Jenn Milam, Pamela K. Murfin Head of School, The Winston School

In an interview with Invest:, Jenn Milam, Pamela K. Murfin Head of School at The Winston School, outlined her initiatives to enhance Winston School’s mission, including a focus on safety and security. She also discussed the challenges of attracting and retaining exceptional educators trained in working with students with learning differences as well as Winston’s holistic, individualized approach to education.

What initiatives are you prioritizing to enhance the Winston School’s mission?

Winston is located in the private school corridor, right next to the Dallas Tollway. The school is situated in Preston Hollow, at the corner of Royal Avenue and the Tollway. In my first 90 days, it was essential that I turn my attention to safety and security. I’ve spent a significant amount of time negotiating and navigating the installation of fences, gates, and advanced security systems. We are installing a wrought-iron gate, which will both elevate the campus aesthetic and improve security.

Next, in collaboration with our leadership team – especially our Director of Admissions and our Psychologist and Educational Diagnostician – we have invested a great deal of time, research, and focus on refining our mission. We’ve been working to connect with other learning-difference (LD) schools in the area, such as Shelton, which is one of the largest in the country. Many LD schools are small in size, serving a unique profile of students and accommodating specific learning differences. All of the schools in this network offer a variety of educational interventions, classroom accommodations, and specialized curricula that reflect each school’s individual mission, vision and values. This support can include language based and other therapies that approach the education of students with learning differences holistically.

Finally, as a new leader, I have been both intentional and strategic in assembling a talented leadership team and ensuring we have the best teachers in our classrooms. We’re focusing on mission-driven decision-making when it comes to hiring teachers, structuring our leadership team, and making investments in strategic partnerships.

What steps are you taking to attract and retain high-caliber educators?

It’s a dual challenge because not only do we need exceptional teachers, but we also need teachers who are skilled and highly qualified in how to work with students with learning differences. To find these individuals, we’re building a teacher pipeline through partnerships with local college and university programs, particularly focusing on teacher education programs. We are investing significantly in professional learning and cross-disciplinary and cross-grade collaboration to ensure that our teachers feel supported in their own professional growth and well-being.  

What differentiates Winston from other LD schools in the area, and what is your value proposition?

When comparing our school to others in the area, Shelton is a large-scale school with about 1,500 students, whereas Winston offers a small, relationship-focused, community-oriented environment with individualized pedagogies and learning supports. Shelton is an exceptional school, and because we serve different types of students, we view each other as teammates rather than competitors.

Many LD schools have a narrow focus, catering to specific learning profiles. At Winston, we pride ourselves on our holistic approach. Rather than focusing on what a student lacks, we focus on what they can contribute to our community and how we can nurture their growth. We take a broader approach to learning differences, and we often welcome students who are “twice exceptional.” These are students with both high cognitive abilities and learning differences. It’s an exciting challenge for us to figure out how their brains work and how best to teach them, not only in terms of education but also in terms of self-assurance, especially as they prepare for college. As a college-preparatory school, our goal is to launch students toward success, wherever that may be for them.

Families who choose us are drawn to our college-prep focus, the support and enrichment offered by our testing and evaluation center, our small class sizes, and our vibrant community for not only our students, but for their families, too!

What are some of the trends or expectations that are emerging in the educational landscape?

A research group called EAB conducted a study on what it means to serve parents in today’s evolving educational landscape, and they identified three primary trends; Firstly, parents are becoming more distrusting of institutions, whether they’re educational, medical, or political. Second, parents are anxious about the future, particularly given the tougher real estate market and increasing costs. This has led them to ask long-term questions and plan far into the future, including for college. And thirdly, parents now view education as more transactional than transformational. In education, unlike in services where you can control outcomes and see results immediately, you must trust that the system is working to give you what you want. This requires increased attention to customer service and individualized attention, with schools moving alongside parents and students throughout the educational journey.

Dallas-Fort Worth is the fastest-growing educational market in the United States, driven by an influx of families from more expensive areas like New York and California. Despite declining birth rates, the region’s population is growing, and many families are moving specifically to access schools like Winston, which offer specialized support for LD students.

How are you managing affordability?

Programmatic improvements are among the least costly things a school can do. Having exceptional teachers who understand pedagogy and can be creative in the classroom doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars; and yet it does foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and intellectual curiosity which, more than any money spent, increases positive educational outcomes and joyful learning. Most teachers I’ve met are passionate about doing what’s best for their students, so it’s about supporting them through professional development and learning opportunities. When you invest in your staff, they become more effective and productive, which ultimately benefits the students.

Regarding costs for families, we offer tuition assistance, which about 30% of our families receive. This is based on an evaluation of their financial standing, including assets and liabilities. It is a goal of Winston to provide an exceptional education for as many students as we are able while also using our resources responsibly to ensure that Winston is around for many years. 

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

A phrase I’ve heard that really rings true is that the school with the best teachers wins. My No. 1 goal is to hire and build a team that is strong, cohesive, and 100% committed to serving the students at Winston. Second, continuing to secure the campus will remain a priority. This is something all school leaders focus on, but it’s especially important for us because we serve students who may be considered more vulnerable than others. Lastly, ensuring the financial stability of the school is key. This can be bolstered by securing community partnerships to support our growth and sustainability, building our endowment, and increasing enrollment to serve even more students in the DFW area.