Building Bridges at Advent: Collective Leadership in Action
At Advent Episcopal School, our collaborative leadership approach empowers our amazing faculty and staff while creating an environment for students where learning outcomes are boundless. Recently, Advent Upper School Director Ben Burgess, was featured in SAIS’s Signals blog, discussing his experience as an administrator and the impact of Advent’s collective responsibility for the care of our students. Below, we share some of his primary insights and reflect on what collaboration at Advent will look like in the future. [Read the full SAIS Article Here]
Collaborative Decisions That Last
When there is buy-in among faculty, staff, and families, everyone wins. Advent’s open-minded approach to input from a community that is deeply invested is key to our success. With a 75-year legacy, Advent Episcopal School has established a solid foundation that continues to allow the school to grow and innovate. Christina Jackson, a parent, alumna, and current Advent staff member, has seen the impact firsthand:
“I’ve seen Advent’s inclusive decision-making create lasting practices, like the way faculty input has shaped curriculum updates and how community feedback has influenced school traditions. As both an alumna and faculty member, it’s meaningful to see how our voices truly lead to changes that endure.”
It is important to note that these collaborative decision-making practices have taken time to establish and refine at Advent. This measured approach ensures that everyone at Advent has a role in shaping the school.
Equipping All Faculty and Staff
In his SAIS article, Mr. Burgess emphasizes the power of having one’s ideas and opinions valued. The encouraging professional environment that has developed at Advent is no accident. From the top administrator to the newest hire, every voice is considered. First-year faculty member Nancy Harrington shares, “My input and any concerns I may have are deeply valued by our team. I’ve found my input is always respected and affirmed.”
Leadership and team meetings are intentionally designed to foster open discussion. Decisions are not made in isolation but instead reflect the input of the entire community. By leveraging expertise, unique talents, and potential, Advent ensures that the school continues to grow into the best version of itself.
A Future Shaped by Us
Advent’s vision to be a beacon of excellence in teaching, learning, and belonging in the heart of downtown Birmingham is already a reality. Our students are some of the clearest examples of our collective approach to leadership. Students take ownership of school culture through programs like SGA and Acolytes, carry out practical responsibilities by serving in groups like NJHS and Cross & Shield, and share ideas across grades through our buddy program. Our future is clearly an ongoing process, shaped collectively by students and staff. Many of the decisions we make today directly impact the educational opportunities and experiences students will have for years to come. Advent’s cross-functional operations create efficiency and allow faculty and staff to make student-centered choices that truly benefit learners.
As Advent celebrates 75 years of educational excellence, we are proud to be recognized by SAIS for our commitment to collective leadership. Their feature highlights what we know to be true: when decisions are made together, our students, faculty, staff, and families all thrive. We invite you to join us in shaping the future of Advent, where collaboration continues to create meaningful opportunities for every student.
To learn more about our academics at Advent Episcopal School, please see the link below.
