Cathi Davis on Creating Schools Where Every Learner Belongs ~ 1302

Cathi Davis is the principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School in Woodinville, Washington, and the 2025 Washington State Principal of the Year. She leads a school built on the promise “we thought of you when we made this place,” designing for belonging, elevating student voice, and protecting adult collaboration so inclusive practices stick. Principal Cathi Davis shares how Ruby Bridges Elementary purposefully designs for belonging rather than just declaring it—centering student voice, presuming competence, and building systems where every learner is a leader and belongs. She breaks down how leaders protect weekly co‑planning time, model vulnerability, and act with urgency because kids don’t get these minutes back—there are only 188 school days to invest in community. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/cath... Episode Chapters 00:00 Cold Open 00:32 Welcome and Introduction 01:45 About Our Sponsor 04:33 Creating an Inclusive School Community 08:20 Fostering Authentic Belonging 14:58 Leadership and Staff Collaboration 25:22 Student Success Stories and Impact 55:59 Fun with the Mystery Question 01:00:52 Key Takeaways and Closing