BES Programs Come Together in Houston for Impactful Training & School Visits

BES recently hosted K-12 leaders across several programs for impactful leadership development and training in Houston, Texas. From Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, 2025, they immersed themselves in learning, collaboration, and reflection alongside peers who share their commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students.

In their respective programs, leaders strengthened their leadership practices and deepened their capacity to lead high-performing and equitable schools:

• As 2026 BES Fellows build on their school models and Follow On Support leaders gear up to open their own schools, they were inspired by perspectives of school leaders, parents, and students who shared the strengths and challenges they faced on their campuses.
• Cohort members in the inaugural School Management & Leadership Accelerator recently kicked off their eight-month journey and spent time visiting exemplary schools to learn how they are creating positive team cultures.
• Leadership Intensive participants also visited schools and engaged in team training over two or three days centered around crafting and communicating a leadership narrative that inspires, builds trust, and galvanizes their teams.

Seeing strong schools in action is an integral part of leader training across BES programs. Thank you to those hosted and shared their learnings with our leaders:

• A+ Up Charter School
• BakerRipley Community Schools
• Étoile Academy Charter School
• Eight Million Stories
• Harmony School of Discovery
• Southwest College & Career Prep Academy
• YES Prep East End Secondary

Hear from a few school leaders who left Houston energized and equipped with new tools, perspectives, and connections to strengthen their journey ahead:

“I truly enjoyed our training sessions. We were able to truly come together and talk about our shared visions for our schools with like-minded leaders. That’s something that sometimes at a standalone charter school, I’m not able to do. So to be a part of a think tank of individuals working towards the same goal and having students of the same demographics was truly impactful for me.”

Genesis Parker, Leadership Intensive participant
Managing Director of Schools, Memphis College Prep (Memphis, TN)
Memphis College Prep was founded by 2008 BES Fellow Michael Whaley and is currently led by Parker.

“The last few days have been incredible. It’s created almost a rejuvenated inspiration for me. Sometimes working by yourself can feel like you’re in a silo, so I loved coming to these school visits and being with the entire BES team. It was empowering to hear from students and parents, as well as educators, and to see the amazing work that they’re doing to transform education beyond what’s happening in the classroom.”

Dr. Jay Samant, 2025 BES Fellow
Build Track – Character & Equity Fellow (Phoenix, AZ)

“I really enjoyed forming connections with other educators who are here and learning from them and their questions. I was really inspired by every school we visited and their ability to present data and think strategically about how they’re communicating to their staff, their priorities, their vision, and how regardless of their context, they’re finding ways to motivate their staff to improve student outcomes.”

Amanda Larson, 2025 BES Accelerator
Middle School Director of Operations at Boston Preparatory Charter School (Boston, MA)
Boston Prep was founded by 2002 BES Fellow Scott McCue and is currently led by Meekerley Sanon.

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Want to join us for our next in-person training and school visits?

Attend our upcoming Leadership Intensive (LI) from Feb. 9-11, 2026 in Atlanta, GA. Centered around Inspiring, Equipping, and Motivating Teams, this LI will help guide K-12 leaders and teams to both a strong close and strong start in 2026. Participants will explore varying models for success during school visits and engage in team training sessions that include strategic planning for next school year as well as workforce engagement and recruitment.
Schools who enroll at least 4 leaders receive a 10% discount (available at check-out). The deadline to register is Jan. 5, 2026. Learn more and register here >