I identified an action research plan of how improving faculty climate and camaraderie can lead to more relevant, rigorous, and relationship-based lessons from teachers. Having the table where action steps had to be created, who was responsible for the steps, the timeline of the steps, identifying the needed resources, and evaluating the steps was a great tool for helping me construct my action research plan. The eight steps to follow when conducting action research was what I found to be the most beneficial. Knowing that I had to examine the work, analyze data, develop deeper understanding, engage in self-reflection, explore programmatic patterns, determine direction, take action for school improvement, and sustain improvement led me to put high amounts of thought and effort into my plan. So far I have been able to survey our faculty over school climate and camaraderie, create a climate committee with at least one member from every department as well as para professionals, analyze the surveys with the climate committee, and form an action plan with the committee to increase staff camaraderie. So far we have had two great programs implemented to increase staff morale and camaraderie. The first group formed is the bleacher creatures. It is a group of faculty members who meet for a dinner and go to athletic games and sit together. They have several fun chants and cheers they perform and get dressed up for the game. The fellowship amongst them has brought the staff together but more importantly, the students really enjoy the support. The second implementation that has been made is our sunshine club. Members pay a small fee to join the club for the year. The club funds are used to send cards and flowers to staff members for births, deaths, family tragedies, and also sponsors the staff Christmas Party. The club also has socials on Friday. Having the support of your staff when something tragic happens and also having the special recognition on your birthday really brings our adults together. With the implementation of these new programs, we are in the process of letting them run their course and we look to re-evaluate the staff with the same survey and allow suggestions for improving staff camaraderie.
