As a public school superintendent and a Christian, I often reflect on how my faith shapes my leadership. In a role that is both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging, I find strength, wisdom, and guidance in my beliefs. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Deborah Wortham speak at the National Conference on Education, where she led a thought-provoking session titled, "Setting the Atmosphere: Beliefs, Practices, and Protocols for Faith-Filled Educational Leaders." Her message resonated with me in a profound way—not just because of what she has accomplished as a leader, but because she exemplifies what it means to lead with faith, confidence, and conviction in a public school setting.
Faith as a Leadership Mindset
One of the most powerful takeaways from Dr. Wortham’s message is that faith is not just a personal belief—it is a leadership mindset. While public education is a secular space, faith-filled leadership isn’t about preaching. It’s about living out the values of integrity, service, and belief in every student, every staff member, and every community we serve.
She shared how, when she stepped into the lowest-performing school in the state, she didn’t see failure—she saw potential. She leaned into 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight,” as she cast a vision for what the school could become. I really connected with that. So many times, I have faced challenges—interpersonal conflicts, budget limitations, student needs that feel overwhelming—and yet, faith calls me to see past the obstacles and focus on what is possible.
I have had moments in my own leadership journey where I needed to remind myself: Am I walking by faith, or am I getting stuck in the limitations in front of me, including my own thinking? As leaders, we don’t always get to choose the circumstances we step into, but we do get to choose how we respond. Faith means seeing past what is, accepting your own limitations, and leading people toward what can be.
Confidence Fuels Success
Another truth Dr. Wortham shared was how confidence fuels effort, and effort fuels achievement. She described how students, from the way they were spoken to or how they were placed in groups, could immediately tell whether they were being viewed by others as “smart” or “struggling.”
As a superintendent, I see this everyday–both positive and negative examples. The words and attitudes of educators, leaders, and peers have the power to shape a student’s belief in themselves. I think about Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That verse is more than a personal encouragement—it’s a call to action. As leaders, we must speak life and confidence into the people we serve–strengthening them to achieve their potential.
When I walk through classrooms, I pay close attention to the atmosphere. Is it an atmosphere of confidence and encouragement where students are engaged and supported? Or is it an atmosphere of discouragement where students feel like they will never measure up? Leadership is about setting the tone and expectations, creating an environment where students and staff believe they can succeed.
Find Them. Teach Them. Send Them on Their Way.
Dr. Wortham also shared a simple but powerful framework: Find them. Teach them. Send them on their way.
This aligns so clearly with Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his followers to go out, teach, and prepare others. While our mission in public education is not religious, the principle remains the same: seek out those who need support, equip them with what they need to thrive, and set them on a path to success.
- Find them – Identify students who are struggling, staff who feel unseen, and community members who need to be engaged.
- Teach them – Provide not just instruction, but mentorship, encouragement, and belief in their abilities.
- Send them on their way – Make sure they leave stronger, more confident, and ready for their next steps.
This is how I strive to lead in my own professional space. Whether it’s ensuring students get access to high-quality early learning, supporting teachers with meaningful professional development, or helping families navigate the challenges of school and home life. It’s about seeing through the noise of this world and into the divine and to be open to the uniqueness and purpose in every child I am blessed to serve.
The Power of Visualization: The "Final Five" Initiative
One of the most moving stories Dr. Wortham shared was about the "Final Five" initiative, where students who were at risk of not graduating practiced walking across the stage months before the actual event. The simple act of putting on a cap and gown made graduation feel real to them—it gave them a vision of success before they had fully achieved it.
That resonated with me. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” In education, we must constantly help students and staff see beyond their present struggles to the future that is possible. For our students and employees, we may be one of the few in a position to offer real and meaningful support.
I think about the students in my district who come from difficult circumstances—poverty, family instability, or learning challenges. Many of them have never seen a path forward. As leaders, it is our job to partner with them on the path to discovering the options that are open to them. It may be a cliche, but it's still true that if they can see it, they can believe it.
Leading Through Resistance
Leadership isn’t always met with applause. Dr. Wortham shared how, on her first day as superintendent, a local newspaper ridiculed her leadership. Instead of backing down, she stayed focused on the mission.
I know what that feels like. Leadership comes with opposition—especially when you are challenging the status quo. I’ve had to make decisions that weren’t always popular, but I’ve learned that resistance often means you’re doing something that matters. Doing what you know is right may come with costs, both professionally and personally.
Dr. Wortham referenced Nehemiah 6:3, where Nehemiah, despite opposition, says, “I am doing a great work, so I cannot come down.” That is an important reminder to me. When distractions, criticism, or challenges arise, I want to remember: I cannot come down. The work is too important. There are precious people counting on me to stay and fight. I must do everything I can to stay in the race.
Faith in Leadership: Pouring Into Others
Ultimately, what I took away from Dr. Wortham’s message is this: leadership is about pouring into others. Whether it’s students, teachers, parents, or staff, our role is to build them up, give them confidence, and equip them for success.
She closed her session with Esther 4:14, “And who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?”
Being a Christian and a public school superintendent means living out my faith through my leadership, my integrity, and my belief in the people I serve. I am in this position for a reason. I may not always see the full picture, but I trust that my calling is greater than my challenges.
Dr. Wortham’s words reminded me why I do this work. I want to be the kind of leader who sets the atmosphere for belief, for growth, and for transformation. I don’t want to just be an agent of change, I want to be a witness to miracles. To have moments of awe of the amazing grace that God has for all people.
If I could sum it up in one sentence, it would be this: You were called to lead for such a time as this. That’s something I will carry forward. Keep leading. Keep making an impact. Go, with hope, wonder and prayer towards all of the imperfect and wonderful experiences you will collect on your journey. And finally, always be grateful for the honor of being called to do this important work.