Hi, I'm Samantha! As an Education Strategist and Coach, I help you understand and strategically navigate the education system so that you can make the best decisions for your child's success.I am accepting new 1:1 clients to work with me for up to 6 months.
Or, you may prefer a faster solution: 1-Day+ Strategy Intensive.With both options, I'll guide you through the foundational vision and goal-setting work to create your personalized strategy and decision-making framework.
Samantha A. Murray, M.S.Ed.Samantha is the founder and CEO of SAM Catalysts. A leading expert and thought leader in education strategy, she has served as a trusted strategist for executive education leaders and has spoken at major education conferences and events across the US, and in Sydney and London. She's the creator of the Education Strategy Parent Academy, a program that teaches parents how to develop a strategic plan for their child's K-12 education.President Barack Obama once invited her to sit down for a one-on-one conversation about education before introducing him to an audience of 10,000—he now follows her on Twitter.Samantha is a 1997 graduate of St. Paul's School for Girls, where she was a 3 sport varsity athlete, is an Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, and is the school's first Black Wagley Scholar. She earned her A.B. in Public Policy Studies at Duke University, her M.S.Ed in Education Policy from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and a certificate from the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University. Samantha believes that Badminton is the best sport ever, loves making risotto, and is excited to be working on two book projects.
Parent Reflections"I feel like I've gotten clarity on what's important, why, and in order of priority. And because of that, I can make more informed decisions. I appreciate you. This has been a great experience for me." (mom of a toddler)"The time is now to begin these conversations. Overall, I want to feel prepared, confident, and comfortable; I want to make sure that we are as intentional as possible. Can this be a weekly class?"
(mom of a toddler and an infant)"We for sure want to get it as right as we can." (dad of 2 toddlers)"As a parent, and as a single parent, I wish I had someone help me navigate my child's education so that I could direct them along the right path. So, focusing on the strategy is tremendous because then parents like me can have a level head and a clear mind about what we want for our children. Helping us focus on the broader picture is where you come in, Samantha. And I thank you for that." (mom of adult children)
Free Audio ResourcesGuest Podcast: Ep 12. Planning Your Child's Education with Intention and Strategy on SpotifyParent Roundtable Discussion + Q&A on Soundcloud
Your Spot on the waitlist is confirmed!
Priority registration will open for the waitlist on Friday, November 25, 2022.
Stay tuned for more details ...
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SAM Catalysts Presents:
FINALLY! I Know What To Do Next
3 Simple Steps to Point You in the Right Direction & Help You Confidently Plan Your Child’s Education
FREE WEBINAR FOR FAMILIES OF COLOR
Monday, October 24, 2022
4pm PST | 7pm EST
JOIN Live with samantha A. Murray, MSEd
Founder & CEO
Learn what most parents are never taught
“All I knew was my husband and I are both highly educated people, and we want our children to be highly educated. But in terms of building a solid goal, I don’t think we thought of that in this context.”
— Dr. Shayla (Mom of 3)
“I wish this was an option sooner because it's very hard to navigate. I think it would be very helpful to plan.”
— Mom of 2
Set the proper foundation to support what you value
“A lot of parents don’t think far enough ahead, strategically. I think all parents need to plan—you can’t just wing it. You have to think about everything, and you have to be willing to go hard for your kids.”
— Melissa (Mom of a 10th grader)
“When I think about what I would like to have in a school, it's a school that caters to my individual child's needs and encourages them to lean into their own strengths and abilities.”
— Mom of 3
During this 60-minute webinar you will learn:
The 4 jobs parents typically consider when choosing a school that can best serve their child.
The 3 roles every parent should prepare to fill over the course of their child's education trajectory.
The single most important thing every parent must have to build a plan with confidence.
"We for sure want to get it as right as we can."
— CJ (Father of 2)
“I’m an overachiever; I’m relentless. I'm going to do whatever it takes for my kids”
— Dr. Melva (Mom of 3)
You should attend this webinar if:
You feel a sense of urgency to prepare your child for school and want to plan everything now.
You wonder whether it’s too early or too late to plan (hint: Now is always the best time).
You're not sure if you're even on the right track or what steps to take next
Your brain is bombarded with so many questions and so much information that you need to be pointed in the right direction.
You're a first-time parent and/or have younger children
Your children are already in grade school, but you're aware that you don't know what you don't know
You're experiencing or anticipating a major change in your life circumstances (finances, a move, family responsibilities, etc) that will impact the plans you already had or that you intended to make
You want the inside scoop on the decision-making long game
I know you crave bigger, BETTER, and more for your child. You demand it. You deserve it.
I see you.My parents were the first in their families to graduate from high school in 1971 and 1976. I came along in 1979; my siblings joined the party in 1983. As a Black family living in Baltimore City in the 1980s, public schools were definitely off the table. Although my parents didn't know which schools we would eventually attend, they were clear about what they didn't want.
Can you relate?
You want the absolute best possible education for your child
where do you begin?
This webinar will help you
how many other parents would get value from this webinar?
you probably already have a few folks in mindShare this page + invite them to register!
gather your squad and LEARN together
Clearing the Path
A Note from Samantha
Hello!I’ve spent my entire career in education—as a teacher, researcher, board member, improvement specialist, consultant, and strategist. After 20+ years helping schools, systems, and education organizations across the U.S. and around the world, I decided it was time for me to help parents.I've always been fueled by the resolve of my parents—they definitely went hard for us. They didn't have the kind of help that I now know they needed. And if you're reading this, then you're probably like my parents. You haven't had the help you needed ... until now.My grandparents had nothing more than a grade school education. My parents were the first in their families to graduate from high school. My two siblings and I all graduated from top colleges and universities. And I focused on studying policy and education at Duke and PennGSE because of the gross (and gross) inequities I witnessed and experienced. I wanted to shake up policy, smash systems, and transform education to serve every family well.More of my story later; I've created this space for you.Today, we live in a largely transformed and unrecognizable world. In these past few years, we've experienced a seismic shift in our collective and individual lives that has exacerbated the impact of: loss, isolation, systemic inequities, racial injustice, political upheaval, unspeakable violence, economic instability, and so much more. There's so much uncertainty.As parents of children of color—especially my first-time parents, my parents with younger children, my later-in-life parents—when it comes to your child's education and ensuring that you do everything within your power for them to soar, there's no playbook.Where do you struggle? What worries you? What keeps you up at night? You're looking for expert guidance, a trusted resource, a path to follow. You're playing the long game and you know ... that you don't know ... what you don't know!I've spoken with so many parents at all stages of their child's education journey who are asking questions like: What do I do next? How do I decide which schools are the best option for my child? What does "quality" or "good" mean? Where can I get the information I need? When is the right time to start planning? Will my child be valued? Will she be safe? Did I do enough research? What are my rights as a parent? What am I missing? Am I the only parent feeling like this?You are resourceful, determined, action-oriented, and can probably figure it out, eventually.
But ... you are not an education expert.
.
.
.
.
I know a little sumthin' sumthin' about education.
I got you.
I'm clearing the path for you to follow.And, I'm here to let you know that YOU can create your own playbook.
You'll first need the 3 steps that I'm going to teach you on the webinar—will I see you there?I can't wait to meet you!
— Samantha —
Over the Years
prior organizations and select collaborations
You're in!
Your registration confirmation email is on its way!IMPORTANT: Check your email to access your bonus and webinar replay.The email will come from Samantha A. Murray (info@samcatalysts.com)
Be sure to check your spam or promotions folder.share this webinar on Facebook or share this link with a friend
www.samcatalysts.com
FINALLY! I Know What To Do Next
3 Simple Steps to Point You in the Right Direction & Help You Confidently Plan Your Child’s Education
FREE WEBINAR FOR FAMILIES OF COLOR
Thursday, October 20, 2022
4pm PST | 7pm EST
JOIN Live with samantha A. Murray, MSEd
Founder & CEO
Success!
You'll Now be able to receive the replay and a special bonus.Share this webinar on Facebook or share this link with a friend
www.samcatalysts.com
Samantha A. Murray, M.S.Ed.
SAM Catalysts, Founder & CEO
Hi, I’m Samantha 👋🏾Throughout my career, I've consistently seen school leaders across the globe grapple with 3 core questions ... often feeling the weight of metrics like NPS, satisfaction, enrollment, yield, and attrition heading in the wrong direction. Typically, but not always, these questions are front and center when schools are working on strategy/strategic planning and school improvement initiatives.1) Why do parents choose our school?
2) Why do parents stay at our school?
3) Why do parents leave our school?IS THIS FEELING FAMILIAR?I developed the Education Trajectory Framework™ to empower forward-thinking executive and senior school leaders like you to apply the theory of Jobs to Be Done to help you make progress. You will be able to uncover and discover parents' jobs to be done—and then know what to do with that insight. Pioneered by Clayton Christensen, Jobs Theory, when applied to K-12 education, helps you uncover the answer to those three core questions.I am recognized for my value as a thought partner.
You can schedule an introductory chat or book a 1:1 session with me.JOIN MY MAILING LIST
The SAM Catalysts virtual community will be the first to hear about new tools, resources, and learning opportunities—for school leaders AND for parents—when they become available.
PAGE IN PROGRESS ... please check back later
allow me to be your thought partner
"I always feel 10x smarter and more inspired after talking with you.
I'm not just saying that."
— Executive Director, national education nonprofit
Work 1:1
Single Sessions
Single sessions are ideal for when you want a thought partner to help you do some brain work on an as-needed basis. Sessions are typically generative and lead to new ways of thinking.You will have the opportunity to record your call.
Click below to book your session.
You will be taken to my Calendly page.
"Thank you for putting our experience at Woodlynde School in the context of parents' jobs to be done, Samantha. It throws the rebranding work into sharp relief for me and is making me think anew about my responsibility to parents as an independent school marketing and fundraising administrator."
— Christopher Kramaric, assistant head of school for external affairs
__4 Session Bundle __
Bundled sessions are ideal for when you want a thought partner to help you do some brain work for a sustained period of time. Sessions are typically generative and lead to new ways of thinking.Each session is 60 MinutesYou will have the opportunity to record your calls.
Click below to book your 4 sessions.
You will be taken to my Calendly page.
"Your insights have helped me learn and grow!"
— Dwan Pinamonti, baltimore county public schools principal
"Samantha is a big picture thinker and visionary."
— Global SVP, qualtrics
CliftonStrengths Assessment
my five most dominant themes - ranked
INPUT
People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
LEARNER
People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
INTELLECTION
People who are especially talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity—they like to think. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.
RELATOR
People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
CONNECTEDNESS
People who are especially talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason.
Human Design System
i am a 4/6 splenic manifestor
Manifestors are somewhat rare, comprising less than 10 % of the world's population.Manifestors are here to initiate—to bring new ideas and concepts to the world.Manifestors are here to catalyze action.Manifestors are naturally innovative and can think outside of the box.
"This HBR article and Clayton's subsequent writings on the subject have fundamentally changed the way I look at personal and professional relationships. Appreciate the K-12 lens that you've put on this principle." Re: Jobs to Be Done theory
— Ryan Jolley, qualtrics K-12 enterprise executive
I'd love to hear from you!You're welcome to get in touch if you have a podcast or speaking request, or if you have a different collaboration idea.
join the sam catalysts virtual community to get a first look at new resources and learning opportunities when they become available.
Get notified about the next free parent webinar
Terms and conditions
BY VISITING SAMCATALYSTS.COM, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Overview
The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refers to SAM Catalysts, LLC. The terms “user,” “you,” and “your” refer to site visitors, customers, and any other users of the site. The term “Service” refers to general information provided to permit you to learn more about our business, our coaching programs and services, our professionals, as well as information about education and education research, scholarship, and policy, and information about K-12 education in general.Use of https://www.samcatalysts.com, including all materials presented herein and all online services provided by SAM Catalysts, LLC, is subject to the following Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all site visitors, customers, and all other users of the site. By using the Site or Service, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, without modification, and acknowledge reading them.
Use of the Site and Service
To access or use the Site, you must be 18 years of age or older and have the requisite power and authority to enter into these Terms and Conditions. Children under the age of 18 are prohibited from using the Site. Information provided on the Site and in the Service related to K-12 education and other information are subject to change. SAM Catalysts, LLC makes no representation or warranty that the information provided, regardless of its source (the “Content”), is accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. SAM Catalysts, LLC disclaims all liability for any inaccuracy, error, or incompleteness in the Content.
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refusal of service
The Services are offered subject to our acceptance of your order or requests. We reserve the right to refuse service to any order, person or entity, without the obligation to assign reason for doing so. No order is deemed accepted by us until payment has been processed. We may at any time change or discontinue any aspect or feature of the Site or Service, subject to us fulfilling our previous responsibilities to you based on acceptance of your payment.
order confirmation
We will email you to confirm the placement of your order and with details concerning product delivery. In the event that there is an error in this email confirmation, it is your responsibility to inform us as soon as possible.
Cancellations, Refunds & Returns
Due to the live and virtual nature of this program, refunds are not given under any circumstance. Coaching, Group Programs, Webinars and Trainings are considered confirmed at the time of purchase. Space is limited in some of our service offerings. You may decide to cease to participate in our programs, however this will not warrant a refund of any kind.
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We claim no intellectual property rights over the material you supply to SAM Catalysts, LLC. You retain copyright and any other rights you may rightfully hold in any content that you submit through the Site or Service. Content you submit to SAM Catalysts remains yours to the extent that you have any legal claims therein. You agree to hold SAM Catalysts, LLC harmless from and against all claims, liabilities, and expenses arising out of any potential or actual copyright or trademark misappropriation or infringement claimed against you. By posting material on the Site or through the Service, you grant us a worldwide, nonexclusive, irrevocable license to use the material for promotional, business development, and marketing purposes.
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Changed Terms
We may at any time amend these Terms and Conditions. Such amendments are effective immediately upon notice to you by us posting the new Terms and Conditions on this Site. Any use of the Site or Service by you after being notified means you accept these amendments. We reserve the right to update any portion of our Site and Service, including these Terms and Conditions, at any time. We will
post the most recent versions to the Site and list the effective dates on the pages of our Terms and
Conditions.
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YOU AGREE THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OF THE SITE OR SERVICE. ADDITIONALLY, [INSERT YOUR COMPANY NAME] IS NOT LIABLE FOR DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH (I) ANY FAILURE OF PERFORMANCE, ERROR, OMISSION, DENIAL OF SERVICE, ATTACK, INTERRUPTION, DELETION, DEFECT, DELAY IN OPERATION OR TRANSMISSION, COMPUTER VIRUS, OR LINE OR SYSTEM FAILURE; (II) LOSS OF
REVENUE, ANTICIPATED PROFITS, BUSINESS, SAVINGS, GOODWILL OR DATA; AND (III) THIRD PARTY THEFT OF, DESTRUCTION OF, UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO, ALTERATION OF, OR USE OF YOUR INFORMATION OR PROPERTY, REGARDLESS OF OUR NEGLIGENCE, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, FAILURE OF AN ESSENTIAL PURPOSE AND WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY ARISES IN NEGLIGENCE, CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LEGAL LIABILITY. THE FOREGOING APPLIES EVEN IF SAM CATALYSTS, LLC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF OR COULD HAVE FORESEEN THE DAMAGES. IN THOSE STATES THAT DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR THE DAMAGES, OUR LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE FULLEST POSSIBLE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. IN NO EVENT SHALL SAM CATALYSTS' CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED THE TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SERVICE YOU HAVE PURCHASED FROM SAM CATALYSTS, AND IF NO PURCHASE HAS BEEN MADE BY YOU SAM CATALYSTS’ CUMULATIVE LIABILITY TO YOU SHALL NOT EXCEED $100.
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These Terms and Conditions bind and inure to the benefit of the parties’ successors and assigns. These Terms and Conditions are not assignable, delegable, sublicenseable, or otherwise transferable by you. Any transfer, assignment, delegation, or sublicense by you is invalid.
Updated: October 2022
privacy policy
BY VISITING SAMCATALYSTS.COM, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY.
Overview
SAM Catalysts, LLC is committed to protecting your privacy online. This Privacy Policy describes the personal information we collect through this website at samcatalysts.com (the “Site”), and how we collect and use that information.The terms “we,” “us,” and “our” refers to SAM Catalysts, LLC. The terms “user,” “you,” and “your” refer to site visitors, customers, and any other users of the site. The term “personal information” is defined as information that you voluntarily provide to us that personally identifies you and/or your contact information, such as your name, phone number, and email address.Use of samcatalysts.com, including all materials presented herein and all online services provided by SAM Catalysts, LLC, is subject to the following Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy applies to all site visitors, customers, and all other users of the site. By using the Site or Service, you agree to this Privacy Policy, without modification, and acknowledge reading it.
Information We collect
This Site only collects the personal information you voluntarily provide to us, which may include your full name, email address and message in order to contact us via our contact form.The information you provide is used to process transactions, send periodic emails, and improve the service we provide. We do share your information with trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business and servicing clients and visitors. These trusted third parties agree
to keep this information confidential. Your personal information will never be shared with unrelated third parties.
Activity
We may record information relating to your use of the Site, such as the searches you undertake, the pages you view, your browser type, IP address, requested URL, referring URL, and timestamp information. We use this type of information to administer the Site and provide the highest possible level of service to you. We also use this information in the aggregate to perform statistical analyses of user behavior and characteristics in order to measure interest in and use of the various areas of the Site.
cookies
We may send cookies to your computer in order to uniquely identify your browser and improve the quality of our service. The term “cookies” refers to small pieces of information that a website sends to your computer’s hard drive while you are viewing the Site. We may use both session cookies (which expire once you close your browser) and persistent cookies (which stay on your computer until you delete them). You have the ability to accept or decline cookies using your web browser settings. If you choose to disable cookies, some areas of the Site may not work properly or at all.
third party links
The Site may contain links to third party websites. Except as otherwise discussed in this Privacy Policy, this document only addresses the use and disclosure of information we collect from you on our Site. Other sites accessible through our site via links or otherwise have their own policies in regard to privacy. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of third parties.
security
We maintain security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. However, no exchange of data over the Internet can be guaranteed as 100% secure. While we make every effort to protect your personal information shared with us through our Site, you acknowledge that the personal information you voluntarily share with us through this Site could be accessed or tampered with by a third party. You agree that we are not responsible for any intercepted information shared through our Site without our knowledge or permission. Additionally, you release us from any and all claims arising out of or related to the use of such intercepted information in any unauthorized manner.
children
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visitors' gdpr rights
According to the GDPR a “data subject” is defined as an identifiable natural person. A natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as: a name, an identification number, location data, or online identifier. Alternatively, they may be identified by reference to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person. A data subject may be of any age or nationality.As a data subject, within the European Union, you are entitled to certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Those rights include:
You have the right to be informed with respect to your personally identifiable information (PII) retained by the Company. As such, you may request access to your data that the Company stores and the rights to either correct or erase your personal data.
We will retain any personally identifiable information you choose to provide to us unless: (a) you request for us to delete the information, (b) we stop using our existing data providers, or (c) at Company’s discretion, we decide to remove the data.
You have the right to seek restrictions on the processing of your data.
You have the right to object to the processing of your data and the right to the portability of your data.
You have the right to withdraw consent provided to the Company concerning the processing of your personal data, as well as the right to withdraw that consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing based upon consent that occurred prior to your withdrawal of consent.
You have the right to not be subjected to automated decision-making via pre-ticked boxes, additions to our email marketing lists and the like.
You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority that has jurisdiction over issues related to the General Data Protection Regulation.
We require only the information that is reasonably required to enter into a contract with you. We will not require you to provide consent for any unnecessary processing as a condition of entering into a contract with us by way of downloading a lead magnet, webinar, freebie or any other traditional list building methods.
updating your information
You may access and correct your personal information and privacy preferences by contacting us via email at info@samcatalysts.com.
changes to this policy
You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this Site and this Policy periodically and to be aware of any modifications. We will notify you of any changes to this privacy policy by posting those changes on this page.
contact
If you have questions about our privacy policy, please email us at info@samcatalysts.com.
Updated: July 2022