On Tuesday, Crockett Early College High School Principal Kori Crawford, was named one of five “Champions for School Climate,” by the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program. The recognition highlights school leaders who create positive and healthy school cultures, also known as school climate.

At Crockett ECHS, you can find a commitment to equity and efforts to provide students with emotional and physical safety, supportive relationships, quality teaching and learning, and a sense of belonging, which led to Crawford receiving the award.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award,” Crawford said. “The Crockett staff has spent the last few years educating our community on our PRIDE Core Values of peace, resilience, integrity, diversity, and engagement and collaborating with the district’s Cultural Proficiency and Inclusiveness, and Social Emotional Learning departments to provide engaging, relevant, and meaningful professional learning opportunities that has directly impacted our school culture and climate.”

Crockett ECHS collects school climate data through surveys and student panels. After reviewing this data, administrators and students created a Students Organized for Anti-Racism class, which addresses issues of race and racism at Crockett and Austin ISD.

"Principal Crawford understand the need for both school culture and climate," said Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde. "She makes it a point to listen to students, parents and staff, and collaborates with her school community to keep a laser focus on academic student outcomes. She also knows that through social emotional learning and inclusivity, the highest potential for student achievement is attained. Principal Crawford creates an environment so that every student is prepared with the knowledge and skills to thrive in college, career and life."

Champions and finalists will receive an award from Aspen Education to fund school climate initiatives in their school. The Champions for School Climate Award is part of Aspen Education’s efforts to highlight effective public school principals who use school climate data to improve their schools.

“We’re excited to recognize Principal Crawford as our inaugural Champions for School Climate because they are creating schools where students can learn and thrive,” said Gene Pinkard of the Aspen Education & Society Program. “The work they’re doing isn’t just creative and engaging, it’s research-based. Principals who focus on climate are the principals who advance equity and improve student achievement.”

###