Vicksburg, MS — As the Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) prepares to launch the 2025-2026 school year, the district is once again placing a powerful emphasis on leadership development by integrating The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into new employee orientation. From teachers and administrators to support staff, every new team member is being introduced to a framework that is transforming the culture of VWSD schools and aligning everyone around the mission to “Equip every student with the tools and mindset to graduate college, career, and life prepared.”
Over the course of several days, VWSD’s newest hires participated in immersive training rooted in Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits, a foundational piece of the district’s strategic plan and leadership model. This intentional investment not only introduces staff to the district’s vision, but also empowers them with tools to lead from the inside out — both personally and professionally.
A Culture of Leadership
“The 7 Habits are more than content-they are tools that we should use to shape how we think, act, and lead,” said Dr. Regina O’Leary, New Teacher Coach, Professional Development Coordinator, and Leader in Me Coordinator. “By starting our school year with this powerful framework, we are reinforcing our district’s belief that everyone can be a leader, no matter their title or role. This sets the tone for a culture of excellence, collaboration, and purpose from day one.”
New employees engaged in dynamic sessions that explored core habits such as Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, and Put First Things First. These principles are deeply embedded in the daily operations of VWSD’s schools — from classroom management and lesson planning to team collaboration and student mentorship.
Preparing Staff to Lead Learning
VWSD’s leadership model has gained national recognition for its unique approach to embedding character, leadership, and life skills into every aspect of school culture. All schools in the district are Leader in Me schools, which means leadership development is not just a program — it’s a districtwide mindset.
“Our goal is to ensure that our educators are not just teaching academic content but also modeling and instilling leadership habits that will help students thrive for years to come,” Dr. O’Leary added. “We can’t teach what we don’t live. That’s why we start with the adults.”
Equipping for a Successful Year
As buses warm up and hallways fill with excitement, VWSD’s new employees are walking into their schools ready — not just with lesson plans, but with a clear purpose and a shared language of leadership.
“This is how we create consistency across our schools,” said Dr. O’Leary. “Whether you're in a kindergarten classroom at Dana Road or serving lunch at Vicksburg Junior High, we all speak the language of leadership — and that unites us.”
The district’s commitment to developing leaders at every level continues to be a cornerstone of its mission and a key factor in academic growth and cultural transformation.
As the first day of school approaches, one thing is clear: in the Vicksburg Warren School District, every staff member is empowered to lead, and every scholar is seen as a leader in the making.