In this episode of Lumos Lens, host Richard Katz, Superintendent-in-Residence with Lumos Learning, sits down with Abigail Celli, Principal of Friendship Elementary School in Beaufort, Georgia. Abigail shares her path from Spanish teacher to school leader and explains how an educator’s encouragement helped her discover that education was exactly where she was meant to be.

Richard and Abigail explore what servant leadership looks like in practice, and why she sees her role as serving teachers so they can serve students well. Abigail also breaks down her “lead learner” mindset, including how she filters initiatives, seeks the right research, and protects teachers from constant pendulum swings that can overwhelm schools.

They dig into how Friendship Elementary uses data in a way that builds confidence instead of fear, how shared responsibility shows up in everyday routines, and why collective efficacy is more than a slogan. Abigail also shares real examples of teacher-led problem solving, strategies to support staff sustainability, and how the school is building a culture where students take pride in their learning and growth.

Key Moments

03:21 "Committed to Serving Community"

08:07 Feedback Rooted in Care

12:02 Strategic Transition and Growth Focus

13:38 "Addressing Growth and Team Trust"

17:51 Data Insights for Student Growth

20:17 Empowering Growth Through Leadership

24:33 Teacher Retention and Staff Turnover

27:19 Supporting Educators During Holidays

29:17 Recognizing Teachers' Impact Daily

34:05 "Balancing PLCs and Lesson Planning"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This conversation highlights what it looks like to lead with clarity, humility, and deep respect for teachers. You will hear how servant leadership becomes a practical strategy for school improvement, not just an inspiring phrase, and how strong culture and strong instruction can live together without competing.

If you care about building collective efficacy, using data to drive better classroom practice, and creating a school environment where teachers feel trusted and students take pride in their growth, this episode offers real examples and leadership moves you can apply immediately.

Connect with Abigail Celli | Principal, Friendship Elementary School

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-celli-16280b31
Website: https://fes.hallco.org/web/

Connect with Richard Katz and Lumos Learning

Richard Katz
Superintendent-in-Residence
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-katz/

Lumos Learning
Website: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumos-learning/

About Lumos Lens

Lumos Lens is a podcast where education leaders share how schools are helping students feel more confident and prepared for state assessments, and how district leaders are using data and technology to close learning gaps and improve student achievement.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Lumos Lens for more conversations with leaders strengthening teaching, learning, and student outcomes.