AWSP
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Criterion One: Creating a Culture

An effective leader creates a culture that fosters mutual accountability; it becomes the responsibility of all staff to make sure that all students are successful. An effective leader advocates, nurtures, and sustains a school culture and instructional program that is welcoming, that is built on mutual trust, and that promotes student learning and staff professional growth. 

Key Questions for Reflection

  • What are you doing to build a shared mission and vision with your school community?

  • How are you creating leadership opportunities that foster shared ownership?

  • What systems support collaboration among staff and students in your school?

  • How are you celebrating and affirming the diverse identities within your community?

  • In what ways do your actions reflect the values you expect of others?

Quick Wins

  • Start meetings with a 30-second “mission/vision in action” reflection from a staff member or student.

  • Create “Culture Check” walk-throughs where staff give feedback on bulletin boards, signage, and shared spaces.

  • Establish rotating staff leadership roles in PD or school-wide initiatives.

  • Host a student panel or listening circle to gather feedback on belonging and engagement.

  • Recognize staff and students monthly who exemplify your mission and values.

AI Prompts


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Tech Tips

  • Create a Google Form to collect anonymous student input on school culture, then ask AI to summarize common themes.

  • Use Canva or Adobe Express + AI copy tools to co-create a visual version of your school’s mission/vision with student input.

  • Translate communication using AI tools to ensure multilingual access for families and staff.

  • AI-powered survey analysis (e.g., from Google Forms or Poll Everywhere): Use ChatGPT to summarize open-ended responses from a culture feedback survey.

  • Create a collaborative Padlet or Jamboard titled “What Our Culture Looks Like in Action.” Staff can post pictures, quotes, or examples from classrooms, hallways, or events.

Examples of Proficient Behaviors

A proficient leader creates a strong, inclusive school culture by modeling core values, building trust, and distributing leadership.

In practice, they:

  • Start meetings by linking work to the mission and vision.

  • Delegate leadership roles to staff and students regularly.

  • Use surveys and walk-throughs to gather feedback on culture.

  • Recognize staff and students who exemplify shared values.

  • Host listening sessions to elevate student and staff voice.

  • Invite students to co-lead events or school initiatives.

Possible Evidence to Collect

To demonstrate growth in this area, consider gathering:

  • Team norms or collaboration protocols developed by staff.

  • Results or summaries from staff or student culture surveys.

  • Notes or artifacts from leadership team meetings or roles.

  • Photos, quotes, or reflections that show shared voice in action.

  • Staff communications or agendas referencing mission/vision.

  • Examples of identity-affirming practices or inclusive displays.

  • Documentation of how leadership roles are distributed or rotated.

Continued Learning


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The AWSP Learning Lab is our online learning platform with various courses, live and asynchronous options. Check out what is available to support you learning.

Explore the Learning Lab


  • Culturally Responsive School Leadership – Muhammad Khalifa
    Guides school leaders in disrupting systemic inequities and building identity-safe, inclusive schools where all students thrive.

  • The Art of Gathering – Priya Parker
    A human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play.

  • The Art of Coaching – Elena Aguilar
    Provides powerful tools for supporting teacher growth, fostering trust, and building instructional leadership capacity.

  • Beyond the Bake Sale – Anne T. Henderson, Karen L. Mapp, Vivian R. Johnson & Don Davies
    Reframes family engagement as true partnership, with practical approaches to connect with families from all backgrounds.

  • Belonging through a Culture of Dignity – Floyd Cobb & John Krownapple
    Reveals how belonging and dignity unlock real equity.

  • We Got This: Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be  – Cornelius Minor
    Identifies tools, attributes, and strategies that can augment our listening, allowing us to make powerful moves toward equity.