The Alliance Way ― The Making of a Bully-free School

Award-winning educator Tina M. Owen-Moore details the beliefs and practices that made the Alliance School of Milwaukee the focus of national attention as the first school to open with the mission of being bully-free. The Alliance Way illustrates how creating a safe, inclusive, and academically challenging environment goes beyond a programming approach that targets bullying to a more holistic one in which building relationships takes center stage.

Owen-Moore describes the core tenets adopted by the school’s staff and students, including the importance of shared power and authentic work; the role of relationships and joy in preventing harm; the need to prepare staff to support LGBTQ students and students who have experienced trauma; and systems for reporting and repairing harm when it occurs. She highlights how school leaders can lead from the middle within their districts to bring about change and provides tools and resources such as sample agendas from staff meetings, retreats, and team-building activities.

Filled with real stories from an innovative school with a critical and compelling mission, The Alliance Way is an inspiring and practical resource for educators seeking answers on how to make schools engaging, accepting, and safe for all students.

Tina M. Owen-Moore is the cofounder and former lead teacher of The Alliance School.