Social capital is widely discussed as a concept that helps build stronger communities and improves cooperation between individuals. It involves networks, trust, and shared norms that allow people to work together for common goals (Bourdieu, 1986). In schools, this idea is often used to explain how relationships between parents, teachers, and administrators can support student…
Month: February 2025
How Leaders Foster Social Networks Among Teachers: Building Collaboration for Student Success
Schools thrive when teachers collaborate effectively, sharing strategies and supporting one another to achieve common goals. These connections are critical for addressing complex educational challenges and enhancing student success. However, creating and sustaining such networks does not happen automatically. Effective leaders play a vital role in cultivating social networks among teachers by fostering trust, aligning…
What is Social Capital, and Why Does it Matter in Education?
When Laura a Spanish-speaking parent, walked into her son’s Title I school, she carried more than just her concerns. She brought her lived experiences, hopes for her son’s success, and a silent language barrier. That day, a teacher greeted her in Spanish, instantly creating a bridge of trust. This seemingly small interaction was the first…
Distributed Leadership and Teacher Collaboration: Transforming Under-Resourced Schools
A Story of TransformationIn the heart of an under-resourced Title I elementary school, the principal faced overwhelming challenges: declining student performance, teacher burnout, and a lack of resources. Realizing that centralized decision-making could no longer address these issues, she implemented distributed leadership. Teachers began leading Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), collaboratively analyzing data, creating targeted interventions,…