Principals and teachers have very different perspectives, pressures, and struggles. As a result, problems of negativity, isolation, or censure often develop among staff members. This may cause principals and teachers to spend a tremendous amount of energy addressing these issues instead of focusing on their primary goal -- improved student achievement. This book provides strategies for understanding and solving staff problems, preventing conflicts, and enriching school climates. By combining therapeutic knowledge with day-to-day educational experience, the authors offer innovative solutions for overcoming many energy- and morale-sapping problems, including gossip, cliques, negativity, and competition. To help engage and inspire readers, this volume includes: teacher and principal interview excerpts; concise case examples of school culture problems; step-by-step guidance for school culture interventions; best practices culled from the authors' extensive research; and ready-to-use tools, including school culture surveys and staff development exercises. Based on more than 200 surveys and interviews with principals and teachers, this practical guidebook clearly explains how administrators, teachers, parents, and staff can all work together to solve problems and build a culture of caring and respect. This volume divides into nine sections. (1) Understanding the Different Experiences of Teachers and Principals; (2) Creating an Environment for Change; (3) Typical School Culture Problems and Their Effects; (4) When Serious Problems Divide the Staff (5) Changing Staff Habits Without Conflict; (6) Preventing Problems and Creating a Climate of Support; (7) Practices That Support a Caring School Culture; (8) Working With Parents and Volunteers; and (9) Conclusion: Questions and Answers. Resources include: Glossary; Staff Development Activities; Summary of School Climate Problems and Practices That Prevent Them; Job Satisfaction Survey; Teacher Survey; and Principal Interview Protocol. The book also contains a Preface, About the Authors, References, and Index.