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Celebrate to Motivate
The Art of Inspiring Students, Staff, and the School Community
This book explores the impact of celebrations on school culture with a focus on continuous growth and the role of all educators in fostering celebratory practices. Learn how celebrations enhance student success, staff morale, and community engagement.
The power of celebration in schools
Celebrations enrich the lives of students, staff members, and school communities. The authors provide powerful, compelling stories; proven strategies; and practical tools for embedding celebration into school culture. Drawing on insights from schools and districts, this book empowers K–12 teachers and administrators to create a celebratory environment that inspires educators, motivates student learning, and actively engages the entire school community.
K–12 teachers and administrators can use this book to:
- Gauge the impact of celebration practices through reflections and surveys
- Develop daily classroom rituals to recognize individual accomplishments
- Plan yearly schoolwide events to mark community achievements and successes
- Inspire continued improvement and excellence through regular celebratory practices
- Unite students, staff, and family in supportive community networks of mutual celebration
Related Topics
Professional Learning Communities at Work®Professional Learning Communities
Additional Information
“Celebrate to Motivate is exactly the book educators need right now. In a profession that can feel overwhelming and exhausting, this book is a joyful, research-based reminder that celebration isn’t just a nice extra—it’s a game changer. With humor, heart, and practical strategies, the authors show how small, intentional moments of celebration can reignite passion, boost morale, and create a ripple effect of positivity in schools.”
“Celebrate to Motivate is everything a school community needs to take your PLC to the next level. Authors Creswell and Traicoff aren't just throwing confetti and blowing up balloons; the celebration practices in this book are rooted in research and deeply intertwined with the work of PLCs. They offer school communities real, tangible strategies and ideas to start implementing celebrations immediately! This book will propel any school community forward in honoring, inspiring, and fulfilling the work of PLCs.”
“In the fast-paced world of education, celebration often takes a backseat to pressing priorities. This powerful guide offers schools and districts a treasure trove of creative, practical ideas to meaningfully celebrate students, staff, and the entire school community. This is an incredible resource for educators seeking to cultivate a positive, motivated, and thriving school culture by recognizing and amplifying the greatness happening all around them!”
“No matter where you are on your journey to celebrate students, staff, or your community, Celebrate to Motivate will satisfy your search for finding the best ways to inspire, recognize, and honor everyone around you!”
“Celebrate to Motivate is the book all educators need. Authors Shawn Creswell and Katie Sue Traicoff make a strong case for the use of celebrations to both combat staff burn out and achieve lofty goals. They include simple, creative ideas and resources for celebrating students, staff, and the community. This book leaves educators inspired and excited to make celebration an essential part of their learning communities.”
“Celebrate to Motivate is loaded with practical strategies for how to celebrate students, staff, and the community in your school. Authors Cresswell and Traicoff offer simple and doable ideas that can be implemented immediately. Surveys, continuums, and reflections help the reader easily gather their thoughts and put them into action. Get your hands on a copy of this book, turn up the music, and get ready to celebrate your success!”
“Celebrate to Motivate is a thoughtful guide with clear, actionable steps for educators striving to build a culture where shared purpose, collaboration, and continuous growth thrive. Shawn Creswell and Katy Sue Traicoff offer inspiring strategies to intentionally recognize the everyday actions of both students and staff that bring a school's mission and vision to life. The tools in the book helped me begin to shift our school culture by celebrating key milestones in our work—from creating our mission and vision to engaging in grade-level data dive conversations in our PLC. Honoring staff who model collective commitments and values, and celebrating students' achievements with intention, has helped drive the positive momentum in our school.”
“Celebrate to Motivate is a must-read for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about creating better learning experiences and environments. Its message is clear: in order for students to thrive, educators need to work together to grow with each other, their communities, and their students. This book highlights the importance of recognition, encouragement, and a positive school culture in motivating everyone to succeed.”
“Celebrate to Motivate is a powerful resource for educational leaders committed to fostering a culture of recognition and inspiration within their schools. By strategically integrating recognition into daily practice, educators can strengthen collaboration, boost morale, and create a school culture where both students and staff feel valued and motivated. One of the highlights of this book is the Activate Your Thinking features, which allow time to reflect and create action steps throughout the process of reading each chapter. This book is a must-read for those looking to transform celebrations into a driving force for school improvement and success!”
