Draft Adult Portrait

Widespread and successful attainment of the Graduate Portrait will not happen without a supportive and intentional community of adults working together. What attributes will the adults need in order to help students be successful?

From broad community input, and the design work of the Guiding Coalition, the following seven elements are those deemed most critical in supporting students. This Adult Portrait applies to all adults working in the school district, because every adult’s work supports student success, and so the language here is broad. Because the district holds high expectations for all adults, these elements include deep expertise in, and continuous learning about, any adult’s area of expertise. Teachers are expected to have deep content knowledge, and strong instructional skills; administrators are expected to be good managers as well as leaders; support and operations staff are expected to provide excellent service in their areas of responsibility — and all adults are expected to engage in ongoing learning. The elements also include areas that prepare students for their futures, that support students’ readiness to learn, and that also support a strong collaborative culture for the adults.

Many adults at LCMSD will already embody some of these attributes, but the purpose of this part of the vision is to create an aligned culture, and to support all adults in developing all the attributes over time. This is a long-term vision — developing and prioritizing the Adult Portrait will be part of the school district’s journey and its strategy for professional learning and staff development. The ability of adults to model and continuously develop these attributes will be critical in helping students. They will also help adults to support one another, and to create respectful and beneficial relationships with the community that will further support students’ learning and skill-building.

Impactful & Effective Communicator

Demonstrates emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective communication to inspire, connect, and guide growth.

LCMSD educators are impactful and effective communicators who excel in providing constructive feedback that highlights opportunities for growth, paving the way for student success. They empathize deeply, forming meaningful connections and offering unwavering support to students. Their ability to communicate ideas with clarity across verbal, written, and presentation formats ensures engagement with diverse audiences, including students, parents, and colleagues. Emotional intelligence empowers them to navigate complex emotions, resolve conflicts, and foster positive relationships, while their adaptability ensures understanding and respect in all interactions. They inspire students to advocate for themselves by fostering self-confidence and growth, while their energetic and engaging presence helps create a supportive and connected environment.

Adaptive & Enthusiastic Lifelong Learner

Embraces growth and innovation to create an adaptive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.

LCMSD educators are adaptive and enthusiastic lifelong learners who embrace change with a positive attitude, leading by example and fostering an innovative learning culture. Their flexibility enables them to tailor teaching strategies to the diverse needs of students, addressing neurodiversity, emotional regulation, trauma, and varied learning styles with empathy and cultural awareness. They embody a growth mindset and willingly abandon outdated methods to adopt research-driven practices. Through enthusiasm, balance, and a focus on holistic student development, they integrate technology, arts, and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance education. By employing universal design for learning, they ensure accessibility, creating an inclusive environment that supports the success of all students.

Emotionally & Socially Aware Leader

Models emotional awareness, empathy, and cultural responsiveness to cultivate belonging and collaboration.

LCMSD educators demonstrate emotional and social awareness by identifying and managing emotions in challenging situations, maintaining composure, and offering a calm, stable presence. They interact respectfully with others, honoring norms to foster collaboration and mutual growth. Their empathy enables them to deeply understand and acknowledge students’ emotions, building trust and strong emotional connections. By ensuring all students feel valued, supported, and a sense of belonging, these leaders cultivate an inclusive and affirming environment. They are culturally responsive, celebrating the diverse backgrounds of students and modeling acceptance to promote understanding and inclusivity throughout the school community.

Flexible Collaborator

Facilitates a culture of inquiry to promote curiosity, a deeper understanding of subjects, and appreciation for different perspectives.

LCMSD educators are flexible collaborators who prioritize active listening to ensure every voice is heard and respected. Their problem-solving skills enable them to navigate challenges effectively while supporting students’ growth. Inclusive leadership fosters a safe, cooperative atmosphere where curiosity and diverse perspectives are valued. They foster a culture of inquiry that sparks curiosity and encourages students to explore subjects deeply. By promoting open-mindedness and valuing diverse perspectives, they create a learning environment where understanding and critical thinking thrive. By leveraging strong social skills, they cultivate positive relationships with students and colleagues. These collaborators have an adaptive mindset where they responsibly integrate technology and innovative practices to enhance team learning experiences. Through close partnerships with colleagues, they continually improve teaching methods, building an inclusive, inquiry-driven culture.

Caring, Kind, & Connected Adult

Demonstrates care, kindness and connection to inspire belief, inclusion, and emotional well-being.

LCMSD educators are Caring, connected, and kind adults who respect students as individuals, building meaningful connections that ensure every student feels seen, valued, and supported. They embody kindness and positivity, inspiring students to believe in themselves and fostering a secure, uplifting environment for learning and personal growth. Their ability to empathize and share in students’ feelings creates a nurturing space where emotional well-being is prioritized. With strong social and relationship-building skills, they connect meaningfully not only with students but also with their families, strengthening the broader learning community. A deep understanding of child development enables them to tailor support and guidance, while their focus on mental health awareness ensures students’ emotional needs are met. By modeling patience and offering students the time and encouragement needed to learn and grow, they build a community rooted in acceptance, inclusion, and belonging.

Critically Thinking & Creative Educator

Demonstrates innovation, creativity and resilience to continually adapt and embrace new/changing technologies, circumstances and teaching methodologies.

LCMSD’s critically thinking and creative educators design problem-solving opportunities that challenge students to navigate complex learning scenarios using both logic and creativity. They encourage inquiry and curiosity, fostering a mindset that values deep thinking and innovative approaches. By embracing innovative thinking, these educators introduce new ideas and solutions into the classroom to enhance the student experience. They integrate arts, design-thinking, and multidisciplinary study, creating opportunities for creative exploration and playful learning experiences that stimulate curiosity and joy. Grounded in data-driven, evidence-based practices, they continually refine their teaching to meet students’ diverse needs. They also demonstrate resilience and adaptability, embracing new technologies, circumstances, and methodologies to stay at the forefront of education. Through differentiated instruction that incorporates voice and choice, they ensure every student feels empowered and supported in their unique learning journey.

Equity-Focused Change Agent

Champions equity and inclusion to create a just, compassionate, and responsive school community.

LCMSD staff are equity-focused change agents who design learning experiences that are deeply informed by and responsive to diverse cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences. They proactively challenge and dismantle inequities, fostering a school community rooted in equity, social justice, and anti-racism. By cultivating an inclusive environment, they ensure every student feels a profound sense of belonging in the classroom, school, and broader community. These leaders courageously create safe and brave spaces for meaningful dialogues about inclusivity, bias, diversity, and equity, empowering students and colleagues to engage in transformative conversations. With a deep understanding of local and global challenges, the history of marginalized communities, and systems of oppression, they inspire critical thinking, empathy, and action. By integrating diverse perspectives into teaching and taking concrete steps to advance cultural competence, they celebrate the unique identities and experiences of their students. Equity-focused educators also demonstrate a commitment to self-reflection, actively addressing personal biases and working to eliminate barriers that hinder student success. They champion the belief that all students can excel, ensuring equitable access to high-level learning opportunities and creating a foundation for success for every learner.

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