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Weathering the Storm: Why Culture, Not Climate, Defines Our Schools

Weathering the Storm: Why Culture, Not Climate, Defines Our Schools

By Michelle Childress Osterhoudt


As a superintendent, I’ve seen how quickly the mood of a school district can change. I'm reminded of something a good friend and colleague once said to me, "Michelle, you've already changed climate, but culture can take years.” One day, the energy feels high and hopeful. The next, a difficult meeting or miscommunication can cast a shadow. These fluctuations—what we often call school climate—are real, and they matter. But they’re not the whole story.

What lasts longer, speaks louder, and carries deeper meaning is school culture.

Understanding the Difference

Climate is how it feels. It’s the tone in the hallway, the vibe in the staff lounge, or the silence after a tense conversation. It can shift in a moment. Think of it as the weather—it changes daily.

Culture, though, is how it is. It’s the unspoken rules, shared beliefs, and common behaviors that define “how we do things around here.” It develops over time and is much harder to shift. Culture is the climate system—it shapes everything, even when we’re not consciously thinking about it.


The Challenge of Shifting Culture

What I’ve learned is that culture doesn’t just change because we say we want it to. Especially when that culture has been ingrained for years—or even decades—it can resist change in subtle and surprising ways. It’s not enough to introduce new programs or talk about new values. True cultural change happens slowly, with intention, consistency, and a willingness to confront discomfort. It’s a long game, and sometimes a lonely one—but it’s also where real transformation lives.

Leadership That Goes Deeper

In leadership, it’s tempting to focus on climate. We want our teams to feel appreciated, safe, and engaged. We want to lift spirits, boost morale, and build connection. And we should.

But if we only treat the symptoms, we risk missing the source. A positive climate without an inclusive, trusting culture is like sunshine over crumbling infrastructure.

That’s why I lead with authenticity. Not just because it feels good, but because it lays the groundwork for a sustainable culture. Culture is shaped by what we model, what we allow, and what we hold sacred—not just what we post on the walls or say in a mission statement.

In Practice

In our district, we’ve worked hard to align what we value with what we do. We’ve brought in instructional coaching not just for teachers, but for leaders. We’ve created space for student voice, expanded our equity work, and tried to lead in a way that reflects care and consistency.

But these actions aren’t just about improving the climate. They’re about shifting culture—so that the experience of learning and leading here feels meaningful, affirming, and real.

A Final Thought

You can change the weather with a few gestures. But to change the climate system, you need commitment, clarity, and courage.

Because leadership isn’t about avoiding the storm. It’s about building a culture strong enough to carry us through it.

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