Meet Elizabeth Ferguson of the Escuela Sierra Nevada–San Mateo in Mexico. A middle school principal, Elizabeth has worked as an educator since 1987 and lived in Mexico since 1990.
In this interview she shares how the implementation of the program Caring School Community (CSC) has dramatically reduced disciplinary reports and is teaching students to make an authentic effort to be inclusive and accepting toward all classmates.
Please tell us a little about yourself, your school, and the students that you serve.
My name is Liz Ferguson. I was born in Columbus, GA but raised in Lexington, OK. Holding a BA in Modern Languages and Linguistics from The University of Oklahoma, involvement in education in one form or another has been part of my life since since 1987.
I have lived in Mexico City since 1990 and have taught English (both EFL and ESL) from day one. I have worked with students in preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school settings as well as with employees at all levels of several multinational companies.
Currently I am the middle school principal of Escuela Sierra Nevada–San Mateo, a private bilingual school. I have worked exclusively with children and teenagers since 2005.
My students are typical pre-teens and teenagers with typical teen issues—however, most of them come from a privileged background. For this reason, we organize many community outreach projects, and our students find personal value in giving to those less fortunate.
What is the most rewarding part of being an educator for you? What do you especially enjoy about your current role?
Working with kids and helping them shape their futures is very rewarding, but I think what gives me the greatest satisfaction is observing all my students master their environment, each in their own way with their own challenges.
As a principal, I not only have the opportunity to work with the kids but also with teachers, parents, and the community.
How are you using Caring School Community to support your school? What are some ways you are deepening your implementation of the program?
This year, I have created a Caring School Community leadership team that includes the counselors, the psychologist, and the disciplinary coordinator.
We have changed the dynamic as well as the dialogue (exclusions are now time-outs) and we have seen a marked improvement. In addition, we have implemented Cross-aged Buddies with the eighth graders becoming buddies with the sixth graders.
The teachers are now part of the program and see Caring School Community as part of the Sierra Nevada school culture and not a “counseling thing.”
Tell us about the improvements you’ve seen with Caring School Community.
Our time-outs have gone down dramatically this year. At the beginning of November last school year, we had 40 disciplinary reports. This November we had 4.
Students reflect during the time-out and also complete one of the forms that come in the Caring School Discipline guide.
Our time-outs have gone down dramatically this year.
What do you appreciate about the Caring School Community discipline resources in the program?
Caring School Community works on respect and caring at all levels. It also allows the kids to make mistakes without judgment and teaches them how to deal differently with various situations.
Additionally, it guides kids to become positive leaders.
How has the new way of thinking about discipline supported your teachers?
Teachers are beginning to realize that the program is more than booklets with nice words; it works when the kids see it as a community effort and a way of being in the world.
Caring School Community works on respect and caring at all levels. It also allows the kids to make mistakes without judgment and teaches them how to deal with different situations.
We see the kids being more socially responsible for themselves and others. It also teaches the kids accountability for their choices: “When you choose the behavior, you choose the consequences.”
The Caring School Community Principal’s Package is the basis for all interventions, with each member of the staff knowing when to ask for support. We have had a space at each monthly teacher’s meeting (usually the last Friday of the month) to talk through specific elements of the program. For example, in November we covered the stages of intervention from the Principal’s Leadership Guide.
What have you noticed about students’ sense of belonging and emotional safety?
Students are more accepting of diversity and make an authentic effort to be inclusive and accepting toward classmates who are not necessarily part of their intimate circle of friends.
Furthermore, they have a stronger identity as a generation and look out for each other. When conflict does arise, they resolve it respectfully. When they do make poor decisions and hurt or offend, they reflect and recognize that they need to make amends.
They are still kids, so we do have to intervene, but the program helps them to be more receptive to doing what’s right.
How has the Caring School Discipline guide shifted teaching practices in your school?
Teachers promote a healthy dialogue during class and know how to intervene to promote discussions and respectful differences of opinions. Teachers use the Caring School Community language to deal with disruptive students, as well as the stages of intervention.
What thoughts or insights would you share with a school or district that is considering adopting Caring School Community?
Caring School Community is a program that teaches kids the importance of putting values into practice in everyday life.
It also gives kids the tools to find the strength to do the right thing when no one else speaks up. Usually, many others want to make the right choice, but fear being the only one. If one person speaks out, others follow.
What else might you like to add?
The role of the team leader is crucial. My team got on board because I believe in the Caring School Community program and set an example by using elements from the program at every meeting we have.
I structure all meetings based on the staff development booklet. I even use the hand signal during conferences with parents!
Related:
Read other blogs from educators in Mexico: Insights from Josefina Ramírez: Creating Inclusive Schools and Colegio Atid’s Primary Years Program: Vivian Orihuela on Writing
Learn more about Caring School Community.