AUSTIN---Jeffrey Quisenberry, Baker Elementary School Principal, is one of 50 school leaders across Texas selected for a Harvard institute sponsored by the Charles Butt Foundation. The non-profit announced in April it is sponsoring 50 educators from 33 school districts and two charter schools to attend weeklong summer institutes at the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

With these new participants, the foundation will have paid for more than 1,500 educators to attend training at Harvard through the Raising School Leaders program, an initiative designed to develop stronger school leaders who will enhance the quality of education across Texas. “Great teachers, along with strong school and district leaders, represent the most significant influencers of academic achievement and supportive culture,” said Tim Miller, Director of Leadership Development at the Charles Butt Foundation. “Our alumni often report that their Harvard experience is the best professional development they have ever experienced that they return to their campuses energized, inspired, and empowered to make meaningful change that benefits all students.”

For this summer’s institutes, preference was given to school leaders from districts that were considered rural or had a student enrollment of less than 5,000. “As demographics shift in Texas, we recognize that the needs of schools in rural and smaller districts are unique. Creating a space for school leaders in rural and smaller districts to find commonalities, problem solve, and build a network of support is an important component of this year’s program,” added Miller.

Alumni are sponsored to attend the organization’s biannual leadership symposium and receive continuous support and professional development.