All Saints’ Episcopal School
Wally Worden (left) has been announced as the new Head of School for All Saints’ Episcopal School. After Dr. Tad Bird (right) has served in the role for 27 years, he will now step back as Head of School Emeritus.
After 25 years of dedicated service to All Saints’ Episcopal School, Wally Worden is stepping into the role of Head of School, bringing a deep understanding of the school’s mission and a vision for its future.
His journey from teacher and coach to Assistant Head of School has uniquely prepared him to lead All Saints’ into its next chapter, building on the remarkable 27-year tenure of Dr. Tad Bird.
Worden’s leadership has already shaped many key aspects of All Saints’. He has led efforts in faculty development, established the Saints Institute for Teaching and Learning, and streamlined operations to enhance the school’s growth and maturity.
“Wally has extraordinary working knowledge of internal operations and our culture, and a keen awareness of external factors in the independent school world,” Dr. Bird shared. “More importantly, he has firsthand knowledge of, and commitment to, our Episcopal school model, which embraces the dynamic but complementary tension between faith and reason.”
As All Saints’ enters its 75th anniversary year, the school community will honor Dr. Bird’s legacy while embracing Worden’s leadership with enthusiasm.
Continuing A Legacy of Leadership and Stability
With a proven track record of success and an unwavering dedication to the school’s mission, Worden is set to guide All Saints’ into a future filled with promise and opportunity.
“We’ve seen All Saints’ mature and change a lot in the last two decades, but we haven’t lost the best parts of our beginning; we are still intensely relational with families and students,” Worden explained. “It’s imperative that every student knows they have a champion and advocate on campus – this is a non-negotiable for me.”
Under Dr. Bird’s leadership, the school expanded its academic programs, strengthened its commitment to character education, and positioned itself as a leader in independent school education in Texas and beyond.
All Saints’ Episcopal School
Wally Worden has worked with All Saints’ Episcopal School for 25 years, with experience as a teacher, coach Dean of Students and Assistant Head of School.
Recognizing the importance of a well-planned leadership transition, Dr. Bird worked closely with the Board of Trustees on a leadership succession plan to ensure the school would continue its momentum without disruption.
The decision to appoint an internal candidate was deliberate, with the goal of maintaining the school’s high academic standards and cultural continuity.
“As Assistant Head, I’ve utilized and grown my operations skill set across departments and divisions, increasing stakeholder buy-in and connected outcomes,” Worden explained. “Being able to address issues ‘in the trenches’ has and will continue to promote buy-in from our team(s) as we collaborate toward solutions. It has also given me a better idea of areas that might need more help (resources, people, time, energy, etc).”
A People-Focused Vision
As Head of School, Worden will focus on executing the school’s strategic plan, Saints Elevate, ensuring All Saints’ continues to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape. His vision emphasizes maintaining the school’s core values while embracing innovation in education.
His leadership approach will prioritize strengthening alumni connections, advancing faculty professional development, and fostering an environment where both students and educators feel empowered.
All Saints’ Episcopal School
From left, Upper School Division Head Dr. Will Matsuzaki, Former Early Childhood Division Head Robin Page Messer, Assistant Head of School Wally Worden, Head of School Dr. Tad Bird pose for a group photo at commencement.
Worden’s hands-on leadership style and deep ties to the community position him well to continue the school's upward trajectory.
“Great schools do not rest on their laurels. Great schools seek ways to reinforce that which they do well and improve in areas where they need to be,” Dr. Bird said. “Long-standing success, in my estimation, requires an organization to honor the past, make peace with the present, and expect excellence moving forward. Wally is well suited for such work, and I have no doubt he, our Board, and the All Saints’ community will continue to thrive and be an integral part of Fort Worth’s culture and success.”
As this leadership transition unfolds, one thing remains clear—All Saints’ Episcopal School is in capable hands, prepared to build upon its rich history while embracing the exciting possibilities ahead.