MISSION & VISION
The Lamar-Bowden Network is a network of public schools committed to providing authentic learning opportunities where students can excel academically. The network, with a focus on the development of dual language and emotional intelligence strives to develop students who are prepared to sustain the communities of the future through civic engagement.
NETWORK MODEL
OUR MODEL: ACCESS TO AUTHENTIC, PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Our team is committed to a project-based learning approach to promote enduring understanding and skills by examining real-world problems that relate to students’ experiences and/or community. Teachers design and teach interdisciplinary units that engage students for an extended period of time in an investigation of a question to answer or problem to solve.
OUR MODEL: DUAL-LANGUAGE ACADEMIC APPROACH
Network schools provide a dual-language approach to support students linguistic, cultural, and social development. We believe this approach supports the development of ALL our students while supporting the cultural diversity of our communities.
OUR MODEL: FOCUS ON EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
We believe students need critical soft skills in order to succeed in our ever-changing society. Teachers design coursework that equips students with needed tools and strategies that enable students to tackle social-emotional challenges and develop well-rounded skills to succeed in the real-world.
Brian Sparks
Lamar-Bowden Network Director
FOUNDER, NETWORK DIRECTOR
Brian Sparks leverages a diverse background as an educational leader to promote authentic student learning to schools in San Antonio. This experience spans over a decade leading systems and teams as an educator and administrator. As the founding director of the Lamar-Bowden network, he is committed to scaling the impact of the network to expand access to high-quality schools in Texas. Prior to launching the network, Brian served as the principal of Lamar Elementary, leading the design and implementation of a dual-language and project-based learning charter.
During this initiative, the campus has developed into a beacon for district learning around campus culture and social-emotional learning. Through a partnership with Trinity University, Lamar developed professional development that built the capacity of teachers to implement programming. These principles are now being used at Bowden Academy as the network expands its’ influence in the district and San Antonio.
Brian started his career as a special education teacher and fifth grade teacher in San Antonio and in 2009 was named Serna Elementary Teacher of the Year.
He is three-time graduate of Trinity University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in teaching and administration.
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