Senior Executive Director of Federal Programs and Strategic Initiatives Tyisha Nelson has been welcomed into Southern Methodist University’s District Leadership Fellows program. The District Leadership Fellows program is a strengths-based leadership development program that enhances the leadership abilities of established and emerging school district leaders through an intensive year-long cohort. Through collaboration with peers and recognized education experts, Fellows are empowered to solve hard problems in their districts, build their leadership skills, and develop lasting educational leadership networks.
W.R. Fort Elementary Principal Wendy Prater was named a 2024 National Distinguished Principal of the Year for Texas by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Building strong relationships with teachers, students and parents, Wendy Prater has created a positive and collaborative student-centered learning environment at Fort Elementary. Under her leadership, Fort Elementary’s focus on relationship-building has contributed to higher student achievement, teacher retention and community engagement. Mrs. Prater and her school will receive $2,500 each and she will also be recognized at the National Association of Elementary School Principals awards gala in Washington, DC.
Ouida Baley Middle School Principal Angelee Morales was recognized by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2024 Texas Middle School Principal of the Year. Ms. Morales demonstrated excellence in professional development, professional growth, collaborative leadership. She was recognized at the 2024 Texas Association of Secondary School Principals conference this summer - first at the Texas Heroes Award Dinner, and at the general opening session.
Director of Administrative Services Brittany Lancaster was one of 30 principals from school districts across Texas to attend a weeklong summer institute at the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She formerly served as principal of Miss May Vernon Elementary. The Raising School Leaders program is designed to inspire, challenge, and empower school leaders to bring lasting impact to their campuses and communities, the entire state of Texas, and beyond.
Chief Communications Officer Adi Bryant recently completed the Certified Public Communicator® Program at Texas Christian University. This post-baccalaureate, graduate-level residential program builds successful and ethical leaders through experiential learning, strategic communication plan-building, theoretical instruction, case studies and other interactive instruction. Students graduate from the program with three-year communication plans and policies for their organizations, which are put into action during the year with time for testing and revisions before graduation.
Superintendent Dr. Amy Anderson has been invited to participate in The Holdsworth Center’s Superintendent Leadership Program. The current cohort of the program, which began in July, includes 10 learning sessions over 18 months and coaching from a former superintendent with extensive experience. The goal is to help superintendents succeed in their roles and make a lasting impact on the education system they lead and the students and communities they ultimately serve.