A survey was conducted of teachers at Savannah Country Day School regarding leadership education. The majority of teachers believed that leadership education should be integrated into school classes and should begin between ages 6-10. Nearly all teachers felt the entire student body would benefit from a school-wide leadership initiative. In describing how they promote leadership in students, teachers emphasized helping students find confidence, empowering them to stand up for others, and encouraging self-expression.

1. Savannah Country Day School
Teacher Survey Results

2. Grade Taught
Admin PreK Elementary
Middle High
Should leadership
education be integrated in
11% 3% school classes?
31% Yes No
1%
41%
14%
99%

3. At what age should leadership
begin?
11-17 6-10 <5 Who should receive
3% leadership training?
Potentials All
16% 3%
81%
97%

4. Would:
• Creating a common language that
would flow through the entire school
(unity)
• Connecting teachers across divisions Would SCDS benefit from a
and connecting all teachers to school-wide leadership initiative?
administration Would Would Not
• Help students who are quiet or
uncomfortable – confidence
development 6%
• With enough buy-in and correct
implementation
Would Not:
• I don’t understand the form it could
take and be effective
• We could do a few new things in the 94%
classroom, but a big initiative would
likely fall on deaf ears with the kids

5. how leadership exists in your
interactions with students
“The sky is the limit for my
students. At least, that’s
what I hope for them.
Exploring the world beyond
Savannah and helping my
students see themselves as a
part of a big, beautiful picture
excites me!”
-Upper School Teacher

6. how leadership exists in your
interactions with students
“I am a counselor and
constantly empower students
to be strong; to be proud of
who they are and to be
strong when it comes to
standing up to those whose
mission is to hurt others.
Helping students step up and
be heard is my major focus
when helping students grow
proud.”

7. how leadership exists in your
interactions with students
“I try to empathize with
students and help them to
understand that they are
capable of working through
the rainstorms of life. I want
them to see the sunshine in
me and let it help them find
their own sunshine and
happiness.”
-Lower School Teacher

8. how leadership exists in your
interactions with students
“When I interact with
students, I listen to what they
have to say and watch how
they respond. I try to give
them the feeling that they
can teach me as much as I can
teach them.”
-Upper School Teacher

9. how leadership exists in your
interactions with students
“I work with children with
learning differences, so the
turtle in the picture reminds
me of pulling my students out
of their shells. Too many of
my students lack leadership in
their own lives, and I seek to
change that.”
-Lower School Teacher

10. how leadership exists in your
interactions with students
“I encourage students to
express themselves, to have
fun, to be unique, to accept
themselves – to accept
differences even when they
are new and uncomfortable.”
-Upper School Teacher