Name: S 6 EP 14: Repost-Building Positive Relationships and Influential Program Culture
Uploaded: 2026-08-25T22:03:54.000Z
Duration: 1663
Description: How do you make an out-of-school time program indispensable to a school community? That's what you'll learn in this conversation with Cornelia Cooper. She is an...

How do you make an out-of-school time program indispensable to a school community? That's what you'll learn in this conversation with Cornelia Cooper. She is an educator, consultant, and out-of-school time leader with over 15 years of experience in Baltimore's public schools. In this episode, Cornelia breaks down what it takes to build and sustain relationships inside the school environment. From knowing your role and identifying key players (including custodial staff and secretaries), to landing principal meetings, leading teacher trainings, and the power of small gestures like a cup of coffee, Cornelia shares practical strategies for embedding your program into a school's culture and making it the one everyone knows by name.

Resources:

Newsletter Link Here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1954877/183566815596643832/share

Key Takeaways:
Mentorship and Early Inspiration: Cornelia attributes her passion for education to the mentorship she received from her basketball coach, highlighting the significant impact mentors have in shaping futures.

Community Integration: Successfully integrating out-of-school-time programming involves understanding the school's culture and fostering collaborative relationships with school staff and leadership.

Cultural Values: Emphasizing program-specific cultural values like excellence, respect, and collaboration can significantly enhance the alignment and effectiveness of educational programs within schools.

Building Rapport: Personal connections and consistent communication with custodial staff, teachers, and administrators can elevate a program's success within a school community.

Visibility and Branding: Keeping a strong presence during school hours and utilizing branding effectively can improve recognition and foster deeper relationships within the school community.

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