There is a trust problem in school leadership
3×
High-trust schools are three times more likely to show measurable improvement in student achievement
Bryk & Schneider · University of Chicago · 10-year study of 400+ schools
The good news: trust can be measured, built, and sustained.
The Research is Clear
Trust is not a soft skill. It is the single most significant predictor of whether a school will improve, and the research shows most schools are dangerously underinvesting in it.
70%
Of improvement initiatives fail, and little causal evidence that school improvement initiatives succeed, frequently due to low levels of trust in leadership.
Beer & Nohria’s, HBR / Meyers & VanGronegin, Education Leadership
1 in 7
Low-trust schools had just a one-in-seven chance of academic improvement versus one-in-two for high-trust schools
Bryk & Schneider · longitudinal analysis · Education Week
A bridge to school improvement,
built on six measurable components
of leadership trust.
Beliefs & Values
Connect & Support
Flexible & Involved
Adapt & Contextualize
Culture & Relationships
Clarity & Order
The TrustED® framework equips school leaders and boards to build the trust that drives healthy, sustainable improvement. More than a concept, it is a structured, research-informed model that helps leaders assess, strengthen, and align their leadership practices.
When trust is intentionally developed, schools gain clarity, strengthen culture, and move forward with greater confidence and momentum.
What School Leaders Say
“When one is looking for an expert in a specific professional field for wisdom, advice, and counsel, you want to identify someone who has had significant experience reflected in their overwhelming success. Plus, if you can find someone who is not only professionally gifted but also has high levels of integrity interwoven with a strong foundation of character, then you’ve found someone who could be a very special advisor. In my view, Dr. Toby Travis is that person.”
Dr. Alan Cureton
President Emeritus, University of Northwestern St. Paul
“I have had multiple opportunities to work directly with Dr. Travis. He is a highly effective and trusted coach and trainer who works well alongside school leaders and stakeholders. His positive and encouraging rapport with faculty and staff are also commendable when involved in implementing school-improvement initiatives.”
Janet Hale
Consultant, Best-Selling Author, Curriculum Decisions
Not Sure Where To Start? Here Is A Simple Path
WHERE TO BEGIN
Whether you are new to TrustED® or ready to go deep, there is a clear entry point for every school and leader.
1
Take the Assessment
The TrustEd 360 gives you a data backed picture of where your leadership trust stands across six components.
Receive practical insights from Dr. Travis straight to your inbox. Subscribte to the TrustED® blog.
"Schools don't struggle because of strategy. they struggle because of lack of trust."
Dr. Toby Travis, Developer of the TrustED® framework,
Amazon #1 best selling author.
Amazon #1 · Educational Leadership
TrustED®: The Bridge to School Improvement
The research-backed book behind the framework. Dr. Travis lays out the six components of trusted school leadership with clarity, depth, and practical application. Featured in Forbes and eSchool News. Used by school leaders in over 20 countries.
FREE RESOURCE
Is your school's leadership trust
where it needs to be?
Download the free guide 7 Signs Your School Leadership Has a Trust Problem: a practical diagnostic based on the TrustED® framework, with reflection questions for you and your team. No cost, no obligation.