WPS Superintendent Jeni Gotto knows exactly what’s on the mind of first year teacher Alexis Wine from Colorado STEM Academy. 

 

She knows, not because of an impersonal survey or a chance encounter during the school day, but through a very intentional process being conducted with every new teacher in the district, called “Rounding.”

 

Dr. Gotto learned of the practice in the summer of 2024 as she was undergoing Superintendent training to take over as head of the district. She says she has already seen a positive impact and many teacher concerns from last year have already been addressed. 

 

According to Studer Education there are three key takeaways from the process:

 

It encourages education leaders to see their roles as collaborative team members,

fostering trust and improving relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

 

 

It’s a continuous, intentional process aligned with broader organizational goals. By integrating rounding into strategic planning, education leaders can break out of silos, gradually release control, and empower their teams, creating a more collaborative, and efficient leadership structure.

 

 

Rounding isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about acting on the feedback. Whether with community members, staff, or students, rounding helps build trust, improve customer service, and enhance communication. It encourages leaders to actively engage and address concerns for continuous improvement.

 

What’s up WPS cameras went along on one of her recent visits.