TASA’s “Inspiring Leaders” tagline is not just a reminder of TASA’s commitment to leadership development; it describes our members themselves — school leaders who inspire others as they work to prepare future-ready students. Meet Toby Cox, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
Toby Cox is executive director of student services in Joshua ISD and has worked in the district for more than three decades. Among his peers, he is known as a master at building effective, meaningful relationships.
“Toby Cox is truly one of the most genuine people I know,” says Debra Brakel, executive director of human resources in Joshua. “His ability to lead with both respect and kindness has created a strong sense of belonging and mutual respect among all of us who have the privilege of working with him.”
Cox is exceptionally proud of his district, pointing to the work those in the district have done and continue to do to serve students.
“Joshua ISD has always made family and people a priority and treated the staff and students like they are what is most important,” he says. “Joshua ISD continues to maintain a high standard for students and staff academically as well as professionally.
When the work gets tough, as it often does in public ed, Cox relies on his personal commitment to serve others to keep him going.
“I believe it is important to help people in any area that I can and try to make a difference, even if it is in the smallest way,” he says. “I hold on to things that people have given to me or said to me throughout my career and pull them out to re-read from time to time. It reminds me of my purpose.”
In his career, Cox has served as a teacher, counselor, elementary administrator, secondary administrator, and now central office administrator. He says that every step of the way, he has benefitted from unofficial members, and now he devotes himself to paying that support forward to others.
“The best part of my job is the relationships that have been built and seeing the kindness in others and their passion for education. I truly enjoy spending my days with my work family.”
If you’d like to nominate an Inspiring Leader, complete and submit this form.
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