The Academy Group, Inc.’s Post

McDermitt Combined School in rural Nevada shows remarkable progress, evidenced by their improved summative results that increased their state rating. Despite various challenges, the school's focus on high-quality instructional materials and grade-level instruction creates a collaborative and supportive learning environment. The school's success is a testament to the dedication and resilience of the educators, community partnership, and district leadership. You can read the full story here: https://hubs.ly/Q02RqfCD0

A Seat at the Table: Shaping the Future of Public Education Last week, I had the incredible honor of participating in a groundbreaking gathering of superintendents who are members of The Network of Distinguished Educators. Reflecting on this inaugural two-day meeting, I'm filled with profound gratitude and excitement for the future of public education in America. To say I felt blessed to be there would be an understatement. Imagine being in a room where the collective experience, wisdom, and passion for education was only surpassed by each individual's humility and hope for a brighter tomorrow! These leaders, each a powerhouse in their own right, came together with a shared vision: to positively impact public education across our nation. Having a seat at that table - not just to observe, but to actively contribute to shaping the organization's future direction and initiatives - was truly a "pinch me, I'm dreaming" moment. The energy in the room was palpable. Ideas were flying, challenges were being dissected, and innovative solutions were emerging in real-time. No one was disillusioned about the gravity of the work ahead, but what struck me most was the genuine commitment to making a difference. This wasn't about buzzwords or flashy initiatives. It was about rolling up our sleeves and tackling the real issues facing our schools, teachers, and most importantly, our students. As we wrapped up the second day, I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. The road ahead in public education may have its challenges, but with leaders like these at the helm, and organizations committed to meaningful change, the future looks brighter than ever. To my fellow education enthusiasts out there, buckle up! We're in for an exciting ride. The work we've begun has the potential to create waves of positive change across the educational landscape. I'm beyond excited to see where this journey leads and grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in it. Here's to the future of public education – may it be as bright and promising as the students we serve! #EdChat #SuptChat #PublicEducation #EducationalLeadership #FutureOfLearning #GratefulHeart

Shaping the Future's Early Bird Rates end tomorrow! Don't miss your chance to secure your registration at the lowest rate! Shaping the Future is our annual conference where we gather teachers, school and district/division leaders, health and wellness professionals, researchers, Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and wisdom holders, community leaders and programmers, averaging 450 delegates annually. We focus on important topics such as mental well-being, youth leadership, reconciliation and well-being for Indigenous children and youth, physical activity, school leadership, and outdoor learning among many other important issues. Learn more at the link below! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gPYqg-4N

Since joining the board of the Yleana Leadership Foundation last year, I've learned so much about the challenges and inequities that effect first-generation and BILPOC applicants and students as they seek a higher education. If you'd like to learn more about the evolving landscape, please sign up for this panel discussion next week.

Did you know? With the guidance of a mentor, youth are more likely to make positive life choices, graduate from university, and become leaders in their community. 🎓🙋🏾♀️☀️ That’s why our donors support 32 leadership and mentoring programs across our city, helping young Winnipeggers grow strong and dream big. Tap below to learn more about how generous people like YOU are helping bring out the very best in youth. https://lnkd.in/gVk_dWzQ

21/64 Certified Advisors of Color (CAOC) Program is a leadership development opportunity that advances philanthropic advisors and professionals who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) as they build trusting and transformative relationships with donors and, together, move resources in just and equitable ways. With the continued intention of taking responsibility for diversifying the field of philanthropic advising, we envision that this transformational approach will inspire shifts in relationships between donors and professionals, ultimately directing more funds towards organizations and communities dedicated to advancing a more just and equitable world. Given the success of the program's first three years and a continued demand from our colleagues in the field, 21/64 are welcoming applications to launch two new cohorts this coming year: -1- The Approach Cohort dedicated to BIPOC-identifying professionals new to 21/64's Certification and Multigenerational Approach. -2- The Advanced Cohort dedicated to BIPOC-identifying professionals within the 21/64 Certified Advisors network. We invite you to explore both cohort experiences below, and we encourage you to consider applying or recommending a colleague or peer to join us. Click here to learn more about the two programs and their application process: https://lnkd.in/ecGcVqQC

Thank you, Kash Shaikh, for the inspiring conversation with the Spirit of Construction Foundation Emerging Leaders! Your career journey and leadership philosophy deeply resonated with us, leaving us with valuable insights. Key takeaways include: ➡ 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀, 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 — it's about more than just telling people what to do; it’s about helping them excel and inspiring them to be their best. ➡ 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 — the team around you and the company culture can significantly influence your success. Surround yourself with a culture that aligns with your values and principles. ➡ 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 — build an emotional connection, embrace vulnerability, and use constructive criticism as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. ➡ 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 — teamwork, clear expectations, and accountability are crucial for success. Those who stick with you during tough times are the right people on your team and will be there to also celebrate your success. ➡ 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲. Sacrifice, struggle, and suffering are all part of the path to success, which requires both self-awareness and situational awareness. These are essential lessons to keep in mind daily. Thank you, Kash, for sharing your story, from your time at Procter & Gamble and GoPro to launching Baseball United, the first professional baseball league in the Middle East. We look forward to watching your continued success!

Looking for strategies to diversify your CTE workforce and organizations to reach out to or build relationships with to recruit diverse professionals from specific careers? Would you like examples to model? Check out this resource, we know you can't accomplish this task in a vacuum!!

This happened this week to my kids when meeting with teachers! #KnowBetter #DoBetter The Misunderstandings of Monolingual Approaches: A Call for Change For too long, many educators have advised bilingual parents to prioritize English at home, believing that it would help their children succeed academically. While often well-intentioned, this advice is not only outdated but can also harm students and families. Research shows that encouraging bilingualism benefits cognitive development, academic achievement, and emotional well-being. When parents are told to focus solely on English, it dismisses the importance of their home language and culture. This not only puts unnecessary pressure on families but also risks alienating children from their linguistic heritage. Bilingualism is an asset, not a barrier, and students who maintain their home language alongside English often outperform their monolingual peers in the long run. Instead of urging parents to prioritize English over their native language, educators should promote additive bilingualism—encouraging students to become fluent in both languages. Building literacy in the home language strengthens English acquisition, fosters confidence, and creates a bridge between school and family life. It’s time to move away from the harmful misconception that English proficiency must come at the expense of other languages. We must empower families to nurture multilingualism and embrace the richness it brings to classrooms and communities. Educators can make the most impact by shifting from a deficit mindset to one that celebrates the diverse linguistic assets students bring to the table.

Last month with NFBLME: The National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators was powerful, like a rose breaking through the concrete — but this time, we’re making larger cracks for the next generation to bloom through. Being in the presence of other Black and Brown male educators brought an intense sense of unity and purpose. We sharpened each other’s minds, shared wisdom, and held space for real, vulnerable conversations that filled each of us up. Baldwin reminds us, “Our crown has already been bought and paid for. All we have to do is wear it.” And that’s what this fellowship is about. NFBLME’s mission to elevate Black and Latino men into senior leadership isn’t just a goal; it’s a movement. Representation matters, but so does creating a legacy that grows beyond us. We’re widening those cracks in the concrete so future leaders can step in confidently and keep building. This is about impact, legacy, and making our presence last.