“Before Holdsworth I was surviving and at some point sinking. After Holdsworth, I’m thriving in this role.”
Those words from Dr. Angela Dominguez, Superintendent of Donna ISD, ring true for many of the leaders who come into The Holdsworth Center’s Superintendent Leadership Program.
Launched in 2021, the 18-month program is designed to grow and support dedicated, mission-driven leaders who are newer to the role. Since that time, the program has served 46 superintendents across Texas.
According to Holdsworth president Dr. Lindsay Whorton, the superintendent’s role has changed dramatically over the past two decades, but training and support have not kept pace.
“The diverse skills needed to be an effective superintendent are comparable to a Fortune 500 CEO,” Whorton said. “But typically, the job doesn’t come with the same opportunities to study the tenets of great leadership or work with an experienced coach.”
At Holdsworth, superintendents hear from top leadership experts who introduce new ideas and push their thinking. They get clarity on what the role really requires and practice skills in the most high-stakes aspects of their jobs – communicating, navigating community relationships and creating a compelling vision for their districts.
In addition, superintendents connect with their peers from around the state and receive executive coaching from Holdsworth’s superintendents-in-residence.
Our work with superintendents is made possible by the generosity of philanthropic partners like The Powell Foundation, William Knox Holt Foundation, and H-E-B.
Watch the video to hear what leaders like Dominguez have to say about how the program has helped them thrive in the role.
To learn more about the mindsets and skills needed to succeed in the modern superintendency, dig into this article authored by Whorton: Beyond Impossible: Making the shifts necessary to thrive in the superintendent role.
Help shape the future of education by becoming a supporter. Make a gift online or reach out to Bryan Rubio at brubio@holdsworthcenter.org.
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