By Sahira Kodra, Aaron Bond, Sierra Downs, and Eli Spector

In a testament to the power of educational networks, the MA in School Leadership program at Baylor University has fostered a connection between educators across state lines, shaping innovative approaches to senior capstone projects. We want to highlight Eli Spector and Sierra Downs from Front Range Christian School (FRCS) in Colorado, and Aaron Bond from Capistrano Valley Christian School (CVCS) in California and show how their collaboration has enriched their educational practices.

Senior Capstone at Front Range Christian School

Rooted in philosophical inspirations from Jamie Smith’s “You Are What You Love” and the educational principles outlined in “Wisdom and Eloquence,” FRCS’s capstone experience is designed to guide seniors through a reflective journey. Students begin with a solo wilderness experience, reflecting deeply on their passions and identities. Throughout the year, they engage in interviews, research, and real-world experiences aligned with their interests, culminating in TED talk-style presentations that celebrate their personal growth and aspirations.

Eli reflects on the program’s evolution, influenced by insights gained through Baylor’s MA program: “The Baylor program has equipped me to embrace collaborative leadership, allowing other teachers to refine and enhance our capstone experience. This collective effort has significantly enriched our students’ journey.”

Sierra Downs, a former student turned educator at FRCS, echoes the program’s impact on her personal and professional growth: “I am confident that there is no better way to balance the ever-changing realities of modern graduate education with the deep, enduring truths of good pedagogy. Somehow, this program manages to be incredibly accessible and attainable to students in all walks of life, all across the world, while still prioritizing the importance of relationships in the classroom.”

Bridging Coasts: Sharing Insights with Capistrano Valley Christian School

Across the country at CVCS, Aaron Bond’s involvement in the MA in School Leadership program sparked a visit to FRCS. Inspired by Eli and Sierra’s approach, Aaron sought to enhance CVCS’s Senior Capstone project, emphasizing meaningful student engagement and personalized learning pathways. “Our capstone at CVCS invites students to showcase their learning journey and spiritual growth,” Aaron explains. “Visiting FRCS provided invaluable insights into fostering a culture of mentorship and student empowerment.”

During his visit, Aaron observed FRCS’s comprehensive capstone event, which showcased seniors’ reflections and aspirations. “Witnessing their capstone day was inspiring,” Aaron reflects. “Having Eli and Sierra work at a school that is in many ways parallel to my own context provided a fertile ground for thinking about not only why we do what we do, but how to do the work more effectively. The exchange of ideas, lessons learned, common struggles and success stories breeds hope that the work each of us is doing individually is making a difference in the next generation and building up the Kingdom of God.”

The Power of Collaboration and Future Endeavors

The connection forged through Baylor’s hybrid learning model facilitated an exchange of ideas and practices between FRCS and CVCS. Discussions on enhancing student leadership committees, initiating cross-school retreats, and even exploring a pen pal program between students underscored the collaborative spirit nurtured by the program.

Eli emphasizes the broader impact: “Collaboration allows us to refine our approaches and learn from each other’s successes and challenges. It’s about continuously evolving to better serve our students and communities.”

Sierra envisions a future where collaborative initiatives strengthen educational outcomes: “By modeling collaborative pursuit of passions, we instill in our students the value of lifelong learning and community engagement.”

Aaron shares his optimism: “The exchange with FRCS reinforced the importance of relational mentoring and authentic learning experiences. It’s about empowering students to embrace their unique callings.”

As these educators continue to integrate insights gained from Baylor’s MA in School Leadership program into their schools, the ripple effects of their collaboration promise to shape a new generation of empowered learners and compassionate leaders across the educational landscape.

The story of Eli Spector, Sierra Downs, and Aaron Bond exemplifies how educational leadership programs like Baylor’s MA can foster meaningful connections and inspire innovative practices in schools nationwide. Their journey showcases the transformative power of collaboration in shaping educational excellence and student success.

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About the Baylor Master of Arts in School Leadership

The Master of Arts in School Leadership (MASL) program achieved a significant milestone with its first cohort graduating in December 2022. The program, offering tracks for both Texas principal certification and leaders in independent or non-Texas schools, witnessed a 100 percent pass rate among Texas track graduates in required exams. The program’s hybrid design, with online sessions during the school year and intensive on-campus sessions in June, caters to the needs of working K-12 educators.

The Baylor School of Education’s MASL program goes beyond academic excellence. It creates a holistic experience that nurtures leaders, builds lasting relationships, and instills a sense of purpose and community among educators. As the program continues to grow, it stands as a beacon for those aspiring to lead with faith, compassion, and a commitment to positive change in education. Learn more and apply for the next cohort here.

Register for upcoming information sessions:

In Person: October 15 from 5-6pm CST at the Hurd Welcome Center https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/2003682/1973032/

Virtual: November 18 at 4:3pm CST https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/2006366/1973032/

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About the Author
Sahira Kodra serves as the program coordinator for the School of Education’s Baylor Center for School Leadership (BCSL). Kodra works closely with the BCSL team to support the department’s mission. Through her role, she engages in the thriving community of Christian leadership in schools and districts. She provides administrative coordination within the BCSL through related event planning, program support, marketing, and accounting support. She joined Baylor University in the summer of 2023 from a position in Leander Independent School District, where she previously worked as a classroom teacher. Kodra received her Master of Arts in School Leadership from Baylor University in the fall of 2023 and earned her BSEd in Elementary Education with a Gifted and Talented Concentration from Baylor University in the spring of 2020.