Thank you for the profound impact you have on each individual student. The relationships you build and the belief you hold in your students’ potential are not small things; they are the foundation of growth. When students feel seen, known, and believed in, they begin to believe in themselves. That sense of self-efficacy changes how they approach challenges, how they persist, and ultimately what they are able to achieve.

This is where the most meaningful learning happens. Confidence, built through your encouragement and expectations, becomes the engine for increased ability. Students don’t just learn more, they become more.

As Mike Schmoker reminds us, “The single greatest determinant of learning is not socioeconomic factors or funding levels; it is the quality of instruction.” What you do each day, through your relationships, your belief, and your instruction, matters more than anything else in a student’s educational experience.

Thank you for the difference you make, one student at a time.

This week, we’re pleased to recognize Justin Pitcher, the principal of Cottonwood High. Here’s what some of his educators said about him:

“Justin’s new to Cottonwood this year and already feels like a life-long Colt. He is tireless in his pursuit of raising the bar of excellence at our school. Everything from student attendance, to academics, to our physical building has been assessed for improvement. All the while, Justin leads with his warm, high-energy, positive leadership style. He values transparency and candor and exercises respectful, open dialogue amongst staff. He is the energy that Cottonwood needs. He fights for us and truly believes we can be better. His outsider viewpoint helps us to change old habits and breathes new life into our school. He regularly roams through classes and is always encouraging. His communication with staff is great and I feel like he is genuinely on Cottonwoods side. He is very positive and loving but still has high expectations. Because of his positive leadership, teacher’s want to do better and feel enabled by his administrative style. Even when he has to negatively critique an area where growth is needed as an educator, there is no shame. Just professional growth where he makes you feel good about all the great things you are doing and makes you want to be even better as a teacher.”

Thank you, Justin! We sincerely appreciate all the effort you put into supporting your students, educators, and the community of Cottonwood High.