As educators, we are not taught leadership. We're taught education. Holdsworth teaches us how to lead an organization.”
Paula Patterson
Superintendent, Crosby ISD
Our programs
Our programs impact both people and systems. We grow stronger leaders through our leadership curriculum and coaching experiences. And we help districts build a reliable bench of strong leaders within districts and across Texas.
Educators engage in rigorous professional learning within districts and at our Campus on Lake Austin, a first-of-its-kind setting that allows them to step back from the day-to-day and see their challenges and opportunities more clearly.
Our approach
Everything we do at Holdsworth is based on a philosophy of partnership. We listen to feedback and adapt our plans to provide the support educators need.
We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Each leader or district has a different starting place. We give people the tools to explore their own unique challenges and the skills to drive lasting, positive change.
People learn best through doing. Leaders can apply learning on the job right away and get support improving and refining from Holdsworth staff and their network of peers.
“The learning isn’t a prescription, it’s a facilitation. We were exposed to new ideas and practices from many different sectors, including business, and had the opportunity to make it our own.”
Bobby Ott
Superintendent, Temple ISD
Impact
Facing the greatest challenges of their career, many leaders have told us their work with Holdsworth is like finding a port in a storm. With time and space to envision the big picture and strengthen their knowledge and skills, leaders leave learning sessions feeling empowered and refreshed, their hope renewed.
- In surveys, 99 percent of alumni said they were stronger leaders because of the skills gained through Holdsworth and were more effective at leading change and delivering excellent and equitable outcomes for students.
- 100 percent of districts saw improvement in the quality of principals who are ready to lead after partnering for two years with Holdsworth.
- Of the 68 schools who completed our Campus Leadership Program in 2023-24, 82 percent made progress toward an ambitious student achievement goal they set and worked to achieve for their most underserved students.
“It’s too small to say that I’ve grown here. Holdsworth has awakened me. I came into this program experiencing my role as a job and was considering leaving education. My work with Holdsworth helped me realign to my purpose and calling.”
Lacy Starnes
Assistant Principal, Mesquite ISD
