Leading and managing change is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—aspects of school leadership. Ten years ago, I had the extraordinary opportunity to open a public school of choice in Arlington, Texas: Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. The previous building had been low-performing and overcrowded, and the community was eager for innovative opportunities at the elementary level in North Arlington. With a new name, mascot, renovated building, curriculum, and vision, we set out to create a school where learning came alive—a place where creativity, language, culture, and the arts were woven into every child’s experience.
From the start, our work was guided by questions beyond “How the heck are we going to do all this?” We asked: What will this look like for our students? What systems and supports do we need to help teachers integrate creativity, language, culture, and the arts into daily instruction while maintaining high academic standards? As our practices evolved, another critical question emerged: How can professional learning, planning structures, and collaborative practices align with our school’s vision? These guiding questions shaped our decisions, strengthened our culture, and reinforced a commitment to purposeful, student-centered innovation. Below are some leadership lessons I’ve learned along the way, along with other tips for school leaders.
1. Identifythe Why – Inspire Purpose and Possibility
Change begins with clarity of purpose. Launching Jones Academy meant articulating a bold vision and helping staff and families see what was possible. Our mission went beyond offering choice; it was about cultivating an environment where creativity, culture, and the arts enhance academic achievement. Purpose fuels persistence, sparks innovation, and inspires teachers and students alike.
2. Embrace Flexibility and Adjustments
Transformation is rarely linear. And it can be messy, especially when building a master schedule that includes piano, general music, two visual arts classes, dance, theater, and a dual language model. Early on, we realized our original two-way dual language model didn’t meet the needs of our students, who were not evenly split between Spanish and English speakers. We transitioned to a dual language immersion model, added a targeted Spanish conversation class, provided scaffolding strategies, and offered intensive teacher training. We eliminated a Chinese class, moved sixth grade to junior high, and continuously refined arts integration to meet instructional goals. Flexibility ensures vision aligns with reality and turns adaptation into a tool for success rather than a setback.
3. Empower Teachers to Take Risks
Innovation thrives when teachers are encouraged to experiment and collaborate. At Jones, we embraced stepping outside comfort zones and “failing forward.” Co-teaching and inclusive practices were extended into the fine arts, so general education teachers now accompany students to fine arts classes at least once a week. Pairing teachers who might not naturally work together fostered collaboration, cross-disciplinary learning, and richer student experiences. Leadership is about driving out fear and fostering safe spaces where experimentation and growth can thrive.
4. Prioritize Professional Learning and Planning
Intentional lesson planning is crucial, especially when instructional minutes are limited. We structured time for teacher collaboration—not only for content planning, but also for language, arts, and cultural integration—while addressing students’ unique learning needs. Professional development was designed to support instructional innovation, reinforce our vision, and celebrate student growth.
5. Tell Your Story – People and Purpose Matter
Effective change requires intentional communication. Sharing successes with parents, staff, and the community, leveraging social media, and maintaining a strong hiring mindset aligned with our vision strengthened school culture. Celebrating achievements—both big and small—reinforces commitment and highlights the human impact of educational transformation. Even setbacks are important: if you don’t tell your story, someone else will.
Leading a school through 10 years of transformation has been a journey of reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning. By aligning purpose, systems, and people, schools can create environments where creativity, culture, and academics flourish side by side. Change is never easy, but with vision, flexibility, and empowered educators, meaningful transformation is possible—and every classroom can become a brushstroke of brilliance.
Katiuska Herrador leads the Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language in Arlington, Texas, where she guided the school’s transformation and opening in 2015. She has completed leadership programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Holdsworth Center, the NAESP Leadership Immersion Institute and the Cahn Distinguished Principals Fellowship program. An active TEPSA member for 15 years, Katiuska has served as Region 11 President, Region 10 officer, and on the state Advocacy Standing Committee. She has presented at multiple state conferences and is passionate about multilingual education, arts integration, leadership development and bringing fun to school!
