Andra Barton, Ed.D.

Founder at Chance to Soar

Mental Health Care

Education: Baylor University, Doctor of Education
Dallas, TX, USA
INVITE TO SPEAK

Biography

For more than 20+ years, Dr. Andra Barton has helped hundreds of teams thrive by making mental wellness at work a priority instead of an afterthought. Her former career as a nationally-recognized principal gave her firsthand experience on empowering one of society’s most high-pressure, low-morale workplaces that exist today — the school system. As a speaker and aiming to change the status quo, Dr. Barton co-founded Chance to Soar — a nonprofit that equips schools to support their educators’ wellbeing throughout the year. Now as a corporate speaker, Dr. Barton shares simple yet effective strategies to help organizations shift toward a positive workplace culture as soon as tomorrow.

Passion

Mental Wellness
Happiness
Joy
Collaboration
Shared Vision

Best Story

I often get asked about the name of the non-profit, Chance to Soar. I am pretty proud of the name, Chance to Soar, as I believe it perfectly encapsulates what I do, and why the non-profit exists. As a former educator and school administrator I am always on the lookout for a good book! A passion I am certain any life-long learner can identify with. Right? Whether it’s to pass the time on a rainy day, prep for the next presentation or something a little lighter, I am always willing to pause for stories told on the pages of a good book. And I found it... What Do You Do with a Chance!

This book is the story of a little boy who notices a ‘chance’ come into his life. He reaches out to grab it but stumbles. Feeling embarrassed, he becomes more hesitant as other ‘chances’ come along. As he watches his chances come and go, he notices that they become fewer and fewer, so he decides that the next time a chance comes along he WILL find the bravery needed to reach out and grab it. The chance that comes to him next is a big one, he reaches out, grabs on and sets off on his magical journey. He says, “It felt so good to soar, to fly, to be free!” The author does a great job of leaving the ‘chance’ as undefined, so it could be anything. It could be anyone.

This book played an inspirational role in the organization's name, but also it is the spirit that I want to pass on to the community, you never know where an opportunity will lead, but it will always lead somewhere if you are BRAVE enough to take the journey and find out. I like to say BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. I believe the world is full of limitless possibilities for those who are willing to take a chance!

Origin Story

Dr. Barton is Co-founder and Executive Director of Chance to Soar where she commits herself to providing every opportunity for students of all ages to find success.Dr. Barton believes in the power of strategic planning and research-driven decision making to transform school culture and create opportunities for students to grow academically and emotionally. She also knows there is unlimited potential within all students that can be unlocked and ignited by teaching goal setting practices and creating an engaging learning environment that assists students in achieving those goals. Dr. Barton has set the vision, aligned curriculum, and led others as a principal in public, faith-based, and International Baccalaureate schools where her high expectations of students and faculty resulted in increased academic growth for students and accolades for the staff from accrediting and certifying educational bodies. In 2008, Dr. Barton’s commitment to educational excellence was recognized when she was named a finalist for National Distinguished Principal of the Year. She has also served in leadership roles for non-profit organizations raising funds, writing curriculum, and creating educational opportunities for low-income families. Dr. Barton holds a Master of Education from Texas Christian University and a Doctorate of Education Administration from Baylor University.

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I am willing to travel

More than 100 miles

When it comes to payments

I need my expenses covered - travel, hotel, meals, etc.

Topics

mental wellness mental health workplace engagement collaborative leadership team leadership building high performance teams big data analytics insight strategic planning happiness at work employee happiness happiness on the other side of success science of happiness at work womens leadership storytelling authenticity keynote education speaking public speaking keynote speaker mindset peace joy and you self love kindness conflict management workplace conflict reduction conflict instructional leadership

Best Story

I often get asked about the name of the non-profit, Chance to Soar. I am pretty proud of the name, Chance to Soar, as I believe it perfectly encapsulates what I do, and why the non-profit exists. As a former educator and school administrator I am always on the lookout for a good book! A passion I am certain any life-long learner can identify with. Right? Whether it’s to pass the time on a rainy day, prep for the next presentation or something a little lighter, I am always willing to pause for stories told on the pages of a good book. And I found it... What Do You Do with a Chance!

This book is the story of a little boy who notices a ‘chance’ come into his life. He reaches out to grab it but stumbles. Feeling embarrassed, he becomes more hesitant as other ‘chances’ come along. As he watches his chances come and go, he notices that they become fewer and fewer, so he decides that the next time a chance comes along he WILL find the bravery needed to reach out and grab it. The chance that comes to him next is a big one, he reaches out, grabs on and sets off on his magical journey. He says, “It felt so good to soar, to fly, to be free!” The author does a great job of leaving the ‘chance’ as undefined, so it could be anything. It could be anyone.

This book played an inspirational role in the organization's name, but also it is the spirit that I want to pass on to the community, you never know where an opportunity will lead, but it will always lead somewhere if you are BRAVE enough to take the journey and find out. I like to say BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. I believe the world is full of limitless possibilities for those who are willing to take a chance!

Origin Story

Dr. Barton is Co-founder and Executive Director of Chance to Soar where she commits herself to providing every opportunity for students of all ages to find success.Dr. Barton believes in the power of strategic planning and research-driven decision making to transform school culture and create opportunities for students to grow academically and emotionally. She also knows there is unlimited potential within all students that can be unlocked and ignited by teaching goal setting practices and creating an engaging learning environment that assists students in achieving those goals. Dr. Barton has set the vision, aligned curriculum, and led others as a principal in public, faith-based, and International Baccalaureate schools where her high expectations of students and faculty resulted in increased academic growth for students and accolades for the staff from accrediting and certifying educational bodies. In 2008, Dr. Barton’s commitment to educational excellence was recognized when she was named a finalist for National Distinguished Principal of the Year. She has also served in leadership roles for non-profit organizations raising funds, writing curriculum, and creating educational opportunities for low-income families. Dr. Barton holds a Master of Education from Texas Christian University and a Doctorate of Education Administration from Baylor University.