What happens when two Midway ISD educators get an opportunity to learn from one of the world's most recognized organizations for creating memorable experiences?
They come home with a little Disney magic—and a renewed appreciation for the difference they can make in the lives of students.
This summer, Kendra Echols of Woodway Elementary and Jessica Bancale of Spring Valley Elementary were among just 25 educators selected from approximately 60,000 applicants nationwide to attend the Disney Institute for Educators, an exclusive professional learning experience sponsored by Midway ISD partner Horace Mann.
The experience introduced educators to Disney's approach to leadership, hospitality, customer service and organizational culture. But now that the school year is underway, the lessons are finding their way into Midway classrooms in ways that have little to do with theme parks and everything to do with people.
For Echols, a kindergarten teacher with 25 years of experience in education, one of the most powerful takeaways was also one of the simplest: every interaction matters.
"As a kindergarten teacher, I have the privilege of being one of the first school experiences a child has, and I want that experience to be positive, joyful, and memorable," Echols said.
The training encouraged her to think about her classroom as more than a place where instruction happens. It's an experience she creates every day for her students and their families.
That perspective has influenced how she welcomes students, celebrates accomplishments and builds excitement around learning. Even familiar kindergarten routines and transitions can become opportunities to create meaningful moments.
"I'm being more intentional with how I welcome students, how I celebrate their accomplishments, and how I build excitement around learning," Echols said.
One concept that particularly resonated with Echols was Disney's Five Keys: Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Show and Efficiency. Each principle contributes to the overall experience, with safety taking priority.
For Echols, the connection to education was immediate. A welcoming classroom, consistent routines, positive relationships and a sense of belonging all contribute to an environment where children can thrive.
Those principles also reinforced something she believes Midway already does well: putting people first.
"Midway has such a strong sense of community and a genuine commitment to students," Echols said.
For Bancale, the experience offered a different perspective on leadership—not necessarily changing how she leads, but helping her recognize opportunities to lead more intentionally.
Throughout the training, she was struck by how deliberate Disney is about creating positive experiences, from the smallest interactions to the way employees respond when something goes wrong.
Back at Spring Valley Elementary, Bancale has carried that awareness into her daily work, making a conscious effort to slow down, listen more carefully and notice the people around her.
One lesson that stayed with her was a simple approach to problem-solving: "It's not always my fault, but it is my problem."
“The message isn't about accepting blame,” Bancale said. “It's about recognizing that leadership includes taking responsibility for making situations better, even when the circumstances are beyond your control.
For Bancale, that means looking for opportunities to help others, respond positively and focus on what she can influence.
“I want there to be joy around me and from me,” she said. “I’ve spent time thinking and reflecting on how I can create and provide a positive experience not only for my students but also my colleagues because that is what makes the difference every day for our students.”
The experience also reinforced the importance of empathy, inclusion and intentional interactions—qualities she already sees reflected in Midway's culture.
Rather than returning with an entirely new philosophy, Bancale came home with a renewed commitment to putting those values into practice.
“I don’t think there is a lot that I will need to change per se, but there is definitely a lot that I can do,” she said. “I’m just so excited to bring all this to our students and to our school.”
Although only 25 educators nationwide participated in the experience, its influence extends beyond those selected.
Echols and Bancale shared lessons from their training with fellow Midway educators, encouraging colleagues to consider how small, intentional actions can create meaningful experiences for students and staff.
“We were able to bring what we learned and teach our Midway teachers at our Back to School Summit,” Bancale said. “It may be a small approach right now, but it will make a big difference.”
Both educators returned with a deeper appreciation for the role relationships play in education.
Echols emphasized that creating a positive school experience isn't limited to students. Supporting colleagues and building a strong team culture ultimately benefit the children they serve.
"When teachers feel supported, valued, and connected, that ultimately benefits our students," she said.
For Bancale, the experience left her feeling empowered to make a difference and grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside educators from across the country.
That gratitude was especially meaningful to Echols, who described the training as a powerful reminder of why she entered education 25 years ago.
"We were treated with such genuine respect and appreciation throughout the entire experience," Echols said. "It was a wonderful reminder—not just for me, but for all of us—that we matter, and what we do matters."
An Investment That Reaches Students
The experience was made possible through Horace Mann, a Midway ISD partner whose sponsorship provided the educators with an extraordinary professional learning opportunity.
For both teachers, the value of that investment reaches far beyond the days spent at Disney. It continues through their interactions with students, families and colleagues, and through the lessons they have shared with fellow educators.
And while neither teacher returned with a magic wand, both brought home something that may prove even more valuable: a renewed understanding of how much the little things matter.
