In this episode of the Principal Insights podcast, we are joined by two special guests, authors, researchers, and consultants, Pat Vivian and Dr. Shana Hormann, who wrote the book, Organizational Trauma and Healing. In this episode, Hormann and Vivian discuss ideas about organizational culture and its functions; characteristics of traumatized organizations; the importance of being aware of organizational health; and ways to create conditions for organizational healing. The conversation included the following questions:

–Talk about what is meant by organizational culture.

–What are the functions of organizational culture?

–What does organizational trauma mean?

–What factors mitigate an organization’s susceptibility to trauma?

–What is the importance of organizational history and the impact of organizational amnesia?

–What does cumulative trauma mean and how can it impact an organization?

–What is the role of narrative and meaning-making in healing? What are some practical strategies for leaders to utilize these practices?

–What internal and external resources help an organization to heal?

–What are some impacts of unacknowledged trauma?

–There is a lot of mention of self-care for individuals these days. Talk about what awareness of organizational health means and why it is crucial understanding for a leader.

–How can leaders encourage people to see the organization as a whole, rather than as a groups of people who happen to work in the same place? 

–Please share a practical tip or suggestion for leaders during the time of Covid, when it so easy for trauma to be present in an organization.

Link to the authors' website: http://organizationaltraumaandhealing.com/

This episode of the Principal Insights podcast considers the importance of classroom instruction, especially at times of uncertainty and tumult, and how sharpening classroom practice can empower teachers and students alike.

Watertown High School Theory of Action

Watertown High School List of 21 Powerful Practices for Deeper Learning

[email protected], Janet Parlato, Principal, Watertown High School

Assistant principals serve an invaluable role in the functioning of schools, in supporting students, and contributing to the improvement of the school organization as a whole. Today's episode features the perspectives and insights of Watertown High School Assistant Principals Thomas Hogrefe and Nicole Cote.

This fourth episode reviews our school's theory of action and describes how we are utilizing student conferencing and more robust PLC meetings to build efficacy throughout the building as well as to inspire instructional improvement across all classrooms.

Please click here for our conferencing template.

Please click here for the PLC effectiveness rubric.

A Theory of Action Related to School Culture, Part Two

How can school leaders better engage teachers in their work in an effort to authentically engage students in their learning?

Theory of Action Diagram:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cQOvcXwMyUSOzrL2XrlmgEBiQf-BUyB7_fHUW3jMdTo/edit?usp=sharing

Contact Information: Janet Parlato, [email protected]

A Theory of Action Related to School Culture, Part One

How can school leaders better engage teachers in their work in an effort to authentically engage students in their learning?

Theory of Action Diagram:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cQOvcXwMyUSOzrL2XrlmgEBiQf-BUyB7_fHUW3jMdTo/edit?usp=sharing

Contact Information: Janet Parlato, [email protected]

In this inaugural episode of Principal Insights, Dr. Janet Parlato joins in conversation with Corporal Jeff Desena of the Watertown, Connecticut Police Department about his work as a school resource officer. Corporal Desena's emphasis on relationship development serves as a model for school resource officers nationwide.