BES Accelerator Testimonial Stephen J. Robertson (Cleveland, OH)

In 2025, BES debuted the School Management & Leadership Accelerator, a cohort-based leadership development program designed to build a diverse and dynamic network of strategic and high-performing school leaders.

Through a comprehensive approach to school management and leadership, this eight-month program comprised of school visits, training workshops, 1:1 coaching, and a capstone project builds upon the foundations of our former LENS program and helps participants who are in the first five years of their leadership role bring operational excellence to their schools.

Stephen J. Robertson, Assistant Principal at Breakthrough Southeast in Cleveland, OH, is a leader in the BES Accelerator’s inaugural cohort. Take a look below at what he had to say about his experience in the program.

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Joining the BES Accelerator

“Through the BES Accelerator, I deepened my ability to navigate adaptive challenges through the lens of my identity and lived experience. I learned how to drive impact at the grade-level and systems level rather than relying on individual effort, and how to operationalize new ideas in ways that build momentum instead of draining capacity.

One of the most meaningful shifts was clarifying the distinction between leadership and management. Particularly how to lead through vision while building systems that sustain execution. In my current role, where I must balance being both manager and coach, the program strengthened my ability to build trust, navigate complex dynamics, and meet the needs of my environment.”

Support from BES

“BES showed up for me through both coaching and relationships. I had the opportunity to work closely with Jabari Peddie, who consistently asked rigorous questions, offered timely nudges, and brought deep experience and a results-driven mindset grounded in one central focus: Is this the best decision for scholars?

Across the organization, BES staff balanced professionalism with humanity. They centered joy, intellectual challenge, and action, while also ensuring operational excellence from seamless events to thoughtful logistics, great food, and smooth transportation creating an environment where leaders could fully focus on growth and impact.”

Proudest Moments

“This past fall, I faced the challenge of holding two full-time roles simultaneously, Dean of Culture and Assistant Principal, during a period when staffing shortages created inconsistency in students’ educational experiences, limited access to activities, and increased behavioral challenges.

In response, my team and I reset the culture while still short-staffed, continued making academic gains in Math and ELA, and rebuilt strong relationships with families. Watching students rise to the moment with resilience and courage during such a demanding season affirmed the strength of our community. The same was true of our staff, we collaborated, debated, and stayed committed, ultimately helping students and families move toward meaningful growth and success.”

Empowering the Next Cohort of School Founders

“Don’t hesitate, take the leap. Just know that BES is an active investment, not a passive one. Where you put your money, your hands, head, and heart must fully lean in. The growth you get is directly tied to what you’re willing to bring.

The only thing I wish I had known sooner is that I could, and should, have done this earlier.”

Gratitude

“I’m deeply grateful to my coach, Jabari, the operations team, and the many people and organizations who make this work possible. My biggest reflection is this: trust the process. The pathway often matters more than the destination you initially have in mind.”

Learn more about the BES Fellowship at bes.org/fellowship.