From Passion to Platform: A Within Our Ranks Inner Circle Story

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Educators with more than ten years in this profession often reach a moment of reflection. You ask yourself what still fuels you, what you still nerd out on, and what impact you want to create beyond your classroom or role. That moment sits at the heart of the Within Our Ranks journey. In a recent conversation on the School Culture and Climate Show, I spoke with Alexandra Desbiens-Leighton, a member of our Within Our Ranks Inner Circle. Her story offers a powerful example of how experience, passion, and purpose can align into meaningful work in the educational speaking space.

Alex brings more than 15 years of experience in K-12 education, beginning as a special education teacher and growing into a system-level leader who supports students, staff, and schools across a large district. Her journey mirrors that of many seasoned educators. Teaching did not begin as her original plan, yet special education sparked a deep connection that shaped everything that followed. That connection, paired with curiosity and reflection, led her to Within Our Ranks.

The Retreat Experience

Alex entered the Within Our Ranks retreat with two clear forces driving her. One involved what she truly nerds out on. Leadership, especially leadership beyond titles, captures her attention and energy. She studies how educators lead from classrooms, offices, hallways, and front desks. Her second force came from passion. She holds a deep commitment to supporting educators who carry trauma, stress, and emotional weight every day.

At the retreat, Alex gained clarity on how those two forces could exist together. The experience allowed her to slow down, reflect, and name what mattered most. She explored leadership as a human act that shapes culture, trust, and belonging. Through guided conversations, coaching, and community dialogue, she began to see how her experiences could translate into a clear message for others.

The retreat created space for educators like Alex to feel seen and heard. That sense of belonging matters, especially for veteran educators who often support everyone else without pause. Within Our Ranks honors that reality and offers a place to reconnect with purpose.

Continued Work Within the Inner Circle

The retreat does not serve as an ending point. It serves as a beginning. Alex continued her work through the Within Our Ranks Inner Circle, where coaching, collaboration, and accountability remain constant. The Inner Circle supports educators as they refine their message, align their values, and take intentional steps forward.

Alex used this space to deepen her work around compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and resilience for educators. Her experience as a principal in a high-need school shaped this focus. She witnessed teachers absorb student trauma without adequate systems of support. Rather than accept that as normal, she sought solutions. Through continued coaching and reflection, she shaped a message that validates educator experiences and offers practical strategies for resilience.

The Inner Circle encourages members to speak with authenticity. Alex speaks from lived experience, and that authenticity resonates with educators who crave understanding and practical support. The community aspect of the Inner Circle reinforces confidence and clarity, especially when doubt or hesitation appears.

Success in the Educational Speaking Space

Today, Alex supports schools and organizations beyond her district. She speaks to educators about leadership, resilience, and wellness with credibility and compassion. Her message connects deeply with classroom teachers, support staff, and administrators because it reflects their reality.

Her work emphasizes that leadership exists everywhere in a school. Teachers lead students for hours each day. Support staff shapes the climate through daily interactions. Every adult influences culture. Alex helps educators recognize their leadership impact and care for themselves as they serve others.

This success did not appear overnight. It emerged through clarity, coaching, and community. Within Our Ranks provided the structure and support that allowed Alex to move from idea to impact. She now stands as an example of what happens when seasoned educators trust their experience and share it with intention.

Contact Alexandra Desbiens-Leighton [email protected] or on LinkedIn. 

An Invitation to the Within Our Ranks Community

If you have more than a decade of experience in education, you bring valuable wisdom. You hold stories, strategies, and insights that others need. Within Our Ranks exists to help educators recognize that value and step forward with confidence.

The Community events and retreats offer connection, reflection, and growth. They invite you to explore your passion, refine your message, and consider what impact you still want to create. Alex’s journey shows what is possible when educators invest in themselves.

If you feel that pull to do more, share more, or lead beyond your current role, consider joining the Within Our Ranks Community or attending an upcoming retreat. Your experience matters, and your voice deserves space. 

Visit WithinOurRanks.com to learn more about the program and register for one of our community events (next meeting: January 29th). Schedule a discovery call with Megan to discuss your goals and how the program can help you achieve them.

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