Teacher Preparation Authority
Teacher shortages and turnover aren’t just about pay, preparation, or pipelines—they reflect the culture. Schools thrive when communities unite around shared values, and leaders build environments where expectations come alive. I’ve seen this my whole career, and so has Rich—and he’s not just talking about it.
Dr. Charles Coble, an international authority on teacher preparation and development, and past Vice President of the Education Commission of the States
Principal-Director
Rich helped us, as a new school, dig deep to understand and fully flesh out our shared values, and then to integrate and live those values throughout the school. The shift takes time, but for us it has paid dividends over the years by creating a cohesive group of adults moving forward toward a shared educational vision.
- Tammy Finch, K-8 Director of The Expedition School - one of North Carolina’s highest-rated public schools.
Principal
I put my heart and soul into the school, and I was concerned that, like so many other schools that lose a long-term leader, the turnover rate would soar and damage the program we had built together over so many years. … Rich’s guidance was completely successful. After I left, the turnover rate did not spike, and the framework remains in place years later.
- Mitch Stensland, retired principal of Chatham Central High School (NC)
Superintendent
A people-centric culture — one that truly nurtures students, families, and employees — is what sets a school system apart. Whether you are new to the superintendency or your board and team are ready to elevate your work, I encourage you to speak with Rich. Our experience with him was very positive, and we look forward to partnering with him and Gayle again.
- Dr. Markley, former superintendent of New Hanover County Schools and chair of North Carolina’s large school district leadership group
Practician
For years, I, like Rich, have partnered with People Ink. Today, that framework is woven into the cultures of all five universities in the Texas Tech system. As a result, students, faculty, staff, future health practitioners, and graduates are thriving and growing in ways that were not possible before.
- Steve Sosland (ret.), Leader and Culture Development Vice Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System
Compassion Health Care
(Referral from an initial partner school.)
We incorporate our values into everything we do, starting with hiring & onboarding. Our staff embodies our core values because these principles are not just words on paper—they guide every aspect of how we care for our patients and interact with our community. Through quarterly staff meetings focused on our built-on-values model, regular recognition of value-based behavior, and open discussions about the importance of these values, our team is deeply committed to living them out daily. From leadership setting the example to ongoing training and support, we ensure that every staff member understands and incorporates our core values into their work, creating a culture of compassionate, patient-centered care.
CHC, including The Caswell County Family Medical Center, serves multiple rural communities near the Virginia-North Carolina border.
P-12 Education Authority
Many programs, like ours, struggle to take root because schools aren’t ready for change, or conditions shift when leadership turns over. Rich’s approach can equip schools to build the structures, habits, and culture needed for lasting growth—so teachers can succeed, leaders can stay, and students can thrive year after year.
- Dr. Terry Roberts, long-time director of the National Paideia Center, one of the oldest school reform models in the United States
What is it about the school that attracted you?
How everyone wanted not only to create an excellent environment for the kids, but also a great one for the adults. | The opportunity to be involved in a wonderful school environment. | I appreciated the school’s philosophy and values ... | The school’s values.
Survey responses from staff members who were brought on together following Rich and the Built on Values process.
