The reminder every educator needs right now
Before the beginning of the school year, staff at Rawlins Middle School were given a unique request: bring a picture of children they loved – be it their own children, grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews, or children of a close friend – to the first staff meeting in August. We did not share why; they only needed to bring the photo.
One powerful question every school must reflect on
After our initial celebratory welcome-back message in the media center, staff was instructed to gather their pictures and follow the administrative team to the teacher’s lounge. There, on the wall, a single question was posted: “IS IT GOOD ENOUGH?”
We allowed the question to sink in for a minute. Then, the principal shared this powerful statement:
“If our school is not good enough for our own children, grandchildren, or others that we love dearly; it is not good enough for the children who walk through our doors every morning. Always remember why we come to school each day. Is it good enough?”
With that reminder, staff members posted their pictures on the wall, creating a powerful visual commitment to excellence – a daily reminder to give their best collaborative effort for every child every day.
A powerful motto that ensures success for all students
In Learning by Doing, the foundational text for professional learning communities states, “The fundamental purpose of a school is to ensure that all students learn at high levels” (DuFour & Eaker, 2010). The keyword in this statement is all. Educators have the moral obligation to ensure that every student has access to high levels of learning – on Mondays, in February, during after-school programs, in the summer, and beyond. When students walk through our doors, they should immediately feel the school’s purpose surrounding them. When educators fully embrace their mission, students will feel assured that they are both safe and academically challenged.
At Rawlins Middle School, we live by the motto: All Means All.
This statement drives us every day as we engage with students who excel and those who need additional support. It guides us as we address the four critical questions in every teacher team, guiding coalition, and staff meeting:
- What is it we want our students to know and be able to do?
- How will we know if each student has learned it?
- How will we respond when some students do not learn it?
- How will we extend the learning for students who have demonstrated proficiency?
The secret to the heart of PLC at Work®
Continuous improvement toward our purpose is the cornerstone of our work. At the heart of this process lies collaborations within teacher teams, where educators gather weekly to learn from one another and analyze student outcomes.
Critically analyzing student data from common formative assessments allows teachers to make informed decisions about the next steps in a student’s educational journey. This purposeful collaboration ensures that every educator aligns with the same agenda, addressing the four critical questions.
It’s all in the evidence and research
Why do we approach our work this way? Because it works! Extensive evidence and action research confirm that the PLC at Work process leads to improved teacher effectiveness and student growth. At Rawlins Middle School, All Means All is not just a statement – it’s a commitment. What truly matters is the work we do together to ensure every student learns at high levels, driven by the purpose that inspires us to continuously improve.
Let us always remember why we come to school: to make a lasting difference in the lives of every child who walks through our doors.
About the educator
Ryan Searle is the curriculum director for Carbon County School District #2 in Saratoga, Wyoming. He has served in K–12 administration roles for over 15 years at the elementary and secondary levels, most recently as principal of Rawlins Middle School.
