Strengthening and Supporting the School Communities: A Case of Regional Schools in Lithuania

Abstract

The paper discusses how the school microclimate could be improved within the school community, based on the results of a research carried out in 15 regional schools in Lithuania. The analysis is specifically focused on how the school community could be strengthened by improving the relationship between teachers and schools’ administration. Following the methodology of the thematic analysis, the paper highlights key issues which might be important to reconsider the formation of a positive relationship, internal communication, democratization of governance, reduction of competition between teachers, strengthening the confidence in the teacher, respect for each other as well as fostering an open, tolerant culture. The results of the research indicate the need to strengthen collaboration and engagement-based community: a need to develop a participatory culture, to develop teachers’ support systems, to rethink how to involve parents more actively into the school life, to ensure more effective feedback system (teachers-administration-parents). The paper also highlights a need to improve the emotional climate of schools, to develop clear guidelines for evaluating teachers’ activities, to ensure smooth internal communication, informing and involving teachers about planned changes, and allowing all members of the community to feel part of the organization, not only by informing about the activities being carried out, but also by enabling critical opinions to be expressed; to form different working groups involving different educators (e. g. primary school and subject teachers) on different issues of school performance development.