Parent involvement

You are a principal of a Title I middle school campus. Parent involvement is extremely low; you have hosted numerous family events (i.e., movie night, game night, family fitness night, guest speakers, etc.) but no more than 15 parents have ever attended the events. Teacher morale is no better. Classes are crowded, student discipline referrals are at an all-time high, and you and your assistant principals seem to be in reactive mode with all student behaviors.

Additionally, the building is in poor shape; there are missing ceiling tiles, electrical outlets are loose, paint is chipping, and light bulbs are out. You have contacted the district office for some paint and other things to upgrade the building. You even said you would do the painting yourself. You were told there is no money for paint or any repairs that are not urgent. You were told to complete a work order for the safety/electrical concerns and they would be handled as soon as possible.

You have worked hard to get to this position and you try to remain positive around the teachers and students, but you are losing faith. You are beginning to think maybe you should never have left your teaching position and you are running out of energy.

Based on professional ethical principles, which are aligned with the Christian worldview, you know you need to nurture and sustain a culture of collaboration, trust, learning, and high expectations. How will you encourage your teachers to maintain strength, patience, and grace as they work toward serving students in ways that demonstrate these ideals?