Description

In this episode of Lead Her Higher, host Emily MacLean sits down with Sandra Boyes, Executive Director of Professional Learning and Research at Crescent School, to explore what happens when research, relationships, and leadership come together to drive meaningful change in schools. Drawing on a career that spans classroom teaching, school leadership, music education, and educational research, Sandra shares insights on turning research into practice, building professional learning that actually shifts culture, and creating schools where students feel known, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Together, Emily and Sandra discuss what educators are learning about boys, belonging, wellbeing, and character development, as well as the challenges facing young men today. They also explore why sustainable change depends on storytelling, collaboration, and engaging educators as active participants in the work.

Sandra offers thoughtful reflections on leadership, defining success on your own terms, and the importance of serving something bigger than yourself. This episode is a compelling conversation about learning, leadership, and the lasting impact educators can have on the lives of young people.

Key Takeaways

• School improvement only sticks when research becomes real classroom practice.
• The best professional learning is ongoing, collaborative, and embedded in daily teaching.
• The early years shape everything: confidence, identity, literacy, numeracy, and belonging.
• Change works when people understand the why and are part of how it happens.
• Character education should be intentional, visible, and at the heart of a school’s mission.
• Boys thrive when they are known, valued, challenged, and supported by strong role models.
• Women in leadership grow most when they define success for themselves and act before they feel “ready.”
• Leadership is service, built on relationships, purpose, and helping others become their best selves.

Listen to Sandra's story and be inspired to Lead Her Higher.