How often do our school’s core values feel more like words on a wall than a lived reality? On a recent School Success Podcast episode, we chatted with Dr. Christopher D. Pearson, Headmaster of Port Haven International Academy in Chesapeake, VA. After years of leading a school in China, he returned to the U.S. to found an academy with a mission to ‘personally and purposefully build loving leaders.’ His secret? Making core values the tangible, beating heart of his school culture. Let’s dive into how he does it.
Leadership is a Service
Dr. Pearson’s approach is grounded in servant leadership. Inspired by author Ken Blanchard, he believes “the greatest leaders are here to serve, not to be served.” This philosophy is modeled from the top down. ‘What loving leadership means to us is that we would choose what others need instead of what we want,’ he explains. It’s a powerful mindset shift that reminds everyone—from staff to the youngest students—that they have followers and influence. The critical question isn’t *if* you’re a leader, but *how* you are leading.
Making Core Values Stick
Port Haven International Academy operates on seven core values: love, obedience, responsibility, diligence, wisdom, honesty, and patience. They are the daily framework for conversation and identity-building. Every morning, Dr. Pearson spends 10 minutes with all students discussing a core value. This consistent reinforcement makes the values a shared language for the entire community, providing clear reference points for everything from parent-teacher conferences to student discipline, framing every interaction around care and growth.
Putting Leadership into Practice
To truly internalize these values, students need opportunities to put them into practice. Port Haven has built service directly into its programs. Students get involved in local park cleanups and participate in a ‘big brother, big sister’ program to mentor younger kids. Through one-on-one mentoring sessions, they set goals (e.g., SMART goals) aligned with the core values and reflect on their experiences. This intentional practice helps students connect abstract concepts like ‘love’ and ‘responsibility’ to concrete actions, turning them into habits.
Dr. Pearson’s work is a fantastic reminder that a clear, actionable mission is the most powerful tool a school leader has. By moving principles from the handbook to the hallway, he’s not just educating students; he’s building an identity centered on selfless service. It’s about creating a culture where values are lived out daily, giving students a compass to guide them long after they’ve graduated.
Click here to listen to the full podcast episode.