Flexibility is Your Best Friend!

In my 33 years of leading a school, the power of flexibility has been a cornerstone of my success. Flexibility is not just a trait but a necessity for leadership, especially in education. As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the pivotal moments where being adaptable led to growth and progress. And now, through the programs offered at School Founders Academy, I aim to share these lessons to inspire and guide future leaders in education.

One of the most motivating influences for starting my school was addressing the needs of my own son, a kinesthetic learner. He learned best by doing—building and using his hands. Recognizing that traditional schools often overlooked kinesthetic learners, I decided to create an environment tailored to their needs. I placed a small ad in the newspaper, seeking other parents of kinesthetic learners, and soon assembled my first class of nine students.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. As word spread, more parents sought to enroll their children, even those who were not kinesthetic learners. They were drawn to the school’s philosophy: small class sizes, individualized instruction, and character education. This led to a crucial decision—should I expand the school’s focus to include all learning modalities? My initial vision was specific, but I realized that flexibility was essential for growth. Adapting the school’s mission allowed us to embrace visual and auditory learners while retaining our commitment to personalized education.

The name of the school also needed to evolve. Originally called Hands-On Learning, it no longer reflected the broader community we served. After much thought—and a serendipitous suggestion from a parent of one my kindergartners—he proudly exclaimed that he had the perfect name for the school: Tel-eeee-sis, After some research, starting with the dictionary, I learned he was mispronouncing this word derived from Greek and meaning completion or “planned progress.” It was correctly pronounced: Tel-uh-sis. My flexibility kicked in again and the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. With our planned progress for all students already in place, Telesis was the perfect name for the school. I changed the name that year to Telesis and that is its name today serving students of all learning modalities: visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners. Thankfully, flexibility allowed that to happen.

These experiences highlight a core lesson: flexibility allows leaders to pivot and make decisions that align with changing circumstances. For aspiring school founders, this is a critical skill. At School Founders Academy, our “Start Your Own School” program equips leaders with the tools to adapt their vision while staying true to their mission. Whether it’s designing a curriculum, managing a team, or building a school culture, the ability to remain flexible ensures long-term success.

Flexibility also fosters empathy and emotional intelligence. Leaders who are open-minded can better understand the needs of students, parents, and teachers. This led me to develop the “Telesis Triangle,” a concept emphasizing teamwork among students, parents, and teachers. This collaborative approach strengthens relationships and builds trust—an essential foundation for any educational organization.

Programs like our “Educational Leadership” course at School Founders Academy delve deeply into these principles. Participants learn how to cultivate a growth mindset, encourage innovation, and inspire their teams to embrace challenges as opportunities. By creating environments where people feel safe to take risks and learn from failure, leaders can foster continuous improvement.

On a personal level, flexibility reduces stress and promotes well-being. Leaders who adapt to challenges with an open mind can balance work and personal life more effectively. Instead of rigidly adhering to a plan, they see obstacles as opportunities for growth. This mindset is a key focus in our “Mindful Leadership” program, where participants practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to stay calm and effective in unpredictable situations.

Here are some practical strategies for cultivating flexibility, many of which are integral to the programs we offer at School Founders Academy:

When confronted with obstacles, don’t limit yourself to what seems like the only answer. Flexibility opens the door to new opportunities, people, and experiences. It allows leaders to create innovative solutions and embrace the good that is coming their way.

If you’re inspired by this philosophy and want to bring it to life in your own educational journey, explore the programs at School Founders Academy. Whether you’re starting a new school, enhancing your leadership skills, or fostering mindfulness in your work, our courses provide the support and resources you need to succeed.

Flexibility is your best friend—and at School Founders Academy, we’re here to help you harness its power for a brighter future!