LEAD Principal Jonathan Brocco Wins Administrator of the Year Award
LEAD Public Schools is proud to celebrate Jonathan Brocco, principal at LEAD Southeast Middle School, as the 2024 Tennessee Charter School Center’s Charter Champion: Administrator of the Year! Charter Champion awards are given to outstanding leaders throughout the state’s charter school sector based on their leadership and impact on students.
“This recognition is truly an honor,” said Brocco. “I love this work deeply; it’s sacred to me. The opportunity to create opportunities for our future generations is why I wake up every day.”
Under Brocco’s leadership, the LEAD Southeast Middle School Lobos have achieved remarkable results, including top rankings in student growth. “Seeing our kids achieve growth that is #1 in Nashville and top 5 in Tennessee doesn’t happen without a community of educators devoted to each and every child,” Brocco shares. “It’s a great day to be a Lobo!”
Particularly noteworthy is the school’s success with diverse learners. “We were incredibly intentional about Tier 2 and small group instruction to ensure that all learners had equitable access to rigorous materials,” explains Brocco. “The teachers’ and students’ hard work and the coaching that Kelly Carden, specifically, provided made it all possible!”
Brocco emphasized strong collaborative leadership and a dedicated staff for why LEAD Southeast Middle is such a successful and special place. “It’s truly a reflection of the collaboration of the Lobos community,” he says. “Tom Schoen, who served as principal before me, built a highly engaged staff culture that is grounded in unyielding belief in every child. Ms. Taylor Bruner, assistant principal of instruction, elevated Tier 1 instruction to entirely new levels through establishing core pillars of our craft and aligning our actions to those beliefs. They both made all of us better practitioners.”
Former Principal Tom Schoen had some words to share about Brocco’s leadership abilities and how they have contributed to incredible gains at his school: “At the core of Brocco’s leadership is his emphasis on understanding and operationalizing the ‘why.’ This approach empowers the entire school community – students, staff, and families – to connect with their purpose. By encouraging students to reflect on why they are in school and urging staff and parents to align with the mission of LEAD Southeast, Brocco has cultivated a shared sense of purpose that fuels academic and personal growth.”
Another staple of Brocco’s leadership is live instructional coaching. “Recognizing the potential of real-time feedback to improve instructional practices and student outcomes, Brocco introduced live coaching during his tenure as assistant principal of instruction,” said Schoen. “This initiative not only enhanced teaching but also became a foundational element of the school’s culture under his guidance.”
The results are evident in LEAD Southeast’s student achievement data. Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) scores demonstrate the positive impact of improved instructional practices, specifically in math and English language arts. Students at LEAD Southeast Middle set records, earning top 5 in Tennessee and #1 in Nashville for growth in those subjects.
All of these academic achievements – including the Level 5 growth scores at LEAD Southeast Middle – further stem from a clear, student-centered approach. “Our collective focus on driving instruction through data, fostering student belonging, and commitment to accelerating the brilliance of every child makes the difference,” Brocco notes. “This place is special. It is a privilege to do this work and be the principal of LEAD Southeast Middle.”
We’re so proud of Principal Brocco for being named Administrator of the Year. For more information about the Tennessee Charter School Center’s Charter Champion awards, click here.
