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Being Known, Loved, Safe and Successful Collaboration for Inclusion
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By Ochan Kusuma-Powell and Kendall Zoller
magine if all schools were designed specifically for the students they serve. How might they be different from the way they are now? We suspect the differences might be evident beyond the confines of the classroom and extend to the way adults relate to one another as they work together. When a school is designed for its students, it creates an inclusive culture where every member of the community feels known, loved, safe, and successful. When a team experiences synergy, it develops a collective spirit that propels the group forward. This collective spirit contributes to a sense of community, where everyone feels included and valued. Each person’s participation is necessary for the success of the whole, and they find deeper meaning in their work because of that spirit. What would it take to create and sustain such a culture? What liberatory courage would it take 4 | International School | Summer 2023
to dismantle existing systems that are getting in the way? It would require adaptive thinking to create what has been elusive up to this point in time. This ar ticle will explore the impor tance of developing a sense of inclusion, how teams can arrive at this synergy, and why it is crucial for creating a successful school culture.
What is Inclusion? Many of us can remember a time when we were excluded and the social pain associated with it. Our social status in the moment meant what we said, felt or thought made no difference, and might even have been a hindrance to the group. Under such difficult conditions, learning is negatively impacted. Unlike physical pain, social pain is re-lived again and again because this kind of pain preferentially engages the affective pain system (Lieberman, 2013). Rejection does not
encourage contribution or thinking. In contrast, an inclusive environment is one where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued, regardless of differences in background or experience. Members of the community have equal access to opportunities, resources and benefits. Barriers that would have prevented people from participating fully and contributing to the work of the organization have been removed. Being inclusive means embracing diversity, seeking out differences in opinion, and recognizing the unique talents and perspectives that others bring to the table. Inclusion frees people to achieve their personal best. Being inclusive requires us to examine our own privilege and recognize how others might not have access to the same opportunities. When we are able to perceive how others don’t have access, we can see how to remove barriers.