His work also includes leading efforts to embed trauma-informed care, an approach that addresses the systemic and individual needs of students and educators alike. “We’re weaving these practices into how we engage with students every day. It’s about creating the conditions for both learning and healing,” he said.

How did your TEL experience inform how you lead in your current role?

“TEL was transformational for me,” Dante reflected. “It provided the scholarship and grounding behind the approaches that felt natural to me as a leader; centering humanity, connection, and collaboration.” TEL affirmed his leadership philosophy and introduced him to concrete practices and strategies that he could apply to his work.

One of the most impactful aspects of TEL for Dante was the opportunity to connect with other leaders. “The community was refreshing and a relief,” he shared. “It was a space where I could let my guard down and just be. That time together with others who shared similar values didn’t just fill my cup; it gave me the resolve to keep going.”

Dante credits TEL with helping him navigate the complexities of educational leadership, particularly in a politically and socially divided environment. “It’s easy to feel like a fish out of water when you lead with compassion and care. TEL gave me the tools and the community to stay grounded in those values, even when the work feels isolating.”

What have you learned from your TEL experience about building a beloved community?

“At TEL, I learned that leadership isn’t about dictating decisions but about co-creating solutions,” Dante explained. He has carried this approach into his district leadership, particularly in his work with the district climate workgroup. This group, which includes educators, administrators, and staff, tackles aspects of the whole-child framework such as wellness, discipline, and attendance.

“We built a space where everyone felt their voice mattered,” Dante said. “It wasn’t about me dictating what needed to happen, but about listening, reflecting, and creating together. TEL reinforced the idea of interconnectedness, not just in our decisions but in our knowledge and wisdom. That’s how we move the work forward in meaningful ways.”

How do you stay resilient and compassionate as a leader?

For Dante, resilience comes from being visible and present. “I learned the importance of showing up, not just physically, but with heart and mind. TEL deepened that understanding for me,” he shared.

In a time when educators often feel isolated, Dante believes that fostering authentic connections is more critical than ever. “People want to know you’re there for them,” he said. “It’s not about quick fixes, but about creating spaces of trust and support. TEL taught me how to lead with presence and compassion, even in the most challenging circumstances.”

Final Reflections

“TEL was a spiritual calling for me,” Dante shared. “It nurtured my soul and prepared me to lead with integrity and authenticity. I’m a stronger leader because of it.”

To current and future TEL participants, Dante offers this advice: “Lean into the journey. It’s a rare opportunity to reflect deeply on who you are and how you show up as a leader. The work you do in TEL will ripple out in ways you can’t even imagine.”

Dante Capers continues to inspire through his unwavering dedication to equity, belonging, and transformation. His leadership exemplifies the power of heart-centered action, embodying the spirit of TEL in every step of his journey.

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