Catalyzing Joyful School Leadership through Truth and Love

The Baylor Center for School Leadership (BCSL) strives to create professional learning experiences designed to catalyze improvement in public and independent schools. Excitement built in February for the first Just Leadership event and the recurring Just Schools Academy, two immersive leadership development experiences.  

Just Leadership

The Just Leadership event, a one-day intensive designed for school administrators—from instructional coaches to superintendents—focused on catalyzing joy through truth and love. After grounding the work in new research emerging from the BCSL about how we build schools for justice and flourishing as Christian leaders, over 150 educators from Texas and California heard from a panel of five Central Texas superintendents: Chris Allen, Midway ISD; Joe Kucera, Lorena ISD; Mike McFarland, Crowley ISD; Bobby Ott, Temple ISD; and Sharon Shields, LaVega ISD. 

They demonstrated what gritty optimism looks and sounds like as they lead for joy through a wide range of challenges. Grounding their work in their faith, they describe honest conversations about improvement for each student. 

“My wellbeing is grounded in my Christian faith. In Romans it talks about all things working together for good, even when I struggle I fully understand that it says all things," said Shields. “I know I’m going to be victorious regardless of what obstacles are laid before me. I know that ultimately I am going to be victorious if I stay within His will because I am called according to his purpose.” 

This approach equipped leaders to improve and progress toward their goals with greater joy and effectiveness. Attendees chose from panels led by local education leaders and talent from across Baylor. They concluded their day with the privilege of hearing from Jay Brown, Baylor Regent and former CEO of Crown Castle International Corp., on excellence in leadership. He reminded leaders to keep their “eyes up and out” as any good sailor does on stormy seas. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful leaders, whose expertise and dedication made this event truly impactful.

Just Schools Academy

Later the same week, the Just Schools Academy brought together educators from California, Colorado, Virginia, and Washington DC at Trinity Christian School in Fairfax, Virginia. Teams of teachers and administrators, worked on adaptive challenges around student well-being, engagement, and feedback over two days. Using improvement science tools and principles established through BCSL research, the teams entered into a year-long partnership for growth.  

Jordan Roque, a 5th grade facilitator from Crossroads Christian School in California, shared that the most beneficial part of the Academy was having the opportunity to set aside time to collaborate on action plans for our campus' concerns.

“We were given feedback to develop and fine-tune our plans. On top of that, feeling affirmed that other Christian schools share the same challenges that we do - even on the other side of the country - is reassuring and gives us the opportunity to collaborate,” Roque said. 

Impact

Both events drew upon pioneering research to provide attendees with actionable insights and approaches. The BCSL builds on the great hope that educators walk alongside students to help them become all they are created to be.

Participants experienced a dynamic blend of keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and collaborative sessions aimed at fostering engagement and effectiveness. Through meaningful dialogue and shared experiences, attendees left both events equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to propel their schools towards their goals with renewed vigor and purpose. 

Many participants expressed gratitude for the Just Leadership conference, highlighting the tangible strategies gained for immediate implementation. They felt energized by the sessions' content and appreciated the thoughtful, encouraging message. Additionally, participants noted they loved how it kept coming back to joy, truth, and love and hearing the scriptures and prayers, and said it was refreshing for them and very much needed. 

The themes of catalyzing change and promoting justice, equity, and flourishing communities resonated throughout both events, reflecting BCSL's commitment to supporting educators in their journey towards creating learning environments that allow students to experience joy through struggle. 

As Christians, we know that flourishing is not freedom from struggle, but the freedom to struggle well. 

These events served as beacons of inspiration and empowerment, catalyzing educators to lead with joy, purpose, and a shared commitment to each student.  

We want to take a moment to thank our panelists and breakout session leaders by name.

Superintendent Panel:

Chris Allen, Midway ISD

Joe Kucera, Lorena ISD

Michael McFarland, Crowley ISD

Bobby Ott, Temple ISD

Sharon Shields, La Vega ISD

Head of School Panel:

Susan Crosier, Grace Preparatory Academy

Len Fakkema, Ontario Christian School

Jay Ferguson, Grace Community School

M’Lissa Howen, Saint Paul’s Episcopal School

Jeff Williams, Trinity Christian School

School Leader Panel:

Sheri Burns, Midway ISD

Samantha Craytor, Waco ISD 

Sharina Hubbard, Waco ISD

Alison Smith, Midway ISD
Alquin Spencer, IDEA Prep, Baylor MA in School Leadership Cohort 3

Jackie Villarreal, Midway ISD, Baylor MA in School Leadership Cohort 1

Instructional Leader Panel:

Christina Flores, Riesel ISD, Baylor EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership

Mirella Marlar, Frisco ISD, Baylor MA in School Leadership Cohort 3

Kathleen Peercy, Keller ISD, Baylor MA in School Leadership Cohort 1

Breakout Sessions:

Bill Bachman, former Senior Director of Design at Apple

Jolene Bruce, Temple ISD, Baylor EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership

Erik Carter, Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities

Herb Cox, Baylor Clinical Assistant Professor

Meredith Frey, Baylor MA in School Leadership Cohort 3

Darren Iselin, Director of Research and Innovation at Christian Schools Australia

Matt Lee, Baylor Professor of the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Institute for Studies of Religion

Janet McDade, Baylor Assistant Clinical Professor

Marilyn Rhames, Baylor Postdoctoral Research Associate

Bill Sterrett, Baylor Professor, Department Chair of Educational Leadership

Donna Ward, Temple ISD 

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned for updates and mark your calendars for the return of Just Leadership in Waco, Texas, slated for February 2025. This transformative event promises to bring together leaders, visionaries, and change-makers. Participants can expect an enriching experience aimed at cultivating  and catalyzing effective leaders. We strive to prepare and nourish the leaders we serve, so they can, in turn, serve their students with excellence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a movement dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive world. Stay connected for more information on speakers, agenda, and registration details coming soon!