For Stephanie Jordan, teaching at Unity Point School is more than a profession—it’s a mission to shape future leaders with strong character and a sense of community. As a third-grade teacher and the leader of the school’s Character Counts program, Stephanie is helping Unity Point students grow into respectful, responsible, and compassionate individuals.

The Character Counts program is an extension of Unity Point’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, which rewards positive behavior to encourage others to follow suit. While PBIS has been a cornerstone of the school’s approach for years, Stephanie saw an opportunity to take it further by focusing on key character traits.

“Our ultimate goal is raising students to be good humans,” she explains. “Good humans show respect, responsibility, gratitude, and kindness—traits we want to instill in every child here.”

The program began as an idea within the school’s Continuous Improvement Team (CIT), a group of teachers representing every grade level and specialty area. Stephanie took the lead in reshaping the school’s character traits, adding new ones like gratitude and aligning the program with Unity Point’s core values. “We looked at what we really wanted to teach our students,” she says. “Then we asked, how can we reinforce these traits in meaningful ways?”

Each month, Character Counts highlights a specific trait, such as respect, perseverance, or citizenship. Teachers nominate students who demonstrate the trait, filling out a simple form that includes a narrative of how the student embodies the value.  Every nominee receives a certificate and a small treat, such as candy, cookies, or chips, delivered by junior high members of the Trojan Tribe, a PBIS student leadership group.

A team of educators then reviews all the nominations, selecting two students from each grade level as “Trojans of the Month.”The Trojan of the Month winners also enjoy special recognition, including a celebratory call home from school administrators and an invitation to participate in “Donuts with Grownups.” Held in the library, this small ceremony brings students and their families together to celebrate their achievements. “It’s a simple but powerful way to honor these kids and involve their families in the process,” Stephanie says.

The program also teaches students to celebrate each other’s successes. In Stephanie’s classroom, when a student is recognized for demonstrating a character trait, the entire class joins in congratulating them. “It’s a great opportunity to teach community and support,” she says. “We remind them that even if they weren’t nominated this time, their turn could be next. It’s about building each other up.”

One of the most impressive aspects of Character Counts is that it operates entirely on volunteer efforts. Teachers like Stephanie devote their own time to planning, coordinating, and implementing the program, from filling out certificates to organizing events. School Principal for Instruction Ms. Goff supports the program by handling behind-the-scenes logistics, including funding.

Despite the extra work, Stephanie believes the program is worth every effort. “We’re all here because we care about these kids and want them to succeed,” she says. “Character Counts is one way we can make a lasting impact.”

Now in its second year, Character Counts continues to evolve. The program has gained stronger representation across grade levels, including input from special education teachers, English language learner specialists, and the school social worker. This diverse team ensures the program reflects the values and needs of Unity Point’s vibrant community.

Stephanie envisions even more ways to expand the program’s reach and impact, from partnering with local organizations to creating more opportunities for student leadership. “We’re still in the early stages, but the potential is enormous,” she says. “I’d love to see Character Counts become a model for other schools.”

At its core, Character Counts is about more than rewarding positive behavior—it’s about creating a school culture where character matters as much as academics. Stephanie believes this focus on character development is essential, especially in today’s world. “Being a good human is just as important as being a good student,” she says. “If we can teach our kids to be respectful, kind, and responsible, we’re setting them up for success in life.”

As Stephanie Jordan leads this transformative program, she’s not just shaping the students of Unity Point—she’s shaping the future of the community. Through her dedication and vision, Character Counts is helping Unity Point students become the best versions of themselves, one trait at a time.