One Teacher at a Time: The Power of Hope in Action
Hey Friends,
This week, I’m thrilled to share a powerful story with you—a story about a leader with a calling, a vision, and the courage to make it a reality. It’s an inspiring example of HOPE in Action, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.
HOPE in Action
This week’s story from Dr. Matthew Flippen, President of Gracelyn University, is a powerful reminder that we never know how far our influence can reach. A decade ago, he never imagined his vision would grow this big—or that he would one day bring hope to so many. His story is what HOPE in action looks like.
He began with a question: What if the very people shaping children’s lives each day were the least likely to become teachers?
When his team surveyed 3,000 paraprofessionals, the results were eye-opening:
Over 90% wanted to become teachers.
Most could only afford about $100 a month for school.
45% carried significant trauma in their backgrounds.
65% were single moms.
And yet—they were already building meaningful relationships with children every day, earning just $12 an hour.
Dr. Flippen wondered: What if we could design an institution around this group? What if, with the right support and encouragement, they could thrive—not just survive—as lifelong educators?
Gracelyn University was born out of that vision. And today, it’s working:
Students pay tuition from $111 - $222 a month, with no hidden fees.
Retention and persistence rates stand at 92%.
At their first graduation, nearly 100% of students were placed in teaching roles.
One of those graduates was Maria. Years ago, she began college with the dream of becoming a teacher. But tuition debt piled up faster than she could pay it. She worked nights, took fewer classes, and eventually dropped out. For years, she told herself the dream was too expensive.
Still, she never lost her passion. She became a paraprofessional, building relationships with children daily—yet the degree felt impossible.
Everything changed when she discovered Gracelyn University’s program. With affordable tuition, no debt, and a clear path forward, Maria’s dream came alive again. Today, she isn’t just working in a classroom—she’s leading one.
That’s the power of HOPE in action.
If you know someone who dreams of becoming a teacher, I encourage you to connect them with Gracelyn University. Together, we can open doors for future educators to step into their calling—and when they rise, entire communities rise with them.
What began as a dream is now a movement of HOPE—one teacher at a time.
📧 Reach out if you have questions. You can contact someone from Gracelynn University at [email protected]
🌟 Ready to Lead with Clarity, Confidence, and H.O.P.E.? 🌟
You can put H.O.P.E. into action too! I created the H.O.P.E. System, a transformational process designed to spark hope in you, your team, and turn meaningful change into reality. Start today with your FREE H.O.P.E. System Quick Guide below.
The H.O.P.E. System is your roadmap to purpose-driven leadership and lasting impact. It empowers you to:
Build strong habits
Cultivate optimism
Live with purpose and passion
Pursue excellence—personally and professionally
Whether you’re a school leader, entrepreneur, or changemaker, this tool will help you:
✅ Deepen self-awareness
✅ Embrace intentional reflection
✅ Strengthen resilience
✅ Lead with clarity and confidence
The time is now— 👉 Download the FREE System of H.O.P.E.Quick Guide here!!
Hope creates possibility. A System of H.O.P.E. makes it reality -- Let's Spark HOPE together!
One of my favorite scriptures has always been Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse breathes hope into those who may feel like theirs has been lost. It’s a powerful promise—but it also invites us to respond. For dreams to come alive, action is required.
So I’ll leave you with this question: What is God calling you to do today? Listen closely. Obey faithfully. You may be surprised at the doors He opens and the places He leads you.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
In this season of my life, I’ve been blessed with opportunities to volunteer in areas that fill me with hope. Soon, I’ll be sharing one of my passion projects with you from this work. In the meantime, I’d love to invite you to tune into the Lead with HOPE podcast to learn more.
It’s through serving others that we often discover our deepest sense of purpose.
How might serving others help you uncover more of who you are and the hope you carry?
🎙️ In this week’s episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, I sit down with Gretchen Bridgers—educator, coach, speaker, and founder of Always A Lesson. With more than two decades of experience empowering teachers and transforming classrooms, Gretchen opens up about her journey from the classroom to coaching, the pivotal moments that shaped her mission, and how she continues to uplift educators through her podcast, courses, and coaching.
You won’t want to miss this conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical strategies for leading with purpose and hope.
✨ Ready to take the next step? Join my Leadership Lab Coaching Cohort, launching soon! In this program, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and meaningful connections to empower your leadership journey—while putting HOPE into action.
The cohort is forming now and will begin on October 8, 2025 at 1pm CST.
Spark HOPE ✨
Hope isn’t passive—it’s active, alive, and contagious. Whether it’s through stories like Maria’s, through the ways you serve others, or through your own leadership journey, hope has the power to ripple outward and transform communities. As you walk in your purpose, trust that God’s plans are unfolding with precision. In doing so, may you see that leading with hope isn’t just about you—it’s about inspiring others to rise with you.
Send me a message - you can visit sparkhopeedu.com or email me at [email protected] to start the conversation. I would love to hear how you are leading with hope, sparking change, and making a difference in your school, organization, or community!
With gratitude,
Brandi Kelly, Ed.D, LCSW
