For many of us, the end of the school year feels like crossing a finish line on empty. But as we enter the summer fresh with the lessons of the school year, we have an opportunity to redefine the “work” in work-week in the fall.
One of our founding Connection Architects, Bảo Châu Nguyễnlộc Thomas, took inspiration from the All-In degree last May and turned a standard high school staff orientation into a masterclass in vulnerability and connection.
Upending the Status Quo
Faced with the challenge of aligning a staff of over 200 members, this instructional coach realized that academic excellence isn’t born in a lecture hall—it’s forged in the fires of trust and vulnerability. They didn’t just tweak the schedule during their August work week; they revolutionized the environment.
We ordered round tables, chairs, and tablecloths so staff could feel like they were part of an important event. We scaffolded the experience, moving intentionally from minimal trust to deep connection over the week.
By treating educators like honored guests rather than a captive audience, they shifted the energy from “mandatory attendance” to “meaningful belonging.”
The Power of Magnetic Moments
The results were nothing short of electric. When they create the conditions for their peers to be seen as human beings first and practitioners second, the atmosphere shifted. Some key realizations became the seeds of Magnetic Moments throughout the year:
Joy as a Strategy: Laughter isn’t a distraction from the work; it is the fuel for it.
Humanity Over Hierarchy: When we have fun, we bridge the gap between “certified” and “classified,” remembering that we are all architects of a student’s future.
Rejuvenated by Hope: In 20+ years of education, this educational leader called it their “favorite work week of all time.” Despite the stress and the hectic pace of preparations, the curated experience was anchored in hope.
The ROI of Connection
The impact of this shift wasn’t just felt in the moment—it rewrote the narrative for the entire school year:
For the New Teacher: One educator reflected, “This is what I needed last year. I’m so happy our new teachers get to feel like they are part of our school.”
For the Skeptic: Even the most disgruntled voices offered unsolicited praise, proving that connection is the universal solvent for cynicism.
For the Leadership: Administrators who once “bristled” at the cost of time or money for culture-building are now green-lighting connection opportunities. They’ve seen the ROI: You cannot have high-level output without high-level investment in people.
Your Summer Challenge
As you recharge this summer, ask yourself: Which of the Six Degrees of Connection™ are currently most under-resourced in our school’s culture? How can I help set the conditions for real connection and alignment? What could the impact on school culture and student well-being and achievement be if our entire staff feels deeply connected and genuinely collaborative?
Get certified this summer and make plans to adapt the degrees for your unique environment and needs. It is fully subsidized, thanks to the generosity of our donors, and asynchronous to make it easy for everyone to access at their convenience. You can also download this invitation to certify your school to share with your supervisor!
