Classical Charter School operates efficiently and effectively because of its focus on creating and refining well-defined systems. These systems are at the heart of our network’s success and one of the reasons that we are a top NYC Charter School, according to U.S. News and World Report. While structure is at the very heart of our organization’s school supports, we also recognize that systems require empathy to succeed.
System and Scholar Interaction
Behavior management systems, for example, set the framework for expectation setting and follow through at our schools. These systems are a crucial part of effective classroom instruction. They provide guidance to our teachers on how to address behavior in the classroom in a consistent way to maximize focused learning time and create a sense of predictability for our children. If, however, an educator does not get to know their students, fail to communicate they care, or fail to lead with empathy where needed, the systems will not prove as effective. For instance, a teacher responds immediately with another consequence when a child, already upset, stomps their feet in frustration. Teachers should be checking in and helping students work through their emotions with the goal of having them return to classroom learning. Teachers, deans, and other student support staff must communicate expectations and a rationale behind them. The explanation cannot start and end with a ‘because I said so’ mindset. Importantly, teachers must be authentic in their approach. They must seek to get to know students and build relationships that promote buy-in. That is why at Classical we focus on effective faculty development so that our NYC Charter School provides the best instruction possible to our scholars and their families.
Resiliency means Adaptability
Systems must be adapted to the individual, whether they are scholar, teacher, or support staff. Coaches and managers must adhere to systems for working with and developing teachers but must also understand that professional development is not one-size fits all. Modifications to coaching plans should be made frequently to meet the individualized needs of teachers. Managers must therefore navigate employees’ differing needs and circumstances to help them fulfill their roles successfully. At Classical, we revise our systems frequently so that all teachers develop so that they can meet the next challenge. A school’s Operations team runs the “back-office” but are, simultaneously, often serving as the face of the school when it comes to parent contact. Those who get to know the students and their families create a space that is not just a school, but a second home for the children we serve and an effective resource that meets our scholars’ families needs. School processes followed systematically ensure that the necessary work gets done. But, the human side of this work plays a truly instrumental in building a warm, welcoming school community for our students.
Classical places high value on our systems and processes, as they offer guidance for new staff and a general framework for doing things that can be replicated across schools and year-over-year. However, at our core, we are a school that serves children and their families. As such, we place great value on the human element of our work. If we relate to systems transactionally and leave little room for empathy, connectedness, and our own personality to shine through, we are surely going to lose the magic that’s possible and the real opportunity to make a positive impact on the children we are here to serve. But, at Classical, it is our highest priority to educate the whole child in a safe structured charter school setting from kindergarten to eighth grade and prepare them to succeed in the best high schools. This is what has driven us to be a successful NYC Charter School and what drives us every day to continue our important work. Please join us and give your scholar the best opportunity today.