How a Single Teacher, Leader, or Parent Can Transform a School
Written by Ashley Cotton, MEd
There are many ways a teacher, leader, and parent can transform a school. Every school is a living, breathing collective shaped by the people within it. Often, the most meaningful change begins with a single individual who chooses to act with purpose, passion, and care. Significant change often begins with just one person—maybe a principal or building leader, a teacher, a parent, a student, or someone from the local area—who genuinely tries, works hard, and cares. That single person's focused effort can start a chain reaction, making classrooms better, building stronger relationships, and eventually shifting the whole school vibe. Having been a principal for many years, I want to start by referencing how much a leader shapes a school's culture—for better or worse. The best way for a principal to really boost school culture and improvement is to focus on building strong relationships with everyone in the school’s local network.
“Often, the most meaningful change begins with a single individual who chooses to act with purpose, passion, and care.”
How Leaders Shape School Environments
School leaders, such as principals and other administrative staff, have the power to shape a school's overall vision and tone. Their leadership sets the standard for collaboration, respect, and growth. When leaders communicate a clear mission, support their staff, and celebrate both effort and achievement, they cultivate an environment where teachers and students alike can thrive. Strong leaders support new ideas, adapt to change, and help others become leaders too. While serving as a school principal in an urban area with an ethnic-majority student population, it was critical for me to build strong, mutually respectful relationships with local parents and support networks. Inviting them in to help with school events was a simple way to build strong, trust-based relationships with the local parents and families. Also, a building leader who regularly attends after-school, weekend, and local events demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the school environment and ensuring it is a better and safer place.
Ways Leaders Support Staff
A building leader can show their investment in teaching and support staff in many ways, including:
actively listening to their concerns
providing ongoing professional development
recognizing their achievements
offering meaningful feedback
creating a collaborative and supportive environment
They can also ensure that resources are available and that staff feel valued and heard. Having an open-door policy is crucial for maintaining a strong, supportive relationship with all staff members, including office managers, custodial staff, and outside agencies employed within the district.
The Role of Teachers
Teachers are often the heartbeat of a school. Through their passion and creativity, they inspire students to love learning and believe in themselves. Great teachers adapt lessons to meet a multitude of learning needs, build strong relationships that motivate students, and create welcoming environments where everyone feels valued. They lead not just by instruction but by example—modeling curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning that students carry with them beyond the classroom.
The Importance of Families
Parents, guardians, and families also play an essential role in a school’s success. Their involvement bridges the gap between home and school, reinforcing the value of education and accountability. Parents who help at school, stay in touch with teachers, and speak up for what students need build a strong, supportive network. Their involvement shows kids that learning is something everyone shares and values for life.
The Influence of Students
Let’s not forget how impactful students and local families can be in transforming a school. Students themselves hold incredible potential to influence their peers and school atmosphere. When students lead with kindness, respect, and responsibility, they create a culture where everyone feels safe and included. Through clubs, mentorship programs, and school activities, students can drive positive change, offer valuable feedback, and take ownership of their own learning. Their actions often push and inspire others to do the same—proving that transformation can come from any age.
“When students lead with kindness, respect, and responsibility, they create a culture where everyone feels safe and included. ”
The Power of Local Partnerships
Local members extend the school’s impact beyond its walls. Local businesses, mentors, and volunteers can provide resources, expertise, and opportunities that connect education to the real world. Whether through sponsorships, internships, or partnerships, local involvement strengthens both the school and the broader area it serves. Simple acts like coming into a building and reading with students in classrooms, working in small groups to practice math facts, or volunteering to assist with lunch and playground supervision, can build a lasting relationship between adults and students of all ages. These relationships highlight that education is not just a school’s responsibility—it’s a local effort.
In the end, the message is simple but powerful: one person can make a lasting difference. When individual people take initiative—whether by leading with vision, teaching with heart, parenting with involvement, learning with purpose, or partnering with generosity—they help shape a school that truly thrives. Change doesn’t always start with a program or a policy; it begins with a person who chooses to care, act, and make a lasting difference.
“When individual people take initiative—whether by leading with vision, teaching with heart, parenting with involvement, learning with purpose, or partnering with generosity—they help shape a school that truly thrives.”
