The landscape of divisional leadership in private, Christian schools has never been more demanding. Today’s division principals navigate an increasingly complex set of challenges — shepherding staff through a shifting cultural moment, meeting the high expectations of mission-driven families, maintaining deep alignment with the school’s Christian mission, and balancing the dual calling of academic excellence and vibrant spiritual culture. These challenges require wisdom. To support leaders new to division leadership within the last three years, CESA is excited to continue the Wisdom Walk — a division leaders mentorship and cohort experience designed to equip and empower divisional leaders in CESA schools to thrive in their position, build a strong network of like-minded leaders, and cultivate a deep, integrated understanding of leadership rooted in Christian faith and practice.
What to know about the Wisdom Walk:
- The mentorship will begin in September of 2026 and ends in June of 2027
- 1:1 coaching calls and personalized coaching program monthly
- Facilitated monthly cohort calls
- Shared reading and resources
- In-person networking at CESA Symposium
- $2000 Registration includes all sessions and readings (Symposium Registration is NOT included)
- Registration will be capped; registration will remain open until the VERY LIMITED number of spaces are filled.
Meet Your Mentor
Tawanna Rusk, Associate Director of CESA, has led every division in K-12 Christian schools. Her passion for Godly leadership that is transformative for the students, faculty, and families in her care has marked her 20+ years of exceptional leadership.
Tawanna has a deep desire to see the next generation of division principals prepared to lead with uncommon excellence. This year-long walk with Ms. Rusk and the cohort will leverage the wisdom, experiences, and knowledge of Ms. Rusk and those in the cohort to provide a framework and foundation for years of success in the principalship.
Division Leaders Mentorship
“My participation in Wisdom Walk has not been limited to the formal 9 months of meetings and communications. This formal connection with peers paved the way for professional networking and partnership with other leaders — leaders who have become some of my standard go-to resources, generously sharing their time and experiences. This group continues to pray on behalf of each other and connect in ways that are supportive and meaningful.”
“I am deeply grateful for the Wisdom Walk cohort — it has been both a joy and a privilege to learn alongside other Christian leaders. Our time together embodied iron sharpening iron as we explored common challenges and sought biblical solutions that honor the culture of each of our schools. Tawanna is an exceptional mentor who provides insight into our leadership and helps us better understand our own individual leadership styles and the broader picture of how our leadership impacts our school communities.”