Hello and welcome to our very first blog post at Tools for Success on our new website! As we celebrate our 9th anniversary in December, we’re excited to share our journey, vision, and the transformative work we’ve been doing in the field of education.
Our Founding Story:
Founded in December 2014, Tools for Success was born out of a desire to mend our challenged education system and to provide equitable, quality education for all students. Our founder and CEO, Cathy Tooley, a veteran in the field of education with 30 years of experience as a teacher and then a principal, envisioned a future where every educator is empowered, every administrator is engaged, and every leader is equipped with the tools needed to ensure all students thrive.
Over the past nearly a decade, our team has grown into a dynamic group of tenured education consultants, all former educators as well as administrators, and each passionate about driving change in our education system. Our reach has extended to over 100 schools across the nation, impacting thousands of teachers and administrators who serve tens of thousands of students. We’ve focused on moving schools forward, from struggling to thriving, by equipping educators with effective tools to combat burnout and drive student success.
Our Approach:
At Tools for Success, we understand that each school, each educator, and each student have unique needs. We pride ourselves on our tailored approach, meeting our partners where they are and customizing our services to fit their specific needs. Whether it’s through professional development, workshops, motivational speaking, or consulting, our goal is to rebuild hope and futures by transforming our education systems to serve every student. Our approach is simple, and yet profoundly impactful by changing the way we serve our students by providing educators and administrators with proven tools to best serve each one of their students.
Our methodology is founded on walking alongside our school partners and educators by taking them through the Tools for Success 5 steps on the Pathway to Success.
Step #1: Curriculum Alignment
We work with individual teachers to assure that their curriculum is ALIGNED to their state standards and all appropriate grade level state assessments. We also ensure that all curriculum is aligned with the new literacy and college and career readiness standards.
Step #2: Vertical Alignment
Utilizing the recommended reading and vocabulary lists from the DOE as well as school and student data we partner with you to implement vertical curriculum alignment. We leverage best practices such as spiraling topics that are heavily assessed throughout multiple grades and subjects.
Step #3 Creating Highly Rigorous Quarterly Assessments
To ensure student success, we assist teachers in increasing the rigor and frequency of student assessments.
Step #4: Development of Effective PLCs & Data
Digging into the data for meaningful information and trends utilizing our 40-minute protocol. Effective strategies and protocols to use at the educator and school levels.
Step #5: Instructional Strategies
We work with teachers to develop proven and customized teaching methods. We assist teachers in not only addressing diverse learning needs, but also empowering educators to foster a more inclusive and impactful educational environment.
Our Mission and Vision:
Our mission is to redefine the K-12 education landscape by empowering educators, equipping administrators, and engaging leaders with tailored strategies and insights. We envision a future where every classroom is a beacon of innovation and critical thinking, and every student thrives.
Our Core Values:
Our values are the cornerstone of our operations:
- Student-Centricity: Committing to every student’s growth and success.
- Tailored Solutions: Crafting bespoke strategies for each educator’s unique needs.
- Empowerment: Uplifting and equipping education professionals.
- Collaboration: Amplifying impact through shared resources and experiences.
- Professional Growth: Championing ongoing development in the educational field.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing data to drive meaningful change.
- Integrity & Partnership: Building trust and lasting relationship.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords for us; they are integral to our mission. We strive to create a culture where every voice is heard and valued, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in every aspect of our work. We believe in a future where K-12 education mirrors the diversity of thought, opportunity, and inclusivity of the world we aspire to build.
We are thrilled to embark on this blogging journey and share insights, stories, and updates with you. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a beat!
Stay tuned for more posts as we delve deeper into the world of education, sharing our experiences, best practices, tips for administrators and educators, and tips for parents and caregivers to encourage learning at home!
Thank you for being a part of our journey. We are excited to be a part of your team, working together to create a brighter future for K -12 education.
We’ll leave you with this quote from Martin Luther King Jr, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Warm regards,
Tools for Success Team