Waypoints: Leveraging Feedback to Catalyze Growth

By John Walker, Ed.D. While there are many ways to define what a “waypoint” is, I love how the National Geographic (2023) defines a waypoint: “a waypoint is a reference point that helps us know where we are and where we’re going. Whether we’re driving, sailing, or flying, waypoints help us find our way.” If you are like me, you love working with a diverse group of people whom the Lord has placed in your […]

Creating a School Culture That Fosters Intrapreneurs

By: Stephen Carter Few things are more important than crafting a culture. The culture established in a school (or business or church) is a key indicator of the organization’s overall health and is directly connected to student learning. It is wildly important and, unfortunately, widely overlooked. Given the choice, most school leaders would rather focus on the newest and flashiest “innovative” programming rather than take the time (and energy) to invest in culture. If, however, […]

To the Future Mrs. Estrellas and Mr. Pigdens

By Joel Hazard In January, I had the extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with my dear second-grade teacher, Mrs. Estrella. For years, I had tirelessly searched for her online, but to no avail. So, when my best friend conveyed that he believed she had passed away years ago, my heart sank. Yet, as fate would have it, divine intervention stepped in, and I was elated when my mother informed me that Mrs. Estrella was not only […]

Hopeful Leadership: Our Most Important Calling

By: Christopher Rutz In 1985 Marty McFly broke the time/space continuum and traveled back to 1955 and revealed a world so inconceivable to Doc Brown that he could scarcely believe such oddities like Ronald Reagan – the actor – was president of the United States. Of course, time travelers from this era of politics would say, “Ronald Reagan? Ha, that’s nothing, wait until 2016!” Now we are approaching 40 years after Back to the Future’s […]

The Great Escape

Kailee Schimmel Within the education world it is extremely easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. On top of the personal feelings, we then face negativity and comparison. This last summer when I started my Masters in Educational Leadership at Baylor, there was one comparison that stuck out to me. We talked about the ‘crab bucket’ effect. It was described as when one tries to succeed or go against the norm, there will always be […]