2026 AAEA Summer Conference

This presentation will examine the journey undertaken by stakeholders at Leverett Elementary School during the 2025–2026 school year to improve school culture and climate while increasing teacher retention and satisfaction through the use of the DILTS Nested Levels of Learning framework.

School systems often implement initiatives aimed at improving culture without achieving sustained success. This session will explore a more intentional, research-based approach by highlighting the strategies, processes, and lessons learned throughout this initiative. Participants will gain insight into the multiple factors that influence school culture and climate and learn how school leaders can make a meaningful impact through purposeful planning and implementation.

The presentation will provide an overview of the DILTS model, share practical examples of how the framework can be applied and adapted across various K–12 settings, and present data demonstrating its positive effects on school culture, staff satisfaction, and retention.