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We believe strong, inspiring leaders make for vibrant, successful schools.
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Leadership Launch: A week of free virtual learning
Leadership Launch: A week of free virtual learning
Kick off the spring semester with three high-impact learning sessions designed for public education leaders. Whether you’re building stronger teams, leading change on campus, or preparing for a future role, these sessions offer practical insights to help you lead with clarity and confidence.
Apply now thru January 30!
Apply now thru January 30!
A 2-year learning journey for principals and their teams to become stronger leaders and drive positive change for students on their campus.
New School Leadership Architecture by Whorton
New School Leadership Architecture by Whorton
In her forthcoming book, Holdsworth Center President Dr. Lindsay Whorton makes the case that most schools are simply not designed to give teachers the support they need to succeed in a tough job. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The Holdsworth Center News & Updates
The Holdsworth Center News & Updates
Leadership insights, success stories, videos and toolkits for education leaders.
Our Impact
Our Impact
Place the Ladder Event Highlights
Chris Hyams: Responsible AI & Humane Leadership
Chris Hyams: Responsible AI & Humane Leadership
In a candid conversation with Dr. Lindsay Whorton for The Holdsworth Center’s Place the Ladder speaker series, former Indeed CEO Chris Hyams shares his unconventional journey—from addiction recovery and special education teaching to tech leadership and advocacy for responsible AI.
Place the Ladder with Imani Perry
Place the Ladder with Imani Perry
Reimagining Education for an AI Future
Reimagining Education for an AI Future
For our Place the Ladder series, Holdsworth President Lindsay Whorton spoke with marketing guru Roy Spence and venture capitalist Ted Dintersmith about reimagining school.
David Yeager: Lead with a Mentor Mindset
David Yeager: Lead with a Mentor Mindset
For our “Place the Ladder” conversation series, we talked with Dr. David Yeager about the science behind motivating young people.
Admiral McRaven: 4 Key Leadership Insights
Admiral McRaven: 4 Key Leadership Insights
Spurs Leadership: David Robinson's Legacy
Spurs Leadership: David Robinson's Legacy
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Holdsworth Center Events
Holdsworth Center Events
Join us online or in person for our quarterly Place the Ladder speaker series on leadership, or become a sponsor and enjoy recognition at all Holdsworth-hosted events.Join us online or in person for our quarterly Place the Ladder speaker series on leadership, or become a sponsor and enjoy recognition at all Holdsworth-hosted events.
The Holdsworth Center Brand Store
The Holdsworth Center Brand Store
Meet our 2025 Champions of Hope
Dr. Usamah Rodgers
Dr. Usamah Rodgers
As superintendent in DeSoto ISD, Dr. Usamah Rodgers turned a struggling district into one on the rise by driving for excellence and reshaping the narrative to celebrate the bright spots and foster pride among the community.
Cynthia Sullivan
Cynthia Sullivan
When the stakes are high and challenges abound, Texas public educators don’t give up. They show up. Meet Cynthia Sullivan, a teacher in Klein ISD and a Holdsworth Champion of Hope.
Denise De Loera
Denise De Loera
Elizabeth Minto-Bauer
Elizabeth Minto-Bauer
When the stakes are high and challenges abound, Texas public educators don’t give up. They get to work making schools better for all students. Elizabeth Minto-Bauer, Principal in Harlingen CISD, is a Holdsworth Champion of Hope. Watch to see why.
Dr. Bobby Ott
Dr. Bobby Ott
Named 2022 Texas Superintendent of the year, Dr. Bobby Ott spends time listening to people, building relationships and cheering in the stands so students know someone is always rooting them on.
Ashley Chohlis
Ashley Chohlis
Ashley Chohlis is determined to heal and uplift a community still reeling from the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde CISD.
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The secret ingredient to great schools
Driven by the belief that teachers and students thrive with great leadership, The Holdsworth Center builds stronger leaders for Texas public schools. Founded...
Join the Mary Elizabeth Society
Join the Mary Elizabeth Society
Named in honor of our founder’s trailblazing mother, the Mary Elizabeth Society is instrumental in advancing The Holdsworth Center's mission.
Honoring Founding Board Chair Dr. Ruth J. Simmons
Honoring Founding Board Chair Dr. Ruth J. Simmons
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