For Dr. Ballesteros, a highlight of this summer was being selected as a member of the Spurs Community Leadership Institute, led by Connor Maloney of SAFC fame. As part of a cohort of 25 educators dedicated to strengthening connections between schools and the local community, he participated in sessions focused on wellness, leadership development, and equity. The program began with an orientation at a San Antonio FC home game and a Self-Care Saturday at the Spurs Impact Center in May. These experiences helped him prioritize mental and financial wellness while reinforcing the importance of modeling self-care for others.
Later in June, during the “Leadership in Action” seminar at the Frost Bank Center, he gained deeper insight into his personal leadership style through the DISC personality assessment and explored strategies for leading more effectively within his school and professional circles. Hearing from leaders in SAISD, NISD, and Trinity University during a panel discussion also expanded his understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing public education across San Antonio.
In July, the summer culminated in a three-day leadership retreat at the Holdsworth Center in Austin, where participants examined systemic inequities in education through Dr. Joyce James’ “Groundwater Analysis of Racial Inequities” seminar. Collaborating with fellow educators, Dr. Ballesteros helped develop a proposal to address inequities in areas such as literacy, health and wellness, and college readiness—factors often influenced by socio-economic status, food insecurity, and learning disabilities.
This professional development experience not only strengthened his instructional strategies and leadership skills but also reaffirmed his commitment to student advocacy and lifelong learning. Dr. Ballesteros returns to the classroom this year better equipped to serve his students, support his colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to the broader educational community.
