Book Notes: Culturize by Jimmy Casas

Summary
Positive culture does not happen by accident. Culture will not turn positive when ignored. We have choices to make each and every day to be the leaders building the culture we want in our school buildings. Mr. Casas lays out four principles that when practiced with intentionality, will lead to the development of a positive school culture. As educators, we have to take ownership in our current roles as leaders that can either building a culture that celebrates failures and finds joy in others' successes or we can be building a negative culture full of awfulizers. What we do matters, no matter our current position. Students need us to be our greatness to push them to heights unknown in their learning.

Culturize is a must read for anyone working in education!

Wince's Notes

Chapter 1
Just Talk To Me

“As school teachers and leaders, it is our responsibility to prohibit average from becoming standard.” Pg. 4

Ineffective leadership is the number one issue public education.
   - Leadership includes teachers and school leaders
- Everyone has the capacity to lead, and everyone is responsible for culture and climate

4 Core Principles

1. Champion For All Students
2. Expect Excellence
3. Carry the Banner
4. Be a Merchant of Hope

“Three most important characteristics of an amazing educator are compassion, passion, and knowledge. In that exact order.” - Nicholas Ferroni

Chapter 2
Champion for ALL students.

Get to know interests, fears and talents will develop positive relationships.

Relationships. Relationships. Relationships.

Inhibited by the 3Cs - students labeled lazy, apathetic, “reluctant learners”

1. Connection
2. Capability
3. Confidence

“When asking students to write, we need to provide structure, specific strategies, quality feedback, direction, support and modeling on a consistent basis.” Pg. 41

Culture Builders

1. Recognize What’s Going Well
2. Change Student Behavior by Changing Adult Behavior
3. Reach Out and Call Someone

Chapter 3 
Expect excellence.

Leaders inspire.
Leaders build confidence.
Leaders influence new thinking.
Leaders change behaviors.
Leaders disrupt the status quo.
Leaders do not need a title.
Leaders are not constantly asking for permission.

Build a resume of failures.
 - “Failure should not bring us shame; it helps us grow!”

Leaders aren’t afraid to say no.
 - Be aware of how it is said and follow up - it’s okay to change a “no” to a “yes”

Leaders should not play the “gotcha” game.
 - Catch people doing positive actions

Leaders will experience pushback.
 - Challenging the status quo and having change will happen

Leaders value communication.
 - I need to be a better communicator with parents.

Leaders own their morale.
  - I can change the world!

Chapter 4
Carry the Banner

Your vibe attracts your tribe.

1. Model positive interactions.
2. Remember your body language reflects your beliefs.
3. Show appreciation.

What we model is what we get.

I get to choose in every interaction if I am an awfulizer or an awesomizer!

“...the goal should be to empower your students to achieve their peak level of performance—not just in the heat of the moment, but every day.”

#FutureReady

1. Opportunities for leaders to come together
2. Opportunities for teachers to grow and develop their craft
3. Opportunities for students to showcase their character, talents, and brilliance.

Carry the Banner
“It is important to take time to surround yourself with others who keep you focused on the things that matter, who energize you, and give you hope!” Jimmy Casas

If I am not spreading the positive about what is happening in our school, who is? Others need to hear the stories and events that are good and not only hear what is wrong with education.

Chapter 5 
Be a Merchant of Hope

“It’s one thing to say we have high expectations for kids...but another to say I will be here to help you...no matter your struggles!” - Salome Thomas-EL

Summer home visits? Building a culture that is based on relationships.

After disciplinary discussions...
Do you feel I treated you fairly?
Do you think I care about you?

We have the power to choose

1. Bring your best to work each day.
2. Give two minutes of your time to one student and one staff member every day.
3. Be empathetic.
4. Value the mistakes of others.
5. Model forgiveness.
6. Understand that you will not always see immediate results when working with kids
7. Have high standards for all kids every day.
8. Address inappropriate behavior.
9. Don’t be negative.
10. Take time to smile/laugh and encourage others to have fun.

Chapter 6
It’s Your Choice

I wish I knew then what I know now...
Focus on experiences
Take time to invest in self
Stay connected
Show others what is needed
Give all staff the opportunity to build leadership skills
Process should be democratic, implementation must become autocratic 
Spend time trying to be significant in others lives
Differentiate for staff
Manage own emotions first to improve relationships 
Focus on skill sets rather than knowledge 
Apologize and accept an apology
Own your professional growth
Believe you can make an impact

Lead with passion.
Live with purpose.
Love with pride.
It’s your choice how you want to live each day!