By: Erik Ellefsen and Sahira Kodra In education, we often hear about the “crab bucket culture” – where success is met with pulling others down. But at the BCSL, we’ve embraced a different mascot: the stronger sea turtles who at hatching help others to hatch and get into the ocean safely. Throughout 2024, we’ve witnessed how this simple metaphor has helped us be an encouragement to the educational communities worldwide that are creating ripples of […]
Retaining Our Unicorns
Leaning in to supporting new teachers through mentorship Since November, we have shared stories of school teams who confronted Adaptive Challenges through the Baylor Center for School Leadership’s (BCSL) Catalytic Improvement Community process. Our previous features highlighted the transformative work at Robinson Elementary, Grace Prep and NorthStar Academy,. Today, we present the work of Dr. Kimberly Miller and Trinity Christian School in Fairfax, VA. If you’re facing an adaptive challenge and seeking meaningful change, we […]
Wait… You Mean I’m Included Too?
Since November, we have shared stories of school teams who confronted Adaptive Challenges through the Baylor Center for School Leadership’s (BCSL) Catalytic Improvement Community process. Our previous features highlighted the transformative work at Grace Prep and NorthStar Academy. Today, we present the work of Patti Goforth and Robinson ISD. If you’re facing an adaptive challenge and seeking meaningful change, we invite you to join Catalyze in July of 2025. By Patti Goforth “Therefore encourage one […]
Have We Been Here Before?
The Importance of Reflection and Perspective in the Process of Growth By: Katie Ahmadzai Education is rich with rhythms: the first day of school, homecoming week, Christmas and Spring break, finals, and graduation. For school leaders, one essential part of this yearly routine is using the summer to plan for the coming year. But without a pause to reflect and reorient ourselves, we can easily fall into the trap of discouragement or distraction. It can […]
Anchored in Meaningful Work
By: Dr. Susan Crosier From the beginning, we see in Genesis that, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it,” (Genesis 2:15), highlighting that work is part of God’s design for us. Each of us has been given unique gifts and passions to bring glory to God through our labor, making our work a profound privilege, especially in teaching. Teaching is inspiring, challenging, […]