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.

2025-2026 Pathways

Expand/collapse the sections below by clicking on the title or the '+' symbol.

More information about Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership Pathways, including MnMTSS Framework Alignment and Aligned Support, are described on pages 43-44 in the 2025-2026 COMPASS in MnMTSS catalog (scroll to the bottom of the MDE COMPASS web page).

Culturally Responsive School Leadership Series
Instructional Feedback, Coaching and Observation Practices

Culturally Responsive School Leadership Series

Audience: District and building leaders

Grounded in the transformative practices developed by Khalifa, Gooden, and Davis (2016), this collaborative learning opportunity will support school leaders who regularly navigate critical conversations about equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive education. Through interactive learning experiences, meaningful dialogue, and collaborative leadership development, school and district leaders will gain essential tools, increased confidence, and a supportive community that enables them to lead with clarity and conviction in their educational settings.

Participants will develop in their self-efficacy to lead in the context of today’s political climate, explore what it truly means to be a culturally responsive school leader, and build a network of like-minded leaders committed to equity and student success. More than a learning series, this is intentional and actionable work to create inclusive, affirming schools where each and every student thrives.

Dates and Times

Meetings take place on Thursdays from 12:00-1:30 pm on these dates:

9/18/2025, 10/23/2025, 11/20/2025, 12/18/2025, 1/15/2026, 2/19/2026,

3/19/2026, and 4/16/2026.

Instructional Feedback, Coaching and Observation Practices

Audience: Principals, instructional supervisors, directors, instructional coaches, Q-Comp leaders, superintendents, executive directors, and coordinators.

This pathway guides participants through culturally responsive and responsible instruction, exploring their impact on student learning and how they can be effectively modeled. Participants will also examine meaningful instructional feedback and coaching strategies. Through critical reflection on current practices, instructional frameworks, and observation and feedback cycles, educators will have the opportunity to develop actionable plans for continuous improvement.

Dates and Times

Meetings take place on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30 pm on these dates (choose fall or winter start):

Fall Start: 10/1/2025, 10/15/2025, 11/5/2025, 11/19/2025, 12/3/2025, and 12/17/2025.

Winter Start: 1/21/2026, 2/4/2026, 2/18/2026, 3/4/2026, 3/18/2026, and 4/1/2026.

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.