Building Master Teachers: Key Takeaways from Robyn Jackson at Lead '25

At Lead '25, Dr. Robyn Jackson delivered a powerful and timely message: every teacher in your building has the potential to become a master teacher. In both her keynote address and breakout session, she challenged us to shift our mindsets from managing teachers to building them—with clarity, intention, and support.

As we prepare to launch a new school year, her message serves as both a guide and a call to action. Below are a few key takeaways to reflect on as you shape your instructional leadership work this fall.

1. Every Teacher Can Become a Master Teacher

Dr. Jackson reminded us that master teachers aren’t born, they’re built. A master teacher, in her words, is someone who helps every student meet or exceed rigorous standards, not just some students, and not just sometimes. They are relentless about student learning, strategic in their approach, and committed to their own growth.

Our role as leaders is not to find these teachers but to grow them—intentionally, systematically, and with belief in their capacity.

2. Coach the Will, Skill, and Belief

During her breakout session, Dr. Jackson emphasized that meaningful growth happens at the intersection of will, skill, and belief:

• Will: Does the teacher want to grow?

• Skill: Do they know how to meet expectations?

• Belief: Do they believe their students can learn and that they can reach every learner?

Too often, coaching focuses solely on skill development. But without attending to belief systems and motivation, growth will plateau. Leaders must coach the whole teacher.

3. Shift from Boss to Builder

One of the most impactful ideas was the distinction between being a boss, leader, and builder:

• Bosses focus on compliance.

• Leaders focus on influence.

• Builders focus on transformation.

Builders don’t just manage people—they create the conditions that allow teachers to grow into the best versions of themselves. This shift requires clarity of purpose, consistent support, and an unwavering belief that improvement is always possible.

4. Start with Clarity—Define What a Master Teacher Looks Like

Dr. Jackson challenged each of us to reflect: Have you defined what a master teacher looks like in your building? If not, your team won’t know what they’re aiming for. Builders provide a vision of effective instruction and then offer targeted support to move teachers toward that vision—one step at a time.

5. Coaching Is Not a Fix—It’s a Partnership

In her breakout, Jackson highlighted how coaching is too often used reactively, to “fix” struggling teachers. But true buildership uses coaching proactively to grow all teachers. Effective coaching:

• Builds trust

• Aligns to a shared instructional vision

• Encourages reflection and risk-taking

• Promotes internal accountability over external compliance

A Reflection for the Start of the Year

As you welcome staff back and begin classroom visits, consider:

• How are you investing in your teachers as professionals?

• Are your coaching and feedback systems aligned with a vision of master teaching?

• Where can you shift from managing to building?

Dr. Jackson’s message at Lead '25 was clear: You don’t need to wait for better teachers to show up. You can build them—with the right mindset, the right tools, and a deep commitment to their success.