Unleashing the Power of Data-driven Leadership: A Research-based Approach to Boosting Teacher Morale and Efficacy

Cadian Collman-Perez • Cahn Fellow 2022

This research paper explores the critical issue of teacher morale and efficacy in a school and presents a data-driven approach to address this challenge. The paper begins by highlighting the findings from a School Climate Survey, which revealed that over 60 percent of teachers feel isolated and lack a sense of belonging on campus. Building upon this data, the paper poses a  school-centered question on how to increase teacher efficacy through morale-building initiatives. Additionally, a leadership-focused question is presented to identify the necessary skills and practices that need to be introduced, modified, or eliminated to effectively address teacher morale and enhance teacher efficacy. The paper aims to provide evidence-based strategies and recommendations for school leaders to create a positive school environment,  where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connectedness to the school’s mission, vision,  and ambitious academic and cultural goals.  

This undertaking relied upon the collaborative efforts of our entire school community  as internal and external stakeholders’ feelings and perspectives served as the driving force.  Although a deep-rooted issue, this was a challenge we were committed to undertake to ensure all stakeholders, beginning with our students and teachers felt that they belonged at MAST Academy, A Nationally Recognized School of Excellence and understood how important it was to know that the school and greater community wanted them at MAST, A Nationally Recognized School of Excellence with a very lengthy waitlist. Throughout this process we as a  school family were able to rejuvenate our professional sports and gained priceless insight from the Cahn Fellows Distinguished Principals Fellowship experience.