Our 2022 Leadership Symposium was our first in-person convening in almost three years, and was attended by alumni from the first Raising School Leaders program cohort in 2008 to our most recent participants in 2022. Both the 2015 and 2019 cohorts of the Raising Blended Learners program, and school leaders from all 20 ESC regions were represented.
The 14th annual Leadership Symposium offered sessions on developing and sustaining a positive school culture and trauma-informed approaches to educational leadership, a forecast of what’s coming in the 2023 Legislative Session, and much-needed time for connection and renewal as a network of colleagues. School leaders from across Texas reunited with us in downtown Dallas for three days of fellowship, dynamic breakout sessions, and dialogues on the current climate. It was an incredible time of togetherness, grounded in our shared purpose.
Each year, we develop a unique theme for the symposium with consideration of what’s on educators’ hearts and minds. Read about this year’s theme — United by Purpose — in our blog post. United by Purpose, offers a message of resilience, hope, and connection. Through our shared commitments, deep relationships, and support for one another, we will forge a path forward for Texas public schools. Despite momentous challenges ahead for public education, the Charles Butt Foundation, Raise Your Hand Texas, and our Leadership and Scholar Networks stand together as a learning community, a support system, and a coalition of public education advocates. As a network, we are united in an unwavering mission to build an equitable and prosperous future for ALL students.
Don’t miss this teaser from keynote Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, a compilation of United by Purpose messages from Leadership Alumni, and an honoring of the awards and recognitions alumni have received over the last two years.
We had the privilege of hearing from three expert keynote speakers during the Leadership Symposium including Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI and author of Hacking Leadership; Eric Hale, 2021 Texas State Teacher of the Year; and Dr. Victor Rios, MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology at UC Santa Barbara. Each of them shared their inspirational and impactful journey in education, which had the entire audience reflecting on their own approach to education – particularly their relationships with students.
Texas would not be the same without these school leaders who go above and beyond for their students. It was powerful and inspiring to be in the presence of so many brilliant school leaders. We truly are united by purpose.
Thank you to everyone who attended our 2022 Symposium! It was a pleasure and an honor to spend time with all of you.