Description
Take a moment to reflect on your favourite teacher or most memorable experiences at school. Who was that teacher and what was the first experience that came to mind? When people recall memories of school experiences, it is not only the interactive and engaging classroom lessons that are remembered. The teachers and events that made a difference to us and made us feel unique, welcomed and appreciated are also significant. Based on our experiences as school leaders in a Northern Ontario community, utilizing a strengths-based approach makes a positive difference for students in our schools, and forms the focus of this manual. Through the launch of the School Climate Survey from the Ontario Ministry of Education (2012b), educators understand that students want to feel connected to the school community and know that their teachers care about them. Current research shows that there is a direct link between the school environment and students’ success. If this link is made, students are motivated to do well and are able to realize their full potential in schools (Safe Schools Action Team, 2008). Implementing a strengths-based approach in schools can help educational leaders make this connection.
