OUR STORIES

Christel House joined global education leaders at the SXSW EDU Conference to share insights on one of the most powerful predictors of student success: self-efficacy. Morty Ballen, Christel House International’s Senior Vice President of Global Academics – Programs & Services, and Tania Alvarez Madrid, Academic Director at Christel House Mexico, led a session titled “Self-Efficacy: The Most Powerful Skill You’ve Never Taught.” Their presentation explored how schools can intentionally build students’ belief in their ability to succeed in specific areas, an essential skill linked to higher rates of college enrollment, persistence, and career success. Drawing on both research and Christel House’s experience across diverse cultural contexts, the session highlighted how strengthening self-efficacy helps students persevere through challenges, recover from setbacks, and confidently pursue ambitious goals beyond the classroom.