Distinguished programs spotlight 2 MISD leaders

MISD LEADER SELECTED TO ATTEND HOLDSWORTH PROGRAM

Midlothian ISD Chief Academic Officer Shelle Blaylock is among four North Texas educators selected to join The Holdsworth Center’s Aspiring Superintendent Leadership Program (ASLP), a 15-month program designed to equip future superintendents with the skills, knowledge, and experience to lead Texas districts with vision and purpose. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Holdsworth can offer the program to a limited number of candidates at no cost to participating districts.

Blaylock is excited about the opportunity. “I am honored to be selected for the Holdsworth Aspiring Superintendent Leadership Program," said Blaylock. "This opportunity allows me to grow as a leader while directly applying what I learn to strengthen teaching and learning in Midlothian ISD. I am deeply committed to serving our students, staff, and community, and I believe the skills I gain through this program will help me support our district’s continued success both now and in the future.”

This first-of-its-kind program is designed to help leaders gain mastery of the skills and behaviors needed to be an exceptional superintendent from day one. Participants immediately put their learning into action through significant projects created in partnership with their superintendents.

The program hones critical leadership skills like communication, relationship management and decision-making – increasingly vital skills in today’s educational landscape. Participants apply these skills in real-world situations, receiving guidance and feedback from experienced coaches to refine their approach and reach mastery.

MISD LEADER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF DISTINGUISHED EDUCATORS

Midlothian ISD Chief Human Capital Officer Dr. Aaron Williams is among five individuals being recognized by Northwestern State University's Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development. Williams is an alum and is being honored as an Outstanding Young Professional in Education for his significant contributions to the field of education. 

Outstanding Young Professionals in Education must have earned an education degree from NSU and have a minimum of 10 years of service in the field of education. Nominees must have made significant contributions to the field of education and/or the larger community. Nominees must be age 45 or younger.

Williams has provided dedicated service to public education for more than 15 years and currently serves as the Chief Human Capital Officer for the Midlothian (Texas) Independent School District where he provides strategic leadership and oversight of multiple departments. A first-generation college graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern State in 2009, followed by a Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013. In 2018, he completed a Doctorate in Education from The Johns Hopkins University.

Beginning his career as a band director, he quickly advanced into campus administration and curriculum leadership roles before moving into district-level leadership.  Williams has led districtwide initiatives designed to build strong school leaders consistently, intentionally and from within his school community.  At the core of his work is a deeply held belief that when schools invest in their people, there is no limit to what they can achieve.