Dr. Andrew Lovett took on the challenge of turning around Atlanta’s Benteen Elementary School this year. Lovett studies the numbers.
“Our biggest struggle at Benteen is getting the achievement to go up,” Lovett said. “But what’s working in our favor is that we are doing really good at closing the achievement gap and making progress.”
Just like in business, poor school culture can be the result of bad leadership. Lovett said improving the culture at Benteen starts with letting teachers know they’re supported.
“I told the teachers, ‘I want you to love to come to work, because when you love where you work, it’s not a job. It’s a calling. It’s what you do,” he said. “So I want that level of passion because our children deserve it.”
When ur #1 in ur class & school & #4 in the state on @ThinkThruMath u get a 🤳 with ur principal & a 📱 call 2 mom! #brilliant @APSBenteen pic.twitter.com/QHMRzd7aBX
— Andrew Lovett Jr. (@docdrewlovett) January 31, 2017
First-grade teacher Angela Wilder said she’s noticed a difference this year.
“The morale is really up,” she said. “[Lovett is] so supportive. He wants you to do what you’re supposed to do, but he’s very supportive.”
Source: How One Atlanta Principal Is Trying To Turn A School Around | WABE 90.1 FM