The courage to lead with equity isn't just a philosophical stance—it's the foundational prerequisite for effective AI and EdTech implementation in today's educational landscape. Cultivating Courage: Innovative Strategies for Developing a Critical Equity Leadership Identity' establishes the leadership mindset and identity work necessary to navigate the complex terrain of educational technology transformation. Through Lift.ED, we translate these principles into actionable strategic frameworks, helping educational leaders build the courage to ask the hard questions:
Who benefits from our AI implementations?
Which voices are centered in our digital transformation decisions?
How do we ensure our technology choices advance rather than perpetuate existing inequities?
The intersection of courage-based leadership and strategic EdTech implementation isn't coincidental—it's essential. Leaders who have cultivated the courage to confront systemic inequities are uniquely positioned to harness AI and digital tools as instruments of liberation rather than perpetuation of bias.
Cultivating Courage: Innovative Strategies for Developing a Critical Equity Leadership Identity
Workbook is designed to guide leaders in developing a deep understanding of equity issues and incorporating an equity lens into their leadership identity.
Emphasizing critical reflection, self-examination, and innovative strategies, the book encourages leaders to actively engage with and question their perspectives and biases to promote more inclusive and equitable learning and professional spaces.
An early Review: Rediscovering the Algorithms of Cultivating Courage
The authors, Dr. Lanise S. Block and Dr. Naomi R. Taylor, are recognized educators and racial equity leaders in the Twin Cities who bring valuable insights and expertise to the subject. They incorporate innovative strategies from inclusive and social innovation, offering a practical approach that bridges theory to practice. This aims to help leaders translate theoretical concepts related to equity into actionable strategies within their organizations.
A 6-Week Intensive for Education Leaders Ready to Create Schools Where Every Student Belongs
You Know What Your Students Deserve. Now Let's Build the System to Deliver It.
You see the opportunity gaps. You feel the weight of the decisions that impact students' lives every day. You understand that leading for belonging requires more than good intentions—it demands strategic action, courageous conversations, and systems that were designed with all students in mind.
But here's the challenge: Most educational leadership development stops at awareness. You leave workshops inspired but return to the same resistant structures, limited resources, and stakeholders who aren't yet on board.
The Courage Collective Mastermind bridges that gap.
Over six weeks, you'll move through the complete 5Cs framework with Dr. Lanise Block, grounded specifically in educational contexts and supported by fellow education leaders navigating similar challenges.
Week 1: Foundation & Framework
Establish your baseline and identify your sphere of influence as an education leader.
Weeks 2-6: Deep Dive Into Each C
Cultivate, Connect, Challenge, Commit, Lead Courageously
Each 90-minute live session combines:
Guided exploration using the Cultivating Courage workbook and Card Collection
Direct application to your specific educational setting
Peer consultation on challenges you're facing this year
Action planning for immediate classroom, building, or district-level change
Extended learning beyond the workbook, applied to real educational contexts
Real-time guidance for the student-centered decisions you're making right now
Confidence facilitating difficult conversations with staff, families, and community
Practical tools for creating policies and practices that serve all students
A network of education leaders who understand the unique pressures of this work
Ongoing support through the 5Cs Leadership Lab (included with your Mastermind enrollment)
Format: 6 consecutive weeks, Thursdays 1:00-2:30 CST
Dates: November 17 – December 22, 2025
Delivery: Live facilitated sessions (recorded for busy education schedules)
Materials: Cultivating Courage workbook and Card Collection integration
Bonus: Continued access to the 5Cs Leadership Lab monthly sessions
Individual Leader: $897
School/District Team (3-5 leaders): $2,497
Need individualized coaching support? Add 1:1 sessions: $350 per 75-minute session.
The Courage Collective Mastermind is designed for:
Building and district leaders ready to move from vision to action
Instructional coaches supporting teacher development
Teacher leaders influencing culture and practice
Anyone in education facing the daily challenge of creating belonging while navigating constraints
You'll get the most value if you:
Have read Cultivating Courage or are committed to working through it
Are facing real challenges in your school/district you want to address during the program
Can commit to 6 consecutive weeks (we know it's a busy season—recordings support flexibility)
Are ready to be vulnerable and learn alongside fellow education leaders.
Space is limited to ensure meaningful cohort connection. Cohort 1 begins November 17th.
Questions? Email lanise@lifted.consulting