In early January, District Leadership Fellows gathered for their Winter Retreat. Fellows shared updates on their individual projects, reflected on their experience to date, participated in a panel discussion and prepared to create impact in their districts in the Spring.
While originally planned to be held in-person at SMU, Texas served up some very wintery weather, resulting a pivot to an online format. After welcoming the cohort, program director Dr. Eric G. Bing turned the floor over to facilitator Dr. James Randle who set up the session on projects reports. Fellows had the opportunity to present a mid-year update on their individual projects, and to solicit feedback they were looking for on their work. They were joined for these presentations by guest facilitators from the Simmons School of Education and Human Development Dr. Karla del Rosal, Dr. Toni Harrison-Kelly, Dr. Prajakt Pande and Dr. Tony Petrosino.
Reconvening in the main room, the cohort then heard reflections from Dr. Bryan Williams, Community Superintendent at Spring ISD. Dr. Williams spoke on his journey in the program, and the 4 ideas and program components that most resonated with him:
- The 4 Disciplines of Execution book study
- The Strengths Finder assessment
- Active Listening communication technique
- Peer Group experience
Dr. Bing then opened the discussion to whole group so the cohort had a chance to reflect on their journey too.
Stephanie Knight, Dean of the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, joined the retreat and led a panel discussion on academic achievement. Panelists Mrs. Hannah Mensah, Mrs. Mary Kennington, Dr. Stephanic Lee and Dr. Bobbie Trevino spoke about the impact they are having with their projects, and how they are growing as leaders through the program.
The Winter Retreat wrapped up with a look forward to the Spring semester.
Applications have opened for the 2025-2026 cohort. To learn more about Institute for Leadership Impact programs, visit our website, email us at leadershipimpact@smu.edu, engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.