high-quality education and opportunities to thrive.

Location

Scarbrough 5

Document Type

Individual Presentation

Primary Strand

School and District Leadership

Relevance to Primary Strand

School leaders set the tone for culture and climate. Research consistently shows that a positive school culture correlates with higher academic performance, better attendance, and improved student behavior. District leaders need strategies that translate into measurable student success. Principals and district administrators are responsible for creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments. This proposal equips leaders with actionable steps to fulfill that responsibility, aligning with state and district mandates for equity and engagement.

A strong school culture improves teacher satisfaction and reduces turnover. District leaders benefit from strategies that help principals build collaborative teams, which directly impacts recruitment and retention goals. The session emphasizes using climate surveys and feedback loops tools that district leaders often require for accountability and continuous improvement. This aligns with leadership priorities for evidence-based practices. The strategies presented are adaptable for individual schools and scalable across districts, making them ideal for leaders who oversee multiple campuses and want consistency in culture-building efforts.

Alignment with School Improvement Plan Topics

Leadership/ Continuous Improvement

Brief Program Description

Discover how school leaders can transform culture to boost engagement, equity, and achievement. This session offers practical, research-based strategies for creating inclusive environments where students thrive and staff feel valued. Learn how to use data-driven tools, empower student voice, and foster collaboration among educators. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, participants will leave with actionable steps and a personalized plan to strengthen school climate. Join us to explore proven methods that make a lasting impact on learning and leadership.

Summary

School culture is the foundation of academic success and student well-being. When culture thrives, students feel safe, valued, and motivated, and educators experience higher morale and collaboration. This session focuses on practical, research-based strategies for improving school culture through engagement, equity, and excellence.

Participants will explore actionable methods that include using climate data to guide decisions, empowering student voice, and fostering staff collaboration. The session will highlight culturally responsive practices that promote inclusivity and belonging for all learners. Real-world examples and interactive activities will provide opportunities to identify barriers and develop solutions tailored to participants’ school contexts.

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the components of a positive school culture and a personalized action plan to implement immediately. The strategies presented are scalable and adaptable, making them relevant for individual schools and district-wide initiatives.

This session is designed to provide “take-home” learning opportunities, including tools for monitoring progress, sustaining improvements, and creating environments where every student can thrive. By focusing on engagement and equity, participants will gain practical approaches to strengthen relationships, increase achievement, and build a culture that supports long-term success.

Evidence

The proposed strategies are grounded in decades of research on school climate and its impact on student achievement and teacher retention. Studies by the National School Climate Center and the American Educational Research Association demonstrate that positive school culture correlates with improved academic outcomes, reduced disciplinary incidents, and higher staff morale.

Field-tested practices such as data-driven decision-making, student voice initiatives, and culturally responsive teaching have been implemented successfully in diverse school settings nationwide. Schools that consistently monitor climate data and engage stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving report measurable gains in engagement and equity.

Promising models, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), inform this approach by emphasizing shared accountability and continuous improvement. These strategies are adaptable, scalable, and supported by evidence showing their effectiveness in creating safe, inclusive environments where students thrive.

Participants will leave with practical tools and proven methods that align with research-based best practices, ensuring immediate applicability and long-term sustainability.

Learning Objective 1

Identify the key components of a positive school culture and climate.

Learning Objective 2

Apply evidence-based strategies to promote engagement and equity in their schools.

Learning Objective 3

Utilize tools for measuring and sustaining cultural improvements through data-driven practices.

Start Date

6-2-2026 3:45 PM

End Date

6-2-2026 4:45 PM

Recommended Citation

Montgomery, Dr. Tisa, "Improving School Culture Practical Strategies for Engagement, Equity, and Excellence" (2026). Southeast Conference on School Climate. 74.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/secsc/2026/2026/74

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.