In the heart of North Nashville, LEAD Academy stands as a beacon of educational excellence, fostering a unique environment where high expectations meet unwavering support for both students and staff. With a rich history and a commitment to preparing LEADers …
Within the next two weeks, every student will have the opportunity to participate in two short surveys. If you do NOT want your student to participate in the Student Survey, please sign and return the Opt-Out Form. While other students …
Read Across America Week, celebrated March 2-6, 2023, is a national celebration of the love and joy of reading. In honor of Read Across America, we’re spotlighting our media specialists across the network. LEAD Cameron and LEAD Academy Media Specialist …
Read Across America Week, celebrated March 2-6, 2023, is a national celebration of the love and joy of reading! In honor of Read Across America, we’re spotlighting our media specialists across the network! At LEAD, Neely’s Bend Media Specialist Rachel …
LEAD Academy Principal Dr. Tony Majors brings more than 25 years of experience in education to LEAD, serving in various roles. He previously served as a teacher, coach, high school principal, executive officer, and Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Major’s connection to …
She hasn’t been gone from LEAD Academy for long, but Justice Williams, LEAD Academy Class of ‘20, has already been published in a renowned scientific journal. The Maryville College Senior is majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Spanish. She …
LEAD Cameron’s Briana Shelton knew she wanted to be an educator before leaving high school. She started volunteering at Smithson Craighead Academy, a public charter school in Madison, during her senior year and fell in love with helping students overcome …
LEAD strives to meet the needs of students and families both inside and outside of the classroom. The holidays are a time where our organization comes together to provide some additional love and support for our families. The Ethos Exemplified …
LEAD Public Schools is shining the spotlight on Thomas Schoen, the principal of LEAD Southeast Middle School. Schoen took over as school principal this summer but is no stranger to LEAD Public Schools. Schoen began teaching 5th and 7th grade …
LEAD Public Schools is proud to spotlight Kathryn Rice McKinzie, the principal of LEAD Brick Church Middle School. Ms. McKinzie took over as school principal this fall and has already hit the ground running. “I love working with the Brick …
BA in Math Education and Learning and Behavioral Disorders from Bellarmine University
Nashville is my home. There is no greater honor than serving my home community through my love of education.
I have three sons. Having grown up as the middle of three sisters, I’m looking forward to seeing our three boys develop the same bond that my sisters and I have. As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment at home for my husband and me.
BS in Accounting from The University of Phoenix.
BA of Arts in English from Rutgers University | Master of Education in Multicultural Education from Eastern University | Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Colombia University
LEAD Public Schools is a phenomenal organization that is creating positive educational outcomes for students throughout Nashville. I am excited to continue building on the strong foundation recognized throughout LEAD Southeast. It’s an honor to be a part of an organization that is ensuring every student that comes into a LEAD school graduates truly ready for college and life.
I’m new to the South and excited to make family memories here. I’m originally from upstate NY and lived in the Philadelphia area for 20 years.
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Master of Arts In English, Western Kentucky University; Master of Arts in Teaching, Marian University
LEAD believes in the potential of every student, establishes an environment where each student can forge their most ambitious path, and challenges both students and staff to do their best work every day. The best part about LEAD is that alongside those high expectations comes a high level of support: no one is in the work alone.
I love to make lists! Each year, I make a list of all the books I read that year, memorable moments, and sweet or funny things my two children say or do. One of my favorite things to do at the end of every year is look back and see all the things I learned over the course of that year.
BS in Education, Physical Education, Health and Wellness from Tennessee State University | MS in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University | Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University
I LEAD because I believe all children deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Through education provide content knowledge and help students identify and build upon their own talents and strengths. This drives me and gives me purpose.
BS in Economics and Theatre from Vanderbilt University | MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University | MA in Educational Leadership from Broad Residency in Urban Education
I am inspired by LEAD’s commitment to serving ALL students, especially those with special needs.
I actually double majored in Economics and Theatre and worked at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago for 5 years.
BA in English from Vanderbilt University | MEd in English Education from Belmont University
I joined LEAD because of my unwavering belief that good schools should never be off limits to any children, regardless of race or socio/economic status.
Education was not my first career choice. I began teaching when my own children started school 25 years ago, and it’s the best career choice I ever made.
BA in Political Theory from University of California San Diego | MS in TESOL Linguistics from Long Island University Brooklyn | EdD in Strategic Management and Organizational Change from Lipscomb
I believe in the turnaround model as the surest path to spreading educational equity to all students.
Alongside four of my best friends, I spent 6 weeks driving a VW beetle 10,000 kilometers through Southern Africa. The difficulty of that adventure still inspires me to find a way to do the hardest things and be OK with how uncomfortable that can make you feel.
BS in Elementary Education and Master of Education in Administration from Tennessee State University | Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University
I became a world changer at LEAD because I believe that every child deserves to attend a world class school no matter where they live. By choosing to do this work, I am leading by example and fulfilling the words of Angela Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I’m changing the things I cannot accept.”
BA in Political Science and Peace, Gender, and Diversity Studies from Xavier University | SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
As a native Nashvillian, I am proud that LEAD is committed to all of Nashville’s neighborhoods in its aim to provide a quality educational experience for its students and families.
I have a love of classic TV shows like Law and Order, The Andy Griffith Show, and Golden Girls. I enjoy all genres of music except for country. Some of my favorite concerts were Coldplay, J-Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Childish Gambino.
BA in Business Administration from Kent State University | MA in Special Education from University of Phoenix | SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
I LEAD because we have the opportunity to provide students with high academic expectations and the mindset that they are capable of exceeding those expectations.
My uncle was a gold medal swimmer in the Special Olympics. My grandparents were integral in starting organizations in both Ohio and Florida to support and promote the rights of people with disabilities. Their influence lead to my passion for working with students with all abilities.
My first teaching job in Nashville was as the hospital school teacher at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. I spent almost ten years working with students with healthcare needs that created the need for extended hospital stays. The lessons I learned from my students regarding optimism in the face of adversity were truly life changing.
BS in Education from Miami University of Ohio
M.Ed. in Transformative Education from Miami University of Ohio
I work at LEAD because education is one of the greatest tools to change the world for the better and our students are the ones who will make that happen! I choose to come back to LEAD each year because of the long-lasting relationships I have built with students, families, and staff; LEAD is a true family.
The first thing I do when I wake up is work out at 5am. The last thing I do before going to sleep is read. Besides working with students, reading and exercising are two of my biggest passions.
Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising. Went the non-traditional route to enter education and became part of Teach for America Miami-Dade Corps in 2013 where I got my start in education.
I LEAD because of the community that we serve in Madison. Being a neighborhood school allows us to see generations of families come through our doors. Years later when you see former students and families at graduations, sporting events, or community events it feels like you are seeing family members at your annual reunion. I have been blessed to be a part of this school’s transformation to excellence and we are still climbing. Our students and our families deserve the type of love and high quality education that we provide here at the Bend!
Growing up I loved playing school and forcing my younger sister to be my student. With my mom being a principal, I have gotten to follow in her footsteps.
BA in Radio/TV/Film from Auburn University
I grew up in a strong public school system in Alabama, and I firmly believe every child – regardless of their zip code – deserves access to an excellent learning experience that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. The future of our city is dependent on the quality of our public schools, and I am proud to be part of a team who is working to strengthen public schools in Nashville.
I love to cook. My favorite way to spend a Saturday is cooking a multi-course meal all afternoon and then enjoying that meal with the people I love. To me, cooking is a rewarding way to show the people around me how I feel about them, and I love being able to share that with my friends and family.
BA, French – Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
MEd, Educational Leadership – Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
LEAD models a shared commitment to providing educational excellence and equity for ALL students and families. At LEAD, we work as a team to ensure that our students are growing at an accelerated pace and are on track for success in college and life.
I’ve been fortunate to teach and lead in a variety of schools in Louisiana. My favorite work is turnaround because we get to collaborate to prove what is possible for kids. And after living in Louisiana for 20 years, I always travel with hot sauce!
BA in English from Spelman College | MEd in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University
The opportunity to serve LEAD students, educators and administrators is both an honor and a privilege. Together, we will partner with the greater community to fund the bold and brilliant imperative to graduate students who are ready for college and life!
Growing up in Nashville, I watched my parents, both educators, sacrifice and stand up for equity on behalf of students and schools. My passion for education started with these authentic experiences.
BS in Business Management from Tennessee State University
Equality in education should not be about what part of town you live in. All children, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic status, should have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. I believe we provide that in service to our students and families.
I grew up in North Nashville and graduated from the (now-closed) North High School. My career has taken me to a variety of jobs from managing a Pizza Hut to leading Human Resources for several Fortune 500 companies.
BA in Biology | MA in Supervision and Administration from Tennessee State University | 24 years in education
I LEAD because I want to teach students to succeed in finding ways to reach beyond expectations!
My wife and I played volleyball in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a sand bar the length of a football field.