The Fabric of Leadership
IMPACT REPORT 2024
The Fabric of Leadership
IMPACT REPORT 2024
"Holdsworth isn't a program, it’s a transformation of thinking. How you lead people will be forever changed."
Great leaders are like master weavers.
They knit together diverse people, ideas
and strengths to create a fabric that’s
stronger and more resilient than any
single thread.
Our programs equip public school leaders with the skills, mindsets
and hands-on practice needed to weave together lasting,
positive change in classrooms, schools and districts.
Great leaders are like master weavers. They knit together diverse people, ideas and strengths to create a fabric that’s stronger and more resilient than any single thread.
Our programs equip public school leaders with the skills, mindsets and hands-on practice needed to weave together lasting, positive change in classrooms, schools and districts.
Since 2017, Holdsworth has supported:
In the 2023-24 school year alone, we enrolled 529 educators from 60 districts to join our world-class leadership programs, helping them create smarter systems and stronger teams for better student outcomes.
Since 2017, Holdsworth has supported:
In the 2023-24 school year alone, we enrolled 529 educators from 60 districts to join our world-class leadership programs, helping them create smarter systems and stronger teams for better student outcomes.
Holdsworth leaders deliver results for students
At Holdsworth, principals are trained in continuous improvement methods–a tool used widely by Fortune 500 companies–to improve student achievement on their campuses.
Holdsworth leaders deliver results for students
At Holdsworth, principals are trained in continuous improvement methods–a tool used widely by Fortune 500 companies–to improve student achievement on their campuses.
"Holdsworth provides practical leadership tools, strategies for building strong teams, and a focus on sustainable, long-term improvements. The insights you gain have a lasting impact on your school's culture, student success, and overall effectiveness."
Principals become more effective and inspired
Principals and their teams are the threads that hold school communities together. Through Holdsworth, they gain the tools to grow and lead with impact.
"Holdsworth is not a one-time learning experience. It is for lifelong learners who aim to make lasting impacts on students and staff. The quality of the content and the vast Holdsworth network is exactly the kind of support campus leaders need."
Principals become more effective and inspired
Principals and their teams are the threads that hold school communities together. Through Holdsworth, they gain the tools to grow and lead with impact.
"Holdsworth is not a one-time learning experience. It is for lifelong learners who aim to make lasting impacts on students and staff. The quality of the content and the vast Holdsworth network is exactly the kind of support campus leaders need."
New school leadership architecture transforms a Central Texas district
With guidance from Holdsworth, Lockhart ISD is making teaching and leading more sustainable and rewarding by spreading leadership and elevating expert teachers. Watch video.
The bench of superintendents statewide is getting stronger
Our aspiration for Texas’ 5.5 million students is an exceptional superintendent leading every one of the state’s 1,200 districts. Holdsworth is committed to improving how superintendents are identified, developed, placed and supported across Texas.
We're off to a strong start. Our programs for sitting and aspiring superintendents provide leaders with coaching, peer networks and real-time application of new skills and mindsets. Of the superintendents who have completed Holdsworth programs:
New & Noteworthy
Dr. Janine Fields, Mesquite ISD | Aspiring Superintendent Leadership Program
In January we welcomed 14 leaders into the first-ever Aspiring Superintendent Leadership Program, a first-of-its-kind program for high-potential aspiring superintendents designed to help leaders gain mastery of skills and mindsets needed to be an exceptional superintendent from day one. Read more.
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde | Superintendent, Dallas ISD
In July, 19 superintendents and 35 trustees joined us for the first Holdsworth Texas School Board Institute, an unparalleled leadership training experience aimed at helping newly elected school board members and superintendents find common values and drive positive change for students in their districts.
"As a new school board member this has changed the trajectory of my work in the best way possible. I feel so lucky and grateful to be starting my school board journey with this under my belt."
The bench of superintendents statewide is getting stronger
Our aspiration for Texas’ 5.5 million students is an exceptional superintendent leading every one of the state’s 1,200 districts. Holdsworth is committed to improving how superintendents are identified, developed, placed and supported across Texas.
We're off to a strong start. Our programs for sitting and aspiring superintendents provide leaders with coaching, peer networks and real-time application of new skills and mindsets. Of the superintendents who have completed Holdsworth programs:
New & Noteworthy
Dr. Janine Fields, Mesquite ISD | Aspiring Superintendent Leadership Program
In January we welcomed 14 leaders into the first-ever Aspiring Superintendent Leadership Program, a first-of-its-kind program for high-potential aspiring superintendents designed to help leaders gain mastery of skills and mindsets needed to be an exceptional superintendent from day one. Read more.
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde | Superintendent, Dallas ISD
In July, 19 superintendents and 35 trustees joined us for the first Holdsworth Texas School Board Institute, an unparalleled leadership training experience aimed at helping newly elected school board members and superintendents find common values and drive positive change for students in their districts.
"As a new school board member this has changed the trajectory of my work in the best way possible. I feel so lucky and grateful to be starting my school board journey with this under my belt."
One Dallas-area superintendent’s journey to confidence in the role
With help from Holdsworth, Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Angel Rivera has grown into his role by focusing on creating a vision for students to succeed and building the community relationships needed to make it happen. Read the full story.
Holdsworth alumni are ready to lead
One quarter of Holdsworth’s 1,286 alumni have stepped into new leadership roles after completing one of our programs, including:
"Holdsworth was one of the best professional development opportunities I've ever attended, which includes 66 hours of doctoral credit at an elite university. I left Holdsworth better equipped to develop the next generation of leaders for our organization."
Holdsworth alumni are ready to lead
One quarter of Holdsworth’s 1,286 alumni have stepped into new leadership roles after completing one of our programs, including:
"Holdsworth was one of the best professional development opportunities I've ever attended, which includes 66 hours of doctoral credit at an elite university. I left Holdsworth better equipped to develop the next generation of leaders for our organization."
In Houston, Holdsworth “brings the joy back” to teaching for alumni
Consistently low scores had teachers and leaders feeling disheartened at a Houston-area elementary. After joining one of Holdsworth’s rigorous leadership programs, they got the time and tools needed to make gains. Watch video.
Leaders in the Permian Basin are making strides through a groundbreaking regional partnership
After one year, 92 percent of educators reported that Holdsworth influenced their district or campus’ focus on achieving excellent and equitable student outcomes. In addition, 100 percent of Permian principals and superintendents made progress on a significant leadership goal, according to their colleagues.
The partnership, funded by a $6.1 million grant from the Permian Strategic Partnership and the Scharbauer Foundation, aims to strengthen the skills of up to 100 leaders and strengthen talent development in the region’s largest school systems.
"We're building a legacy is the way I look at it. With my principals and my district committed to this work, we're going to see the positive difference for many years to come."
Leaders in the Permian Basin are making strides through a groundbreaking regional partnership
After one year, 92 percent of educators reported that Holdsworth influenced their district or campus’ focus on achieving excellent and equitable student outcomes. In addition, 100 percent of Permian principals and superintendents made progress on a significant leadership goal, according to their colleagues.
The partnership, funded by a $6.1 million grant from the Permian Strategic Partnership and the Scharbauer Foundation, aims to strengthen the skills of up to 100 leaders and strengthen talent development in the region’s largest school systems.
"We're building a legacy is the way I look at it. With my principals and my district committed to this work, we're going to see the positive difference for many years to come."
The Permian Basin’s greatest resource: Students and their educators
Learn about the challenges schools in the Permian Basin region face and how a partnership with Holdsworth to provide leadership training for educators is making a positive difference. Read full story.
Teachers go back to classrooms refreshed after weekend retreats
This year more than 250 teachers from Central Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth areas came to the Campus on Lake Austin for a weekend experience curated especially for them. With their needs taken care of, teachers relaxed, enjoyed time with their peers and learned about ways to manage stress and enhance their well-being.
"The Teacher Retreat has been the single most transformative moment in my 27 years of education. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. This retreat reminded me that what I do matters."
Teachers go back to classrooms refreshed after weekend retreats
This year more than 250 teachers from Central Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth areas came to the Campus on Lake Austin for a weekend experience curated especially for them. With their needs taken care of, teachers relaxed, enjoyed time with their peers and learned about ways to manage stress and enhance their well-being.
"The Teacher Retreat has been the single most transformative moment in my 27 years of education. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. This retreat reminded me that what I do matters."
Filling teachers' cups with a weekend retreat
Teacher well-being has a significant impact on the academic success of students. At the Holdsworth retreat, teachers have an opportunity to step back from day-to-day and return to the classroom refreshed. Read full story.
"I don't know of a better way to invest in education than to pour into Holdsworth. Because of Holdsworth, I am a more grounded, centered leader who feels confident moving forward with change to increase student achievement."
"I don't know of a better way to invest in education than to pour into Holdsworth. Because of Holdsworth, I am a more grounded, centered leader who feels confident moving forward with change to increase student achievement."
Support our work today.
At Holdsworth, we are committed to weaving a stronger fabric of leadership across Texas public schools. But we can’t do it alone. One in 10 students across the U.S. attend school here. The unmet need for strong district and school leaders is enormous.
As the need for strong leadership grows, so does the opportunity to make a difference. Your support can help us grow and scale this vital work. Together, we can create lasting change.
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