Culturally Responsive School Leadership

The Culturally Responsive Instructional Leads offer statewide and regional professional learning and Communities of Practice focused on the Culturally Responsive School Leadership Framework. The team also provides principal and district leadership with support and coaching, uplifting culturally responsive practices in the Teacher Development and Evaluation Rubric.

2026-2027 Pathways

The 2026-2027 COMPASS Professional Learning Opportunities downloadable PDF is available on the Minnesota Department of Education website (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Meet the Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership Team

Lydia Lindsoe and Derek Francis stand next to each on stairs outside. — *Lydia Lindsoe and Derek Francis are BrightWorks' Culturally Responsive Instructional Leads.*

Derek Francis is a 14-year educator from the Twin Cities. Some of his previous roles include Executive Director of Equity and School Climate, Manager of Counseling, basketball coach, and after-school cooking club leader. Derek has a passion for creating welcoming and inclusive school environments and empowering school and district leaders to lead from a culturally responsive lens.

Lydia Lindsoe has over 20 years of experience in education, and has served as a Director of Equity Services. She continues to advocate for change within school districts and at the state level, remaining committed to partnering with Metro Area Equity Leaders.

COMPASS Funding Statements

COMPASS is made possible in part using federal funding ALN 84.010, Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies; ALN 84.367A, Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II, Part A); ALN 84.424A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program (Title IV, Part A); ALN 84.173, Special Education – Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities; and ALN 84.181, Special Education – Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities.

State funding for COMPASS is provided by Minnesota Session Law 2025, 1st Special Session, Chapter 10, Article 10, Section 10, Subd. 8; Minnesota Session Law 2025, 1st Special Session, Chapter 10, Article 2, Section 24, Subd. 5; Minnesota Session Law 2025, 1st Special Session, Chapter 10, Article 4, Section 30, Subd. 5; and Minnesota Session Law 2025, 1st Special Session, Chapter 10, Article 12, Section 8, Subd. 2.

COMPASS content does not necessarily represent the official views or policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Minnesota Department of Education.