Jayson Baker Freeburg Calls for Stronger Leadership Development in Education

Jayson Baker of the Southern Illinois and St. Louis region urges schools and communities to invest in leadership growth, brain-based learning, and support systems for educators.

ST. CLAIR COUNTY, IL / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2026 /Across the country, schools are facing pressure from teacher burnout, leadership turnover, and shifting academic expectations. Education leader Jayson Baker believes the solution starts with investing in leadership development and professional growth at every level of a school system.

"Success is making a positive impact, moving with integrity, and working toward continual personal and professional growth, " Baker said. "If we want stronger schools, we need stronger leaders who are constantly learning. "

The urgency is real. According to national education data, nearly 44 percent of public schools reported teacher vacancies entering recent school years. Principal turnover rates have also climbed, with some studies showing that about 1 in 5 principals leave their role each year. Research consistently links leadership stability to improved teacher retention and student achievement.

Baker says the conversation needs to shift from short-term fixes to long-term development.

"You need to understand how schools and businesses work, know how the brain learns, and have the courage to advocate for vulnerable and marginalized people, " he said. "Leadership is about caring deeply and having the communication skills to inspire others. "

Early in his career, Baker conducted action research in his classroom to test instructional strategies based on how the brain processes information. That experience reshaped his thinking.

"Realizing that there were more effective ways to teach than what I experienced as a student was difficult to wrap my head around, " he said. "But stepping out of my comfort zone and teaching with the brain in mind became the biggest success I could ask for. "

Research supports that approach. Studies in cognitive science show that instructional strategies aligned with how the brain encodes and retrieves information can significantly improve long-term retention and student engagement. Schools that invest in professional development tied to instructional science often report measurable gains in student performance.

Baker believes leadership development must follow the same model.

"Making difficult decisions can be challenging, especially when they are not popular, " he said. "I measure my decisions against what is best for those under my charge. "

He also emphasizes strategic goal setting. In one major initiative, Baker wrote and secured a $500,000 grant from the Department of Defense to expand opportunities for students. He credits that achievement to disciplined planning and milestone tracking.

"I imagine myself in successful situations and plan realistic, specific steps toward my goals, " he said. "I measure long-term success by hitting short-term milestones. It 's baby steps instead of a giant leap. "

National surveys show that schools with strong professional learning communities and leadership coaching programs see higher staff morale and improved collaboration. Yet funding for leadership training often lags behind other priorities.

Baker argues that leadership development should not be viewed as optional.

"Learning is about the journey, " he said. "The real growth happens on the road to results. Even when you fail, a growth mindset helps you see success in learning from mistakes. "

He also stresses the importance of personal discipline and reflection.

"I rely on my support system, daily reflection, and prayer to keep me on the right track, " he said. "You cannot lead others well if you are not growing yourself. "

A Call to Action

Baker encourages educators, parents, and community members to take ownership of leadership growth in their own lives.

He suggests three simple actions:

• Commit to daily learning, even in small ways

• Seek feedback and reflect honestly on growth

• Support professional development opportunities in local schools

"When you enter leadership, it 's less about balance and more about being fit for the roles you have, " Baker said. "Be intentional. Identify needs. Take action. "

He believes sustainable change starts with individuals choosing growth.

"Perseverance and a strong work ethic opened doors for me, " he said. "Those same traits can strengthen our schools if we commit to them. "

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Jayson Baker

Jayson Baker is an education leader based in the Southern Illinois and St. Louis region. His career includes roles as a teacher, coach, principal, athletic director, instructional coach, and consultant. He is known for his focus on leadership development, professional growth, and grant writing, including securing a $500,000 Department of Defense grant. Baker advocates for brain-based learning, disciplined goal setting, and leadership rooted in integrity and impact.

Contact: Info@JaysonBaker.com

SOURCE: Jayson Baker

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