SLC Year 2: Growing and Learning

"I knew where I was that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come-if alive." - William T. Grant

Reflecting on an Incredible Year with SLC

It’s been an incredible year—full of hard work, long hours, and more travel than I can count. My last post was back in the fall of 2024, and since then, so much has changed. From building new relationships with districts to strengthening partnerships with current clients, the work has continued to grow. I am deeply grateful for the trust schools and leaders have placed in Steenport Leadership Coaching (SLC) and for the level of service we’re able to provide. One thing is clear: SLC is here to stay, and we’re growing in a big way.

Celebrating Results

As I shared on social media, the 16 schools I partnered with last year saw an average 6-point increase in their overall TEA accountability ratings—with some campuses improving by as much as 30 points! For those unfamiliar, this rating is a key measure of school performance in Texas. These results speak directly to the relentless dedication of principals and their teams. Despite the daily challenges, they stayed focused on classrooms, student learning, and building teacher capacity. With 23 schools on the docket this year, I’m confident we’ll continue to see strong progress.

Expanding Partnerships

In the spring of 2025, SLC began work with Del Rio CISD and expanded in Sheldon ISD. In Del Rio, we facilitated districtwide learning around Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Response to Intervention (RTI), and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Our sessions weren’t static—we gathered daily feedback, adapted in real time, and ensured staff felt ownership of the systems being built.

In Sheldon ISD, we helped campuses develop PLC calendars and launch Guiding Coalitions, which later led to a deep partnership with H.M. Carroll Elementary. There, we not only strengthened academic and behavioral systems but also put intentional focus on campus climate and culture.

Middle School Redesign in Del Rio CISD

Perhaps our proudest work so far has been the Middle School Redesign in Del Rio CISD. With three new middle schools opening in 2025, we partnered with principals, Guiding Coalitions, PBIS teams, and full staffs to build a shared vision for both academics and behavior.

Over the spring and summer, we:

• Built clarity around frameworks for teaching, learning, and behavior.

• Empowered teacher leaders to take ownership.

• Facilitated multiple days of capacity-building with leadership teams and entire staffs.

• Collected feedback throughout to refine the process.

By the end, each campus had concrete academic and behavioral goals and systems in place to guide the year ahead.

Looking Ahead

SLC is now serving 23 clients across Texas, including a new partnership with Georgetown ISD. Their district has set a bold but clear goal: no “D” or “F” schools. With strong leadership, clear expectations, and the right systems, we’re excited to help them achieve it.

We’re also continuing to support first-year principals in Del Rio, helping them establish strong academic priorities and prepare assistant principals for future leadership roles.

And on top of all this, SLC is growing our own team. We’re seeking coaches and facilitators with a proven track record in teaching and learning, capacity building, relationship building, and systems leadership. Expanding our team will allow us to support even more schools—both in Texas and beyond.

Final Thoughts

At SLC, we remain honored to serve our clients and energized about what lies ahead. We’re committed to building capacity, strengthening systems, and helping schools achieve real results.

If you know of districts, schools, or leaders looking for support—or if you know someone interested in joining our team—please reach out or share our story. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.