With the goal to strengthen school leadership, Harris County Department of Education’s Center for Educator Success (CES) recognized the completion of its inaugural Lead Strong Academy in celebratory fashion.

Held June 1 at HCDE’s Adult Education Learning Center, the cohort, which was comprised of campus principals representing Aldine, Alief and Sheldon independent school districts, met with CES and Department leadership to celebrate its nine-month professional development journey. The academy curriculum centered on developing school climate and culture, strengthening instructional practices, investing in staff growth and fostering family and community engagement.

HCDE’s collaborative approach to empowering area leadership featured Department leaders serving as guest speakers. Superintendent James Colbert Jr. presented on crafting a leadership set, while Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Tyrone Sylvester joined an administrators panel and also presented with Director of Human Resources Stacie Gibson on talent development.