Building Strong Schools from the Inside Out: How Faculty Collaboration Drives Student Joy

By Dr. Harry Bloom, Founder and President, Benchmarking for Good, Inc.

Benchmarking for Good's research into faculty climate and student satisfaction has revealed an important new insight into school improvement potential: when teachers work together effectively, everyone benefits. A comprehensive analysis of faculty climate and student satisfaction surveys shows that schools investing in collaborative cultures are creating stronger educational environments.

Two Collaboration Champions

Stella K Abraham High School for Girls (SKA) in Hewlett, NY sets the gold standard for faculty collaboration, earning an impressive 4.6 out of 5.0 on collaboration measures. Their teachers consistently report feeling supported by colleagues, sharing resources effectively, and working together toward common goals. This collaborative foundation creates a stable, professional environment that benefits the entire school community.

Bruriah High School for Girls in Elizabeth, NJ demonstrates how strong faculty teamwork translates into student success. With a collaboration score of 4.5/5.0—among the highest measured—Bruriah has built a culture where teachers support each other's growth and share best practices. The result? Students report notably high satisfaction levels, suggesting that the positive energy among faculty ripples directly into classroom experiences.

Why Faculty Collaboration Matters

Benchmarking for Good student survey data reveals that schools with higher faculty collaboration tend to have more satisfied students. What's clear is that collaborative environments offer multiple benefits:

• Consistency for students across different classes and teachers

• Professional growth opportunities that improve instruction quality

• Positive school culture that students can feel and appreciate

• Shared problem-solving that leads to better educational solutions

The Takeaway

Stella K Abraham and Bruriah prove that investing in faculty collaboration isn't just about teacher satisfaction—it's about creating the conditions for overall school excellence. When educators feel supported and work together effectively, it creates a foundation for student success.

For school leaders: Prioritize collaborative planning time, peer mentoring, and shared professional development. The investment in faculty teamwork pays dividends across your entire school community.

For parents: Look for schools where teachers genuinely work together and support each other. These collaborative cultures often indicate strong, stable educational environments where students can thrive.

Your Next Steps

Benchmarking for Good invites school leaders to consider applying for one of our Fall/Winter 2025 No Cost research grants for qualified schools which directly support enhancing faculty culture and student satisfaction. Grant availability is limited but you can get in the queue by completing this Grant Inquiry Form. Dr. Bloom will then be in touch to set up a call to explore the fit between your school’s needs and the grant parameters.  

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