Holdsworth partnership
At Holdsworth, we believe strong, inspiring leaders make for vibrant, successful schools. That belief is backed by research showing that highly effective principals can raise achievement in their schools by as much as two to seven months of learning in a single year.
We start by giving individual leaders the inspiration, tools and resources needed to grow. Then we help them take what they’ve learned and adapt it, creating the cultural environment and systems needed to move other leaders through the pipeline in a thoughtful way.
Over time, our belief is those systems will become stronger by consistently cultivating leaders who can push student achievement levels to new heights.
We also believe the most enduring work is done by teams. That’s why we involve superintendents, central office administrators, principals and their core teams in the 5-year partnership.
Future cohorts
Applications for the 2023 cohort will open in Fall 2022. If you are a district leader interested in joining a future cohort or in receiving information about other learning opportunities, click below to sign up for notifications.
Sign upOur approach
Our programs are designed with the belief that 70 percent of a leader’s development occurs through job-related experiences, 20 percent from interactions with others or coaching, and 10 percent from formal educational events. We strive to deliver learning experiences that span all three areas of a leader’s development. Working with teams allows us to bring a job-embedded component into every session we deliver.
Our theory of action is that stronger leaders will build stronger systems that achieve stronger results for students.
How we invest in campus leaders
Campus Leadership Program
Starting in the second year, cohorts of school principals and their teams take a two-year learning journey similar to district leaders, which includes executive coaching for principals. They also tackle a significant challenge tied to school culture and student outcomes. Rolled out in four phases, the program aims to serve 50 percent of campuses in each partner district over the five-year period.
Learn moreProgram timeline
Why Holdsworth?
We believe the benefit of a Holdsworth partnership is the potential boost in student learning that comes when great leaders are guiding schools. To help education leaders build an environment where students and teachers thrive, we provide opportunities to:
Learn from expert faculty and guest lecturers such as Hitendra Wadhwa from the Institute for Personal Leadership at Columbia University, Liz City from Harvard University, Jill Sharp from the Human Performance Institute, and Sydney Finkelstein, author of “Superbosses” and faculty director at Dartmouth University. Topics include personal leadership, communicating your vision, change management, team dynamics, coaching and mentoring, culture building and more.
Leverage embedded support from Holdsworth staff to help implement your strategic plan.
Learn MoreReceive personal coaching and feedback throughout the program to help refine skills and apply learning.
Learn MoreBuild close relationships with peer educators, forming a network that will support you throughout your career.
Learn More
Districts in the Holdsworth Partnership
North Texas
- Arlington ISD
- Cedar Hill ISD
- Dallas ISD
- Garland ISD
- Grand Prairie ISD
- Mesquite ISD
Central Texas
- Lockhart ISD
- Round Rock ISD
Southeast Texas
- Aldine ISD
- Klein ISD
- Lamar ISD
- Spring ISD
South Texas
- East Central ISD
- Judson ISD
- Harlingen ISD
- Laredo ISD
- Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
- Southwest ISD
- Victoria ISD