“Relationships open the door to learning. Great instruction walks students through the door.”
These words define a high standard for education in Texas. But for a new teacher, standing in front of a classroom for the first time, having the heart to lead and having the confidence to lead are two different things.
At the Charles Butt Foundation, we believe that a teacher’s confidence to lead is built through intentional preparation. Through the Charles Butt Scholarship and our Raising Texas Teachers initiative, we partner with universities to ensure educators like Lydia Sewell have the confidence to lead from day one.
What does it actually mean to lead in a school? According to educator Sherre Heider, a teacher leader is someone who “goes beyond just the act of teaching.” It is a mindset that shifts from my students to our community.
As Sherre notes in the video, a leader ensures their own students flourish, then “takes that learning out, teaches their peers, and teaches future teachers.” This ripple effect is what transforms a campus. When a teacher has the confidence to share their expertise, the entire school stays centered on student growth.
If you are thinking about going into teaching, I would say do it. It’s a job where you always feel that you have a purpose. Lydia Sewell, teacher, rockwall isd
If you are thinking about going into teaching, I would say do it. It’s a job where you always feel that you have a purpose.
The Charles Butt Scholarship is built on the belief that when you connect passionate individuals to a statewide network of peers and mentors, you produce teachers who stay—and teachers who lead.
Lydia’s story is a testament to this model. From a leader with a heart for kids to an educator holding multiple leadership positions, her journey shows what is possible when natural passion is paired with rigorous preparation.
For those considering the profession, Lydia’s message is clear: Do it. “You can see the growth that you’ve made, not only within these kids, but their relationships,” she says. “It’s a job where you always feel that you have a purpose.”
Confidence isn’t found in a textbook; it’s forged in the classroom. This is why our program emphasizes “clinically intensive” preparation.
Our scholars don’t just observe; they embed themselves in the daily life of a school. They are there for the morning duty, the small group interventions, and every instructional hurdle in between. “They over-prepared us,” Lydia says. “You come in and you don’t feel stressed out your first year… the biggest thing was the experience they give you.” By the time a Charles Butt Scholar becomes a teacher of record, they have already become well acquainted with the complexities of classroom management, inclusion, and differentiation.
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