Calendar of Events

6. Fostering School Culture: Across interviews, principals discussed the implementation, sustainability, and traditions all related to culture with virtually everything they do.

What to Do?

Dr. Hellbusch says the study provided powerful implications for her practice as a leader and offers important guidance for principals.

“I think the themes are things that all principals feel on some level. The key is being intentional about putting the themes into practice.”

Hellbusch recommends district level administrators and school boards consider defining what they mean by teacher engagement and discussing local expectations for how principals should carry out those responsibilities.

“It’s important to communicate those expectations and priorities and to encourage principals to collaborate with each other about the ways they’re supporting teacher engagement. We have lots to learn from each other and our unique philosophies around promoting engagement,” she said.

Hellbusch also notes Educational Service Units and professional organizations can support the engagement of teachers through professional development and networking opportunities for teachers and principals. At the university and college level, ensuring teacher engagement is taught as a part of administrative curriculum will support preservice principals in promoting teacher engagement. Legislators may establish frameworks to prepare and support principals while advocating for programs and policies that also support teacher engagement. Finally, the general public can support teacher engagement by understanding the responsibilities of principals while also supporting and recognizing teachers themselves.

Hellbusch hopes capturing the voices and perspectives of principals helps provide opportunities for principals to learn about teacher engagement and learn from one another for the vital work ahead. Dr. Nick Pace, who supervised Hellbusch’s dissertation project says the project reflects the kind of practical, hands-on research the Department of Educational Administration supports students in completing, “Dr. Hellbusch’s study is a great example of what we call a Dissertation in Practice, that addresses real world challenges and opportunities for school leaders. This work really matters.” In reflecting on the research and her own practice, Dr. Hellbusch recalled a quote that became the title of the study. “One principal told me ‘Teacher engagement is everything.’ As I think about my own work, that’s why I’m here.” ■

Contact Information:

Dr. Jennifer Hellbusch,

jhellbusch@gpsne.org Falling Waters Elementary, Gretna Public Schools

Dr. Nick Pace

Nick.Pace@unl.edu UNL Department of Educational Administration

Jan. 28 & Feb. 4

Feb. 9-10

Mar. 29-30

Apr. 12

Apr. 13-14

Apr. 19-21

June 13-14

July 26-28

Emerging Administrators – NCSA Offices, Lincoln & ESU #10, Kearney NASES Legislative Conference – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln Celebrating Women in Leadership – Holiday Inn – Kearney GRIT – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln NASES Spring Conference – Courtyard Marriott – Lincoln NASBO State Convention – Cornhusker Marriott – Lincoln Educators Academy for Legislative Advocacy – NCSA Offices – Lincoln Administrators’ Days – Younes Conf. Center – Kearney

*Region meeting dates can be found on the NCSA website.