LEAD Public Schools

LEAD Public Schools is proud to announce 18 teachers have been selected as Master Teachers for the 2025-26 school year, which includes ten new Master Teachers. LEAD’s Master Teacher pathway is an opportunity for the network’s highest-performing teachers to earn a higher salary and have more influence in their schools and across the entire organization–all while staying in the classroom.  

“Teachers are the single-most important factor when it comes to improving academic outcomes,” said Dr. Ricki Gibbs, CEO of LEAD Public Schools. “We are committed to finding ways to keep our highest-performing teachers in the classroom, and this program allows us to reward these excellent educators. This not only enables them to continue pursuing their passion for teaching but also empowers them to serve as leaders among their peers.”

As part of the program, Master Teachers are expected to complete a high impact school or network project, serve as a model classroom for training and school visits, serve as a network ambassador, and have their classroom filmed to support professional development across the network. This year’s Master Teachers are:

LEAD Academy High
James Murray*
Anne Haworth*
Keshia Rae Thompson

LEAD Cameron
Courtney Elko
Elizabeth Phelps
Katrina Radek
Deandre Benn*
Amy Nystrand*
Hollie Ramsayer*
Ashley Ridley*
Ashley Tate*

LEAD Neely’s Bend
Bridgett Orgain
Leslia Alcala Ramos*

LEAD Southeast High
Rachel Braly
Adam Elder
Maggie Moran
Madison Cartularo*
Marly Foad*

*New in the 2025-26 school year.

The 2025-26 Master Teachers were recognized at the LEAD School Year Kickoff Lunch. To qualify for the Master Teacher designation, teachers must be employed at LEAD for at least three years and exemplify excellence in teaching observation scores during those three years.