Atlanta Schools Gather for Catalyze
On November 9-10th, the Baylor Center for School Leadership welcomed 40 educators to its Catalyze retreat in Atlanta, Georgia. Typically held in Waco, Texas, the retreat came to Atlanta through a partnership with the Christian Educators Charitable Trust (part of the Maclellan Foundation) and Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC), which hosted the event.
Addressing Engagement in a Digital Age
Catalyze gives educators time and structure to address a problem of practice and make their schools more joyful places for students and educators. Participants arrived with challenges related to student engagement in an increasingly digital world. Over two days, Dr. Jon Eckert, BCSL Executive Director, led conversations about human flourishing, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. He challenged educators to consider how innovation can support student engagement without losing human relationships.
Participants also explored BCSL’s FEW for School Improvement process, which uses feedback, engagement, and well-being data to inform teaching practices and guide meaningful improvement through tools such as peer observation and coaching.
The participating schools included:
- Fellowship Christian School
- Greater Atlanta Christian School
- The King’s Academy
- King’s Ridge Christian School
- Mt. Pisgah Christian School
- Whitefield Christian School
Educator Perspective
Jessica Bassett reflected on the encouragement and renewed sense of purpose she gained through the retreat, sharing, “Jon and the Baylor team exude warmth and authenticity. I left the experience feeling rejuvenated to pour into my community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to come together with other Christian schools to encourage and affirm the work we are called to do.”
Continuing the Work
Each school left Catalyze with a plan of action to address its identified problem of practice. The work will continue throughout the school year as teams collaborate virtually with the BCSL staff to measure progress. BCSL will host its next Catalyze retreat in Waco, TX, on June 1-2, 2027. Educators are invited to bring a team from their campus to identify an opportunity for improvement.
Learn more about Catalyze and register for the June 2027 retreat.
