Innovation and Collaboration Shape Potomac Education

Story by Debra C. Anderson

With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration and data-informed decision-making, Gabriel Madrid is ushering in a new season of educational growth in his role as vice president for Education. Building on the solid foundation established by his predecessors, Madrid is leading a series of systemwide initiatives designed to strengthen both student learning and teacher effectiveness across the school system.

Under his leadership, schools are engaged in a comprehensive effort to implement transformative instructional practices. All campuses are working toward High Reliability Schools Certification, while Professional Learning Communities are being developed at each site to strengthen collaboration, instructional consistency and professional growth. Schools are also making increased use of student achievement and growth data to inform instruction and improve academic outcomes.

To further support classroom excellence, the Potomac Conference has partnered with an out- side organization to provide year-round coaching for teachers new to the profession. This initiative is designed to strengthen instructional practice, support early-career educators and promote long-term professional development. Collectively, these coordinated efforts are expected to produce measurable benefits for both educators and students.

“I am grateful for the solid groundwork laid by those who served before me,” Madrid says. “We are now building on that legacy … to ensure every student receives a high-quality education that is both academically strong and spiritually grounded.”

The Potomac Conference operates a network of 16 schools across Maryland and Virginia, serving more than 1,700 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.