Learning Success
We bring students, parents and community partners together to improve school climate and culture, strengthen relationships between schools and families, and improve learning outcomes.
For universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, boarding schools, and online or hybrid learning environments.
What we do
Improve school climate and culture in order to increase positive experience for all students
Support unique student success competencies with policies and processes supported by school boards, school administrators, teachers and parents
Strengthen relationships between schools and parents
Strengthen relationships between historically marginalized communities and school officials
Integrate social and emotional learning in teaching and technology
Improve learning outcomes for historically marginalized students with an approach designed to reflect the learner’s experience
Who we work with
Public schools, boarding schools, virtual schools, private schools
We bring students, parents and community partners together to co-design just, accessible and inclusive solutions that drive positive results.
Public universities, private colleges, Ivy League schools, community colleges and online programs
DMC's work helps administrators better understand the root causes preventing students from maximizing their learning engagement and the negative influences impacting retention.
Partners
Lebanon, NH
DMC worked with the Lebanon School District to develop strategies on culture and climate. After working with stakeholders across the community, including students, teachers, parent groups, and administrators, DMC provided guidance and direction for a three-year strategic plan. Informed by a thorough assessment of community feedback, DMC also provided consultation to the superintendent, the Director of Curriculum and Student Learning, and school leaders.
Exeter, NH
DMC has collaborated with the staff and faculty of Phillips Exeter Academy in a number of ways over the years, serving as a program partner to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office and presenting as a guest instructor in the Theater and Dance department, providing cultural understanding through movement, music, hip hop, and Afrobeat.
Manchester, NH
DMC worked with Manchester Memorial High School to develop climate alignment for students, teachers and administration, coaching school leadership on culture and climate to help students and teachers maximize their positive impact.
Manchester, NH
In visiting teacher roles, DMC explores culture alignment and inclusive leadership through equity, using experiential learning through role plays and creative art. DMC has also conducted student leadership workshops.
DMC's engagements are often 6 to 12 months or multi-year partnerships.
In their words
“I had the pleasure of working with Deo over the course of several years. He first sought to understand the needs of our school community by reaching out to key stakeholders including Board members, parents, students, school administrators, and staff members. Deo and his team accomplished this through individual and group in-person meetings as well as through multiple surveys that we developed together. After analysis of the information from the conversations and surveys, Deo presented the findings back to the stakeholder groups to make sure what was summarized truly represented their thoughts. Throughout the process, Deo was helpful and came from a place of providing opportunities for everyone not only to be heard but to be understood. We then partnered together with our school leadership team members to use the information gleaned to create meaningful, strategic, actionable goals for the School District's Three-Year Strategic Plan. Deo assisted me with determining the need for a District Director of Equity, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment position which we now have in place. I invited Deo to attend our annual school administrator leadership team Fall Momentum Meeting and he did a fabulous job of summarizing the steps we had taken and getting everyone excited about the direction we are heading to support all staff members, students, and families in the District. I am grateful for Deo's thoughtful approach while also holding everyone accountable and providing suggestions for ways we can continue improving the educational experience for all involved. Thank you, Deo!”
Dr. Joanne Roberts
Superintendent, Lebanon School District, Lebanon, New Hampshire
“Deo Mwano has a magic of goodness. I think it comes from having such a powerful and generous heart. His energy inspires. The vitality that he brings to students, and what he gave to me as a colleague, generates tremendous goodwill and insight. He summons up and frees the creative spirit. That kind of innovation and connection is rare. Deo is himself a special source of light and a talented guide.”
RG Richards
Chair and Theatre Instructor, Phillips Exeter Academy
“Deo brought an informative, high energy, and inspirational workshop to students during a critical time. We asked for an opportunity for students to learn more, reflect on their own experiences, and identify what they can do to positively impact the culture in their school. Deo did a great job and really engaged students.”
Michele Holt-Shannon
Director of New Hampshire Listens, University of New Hampshire Carsey Center
“Deo worked with NH HOBY to facilitate a piece of our program where we work to introduce the topic of privilege to high-school sophomores, young leaders from the state of NH. After many years of not feeling like we hit the point home, we were so happy that Deo did this year. His energy, story and ability to engage was unparalleled to any of our internal resources and we were so glad to have brought him in to speak at our seminar.”
Kate Aiken
Former Director of Program, HOBY NH
“Having Deo (Shaq & Martin, too) at NMH School was an amazing experience for our students and faculty. We appreciated hearing his personal story in the keynote address, as Deo raised important questions about identity, belonging, and living well in community together. Most impressive was his music & dance workshop with about 60 students; Deo was fired up, got them fired up, and a number of kids commented that it was the best workshop they had ever attended. Simply put, it was an awesome afternoon and we are thrilled Deo was able to share his talents with NMH School.”
Martha Neubert
Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice, Northfield Mount Hermon
“There are rare persons who, when we meet them, bring light and energy to our lives; persons who show, almost without speaking, their deep commitment to others. Deo Mwano is such a person. While his personal story is one of strength gained through adversity, his enthusiasm for youth and its potential and for education and its empowering effect is a message he does not just talk about, but truly lives.”
Stephen Reno
Executive Director, Leadership New Hampshire
From the blog
Learning Success
Learning Success
Let's begin
Tell us what your organization is facing, what you have tried, and what you hope to accomplish. We'll start with a conversation about where DMC can help.