The Raising School Leaders program has been described as transformative by both new and seasoned leaders, propelling positive change in their school. We asked alums from across the years to share what being part of this program has meant to them personally, professionally, and to the school communities they lead.

Socorro ISD represents an exemplary pilot program that embedded blended learning into its literacy framework and growth targets as a district. While the core tenets of change management may be familiar, this case study offers an in-depth look at the experiences of practitioners as they scale best teaching and learning practices.

Dr. Junlei Li, the co-chair of the Human Development and Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, shares a poignant and reflective story that underscores the profound, often unnoticed impact teachers have on their students.

Eric Hale shares about a teacher who went out of his way to be supportive. “He went above and beyond. And so that’s my goal. I’m not trying to be the best teacher, but I am trying to be the most impactful.”

Byron Sanders shares about a 10th grade history teacher that changed the course of his life. “He was a mirror that I needed at the time. He defogged it, wiped away all of the smears, the self doubt, the inadequacy. And I was like, maybe I am smart.”

Warren Hudson is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Venus ISD. He says he wouldn’t be where he is today without the influence of two important teachers in his life.

As an advocate for the profession, Washington utilizes her platform to share her experiences as a Black educator as well as to speak about her passion for teaching – a career outsiders tend to label as a career without upward mobility and opportunities for growth.

Dr. Victor Rios shares about the teacher who believed in him so much, she tricked him into believing in himself.

National First-Generation College Student Day represents an opportunity to raise awareness about the experience of first-generation college students and ways to ensure their college-going experiences are equitable to those of their continuing-generation peers.

Dr. Adam Sáenz shares about what his favorite teachers wrote him in letters that served as a light during a dark time in his young adult life, which serves as a reminder for all of us – you never know how much your kind words will impact someone, so share them often. 

Underneath renderings of actual rockets and the word INNOVATE, Chris McLeod shapes the future of Texas from inside the rocketry lab of the Brazosport ISD Career & Technical Education Center. 

In this story, we showcase the vulnerability of Venus ISD leaders in taking ownership of significant gaps in secondary reading instruction and the thoughtful strategies they put in place to help students find real and lasting success.

Vicki Phillips’ heartfelt story about her high school geometry teacher serves as a reminder of the lasting power of teachers who go above and beyond to connect with their students.

In a short timeframe, his example of authentic and representational leadership has made lasting impacts on the school district and the city of San Antonio.

How blended learning strategies have advanced foundational literacy skills in early childhood education classrooms in Tomball ISD.

An early-career, bilingual teacher demonstrates the power of leading as your authentic self.

“It’s Spotlight Friday! Let me hear you.” The students of Brittany Magin’s 4th grade math class erupt into applause and shouts of encouragement to each other.

One simple act of encouragement from his teacher inspired Dr. Joe Sanfelippo to pursue a career in education and to eventually become the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin and author of Hacking Leadership.

November 8th is National-First Generation College Student Day. The Charles Butt Scholarship celebrates the scholarship recipients who identify as first-generation college students today, and every day! 

Learn how Sabina Landeros used her background and experiences to empower Hispanic students and families on her former campus.

Dr. Lara explains the importance of teachers seeing potential in all their students. He is still grateful for what his teachers did for him.

Rewrite the Stars. A Charles Butt Scholar, Star Brown, redefines her legacy through teaching. Read her story.

In this story, we highlight the learning journey of Harlingen CISD. They began their blended learning exploration with the goal of supporting Tier 2 & 3 students, those students who need more structured support to reach grade-level proficiency. However, this pursuit evolved into a new district-wide approach to teaching and learning that advances their investment in thoughtful innovation for the benefit of all schoolchildren.

In a brand new job under unthinkable circumstances. New surprises every week. Trying to support students in ways they never expected. And yet they say they “would not want to be in any other profession.” Ten Charles Butt Scholar alumni, now first and second-year teachers, share their struggles, victories, and learnings a few months into the 2020-21 school year. These new Texas teachers find inspiration in their profession, and in the process, inspire us. Clarissa Rodriguez 1st Grade Teacher | Treasure Hills.

Three theatre teachers demonstrate an indomitable and innovative spirit in their approach to engaging and empowering students in COVID times.

Kim Darden, the principal at Pearland ISDs Alternative Choice for Education (PACE) Center and an alumna of the Raising School Leaders program stays grounded in her mission of supporting all students with individualized care and in advancing practices proven to make a positive difference on student outcomes.

I have hope in America’s future. This year has been tumultuous for many students and families, yet they are resilient. Educators and communities have worked together to provide meals, WiFi, technology devices, and the best education possible for all students, no matter if they are learning at home or six feet apart in person. The amount that the school community and community partners have come together to support the students that attend our school has been awe-inspiring. Education continues to.

An aspiring teacher in her first year of college unexpectedly finds a mentor when she reconnects with her own elementary school principal.

Educators show us what agile, responsive public schools look like.

An alternative school of choice in Pearland ISD leads with restorative practices and a focus on mental health.

A turnaround principal returns to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Houston to lift up the community that raised her.

After 70 years, Dan Rather Returns to His Alma Mater, Heights High School in Houston, Texas.

Early on this scholar knew that inclusion — in education, postsecondary opportunities, careers, and our community — would be her life’s passion. 

How the lack of black male teachers fuels one scholar’s passion

A Charles Butt Scholar redefines her legacy through teaching. “I hope my kids see the work I put in and understand it’s never too late.” How one student found her voice and her purpose

Raquel is a migrant farm worker who spent nearly every summer of her life working in the fields of Michigan alongside her family.

Explore the story of C’Sherica Shaw, a future teacher who believes in the power of love and purpose in the classroom.

How education, family, and football forged a future in teaching for a small town standout

At Paredes Middle School every student is encouraged to see their own greatness and given a platform to be a leader.

How a migrant farmworker defied the odds through personal determination and family sacrifice

Each year, a school district’s strategic plan is energized by a massive, dynamic demonstration of community collaboration

Malinda Villalobos is the principal of the Ysleta Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Ysleta ISD – the first all-girls public school in El Paso.

An Early College High School in El Paso, Texas is changing what students and their families believe is possible.

How the educational family formed by Lyford CISD and its community has benefited students for generations

For 10 years, Principal Edgar Tibayan has been an educator in one of Texas’ poorest and most isolated school districts. But his chief message to his students is that poverty does not define a person’s destiny.

Explore the power of grit and grace in school transformation. Discover how school leaders can take their schools to impressive new heights.

Principal Leads School from Sense of History and Culture