Mena Gamil extended his hand, introduced himself, and started talking about the need for solar-paneled sidewalks — sidewalks that would be environmentally friendly, safe for passersby and, above all else, an improvement over existing paths in nearby neighborhoods. “I …
Justin Martinez ‘20 took the mic and told his story. “Discrimination,” he said before 100-plus students at lunch Friday afternoon. “You hear of it, but you never expect to see it in your own life. Personally, I’m not affected …
The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools’ Board of Education approved the LEAD Academy charter renewal application on Tuesday night, which means LEAD Academy will continue providing a high-quality, equitable college-preparatory education for students over the next decade. “Thank you to the …
For LEAD Academy senior LaShonda Price, the opportunity to join Girls State this past summer allowed her to step outside of her comfort zone as a person and a student. In a word, LaShonda called it transforming. “Girls State is just …
Dr. Rock strides into his classroom at LEAD Southeast and a hush immediately comes over his assembled students. “Alright!” he says. “Let’s get this ‘Radioactive’ thing going. Let’s see if we can tear it up.” And tear it up they …
The student looked down at his folder, back up at the adult seated next to him and pondered the question at hand a bit more. “What is my favorite subject in school?” he asked, a wry smile foreshadowing his excitement. …
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.
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 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, 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.
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.
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.
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!
Nashville is my home. There is no greater honor than serving my home community through my love of education.
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.
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.
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!
BA in Biology and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia | MA Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University
I was drawn to LEAD because of the organization’s willingness to partner with MNPS, the State, families, community members, staff and students to best support students all across the city of Nashville. That partnership and collaboration is also why I stay at LEAD and believe in our mission and work!
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 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.
BS in Public Relations and Business Management from Bradley University | MA in Education from Marquette University
I chose LEAD because of the passionate and talented adults committed to serving students in all neighborhoods across Nashville.
BS in Economics/Business and Religion from Kalamazoo College | MA in K-12 Educational Administration from Michigan State University
LEAD is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to succeed in college and life. This is why I am part of our organization.
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 volunteered for LEAD during its first year and believed in their vision and passion. [Founder Jeremy Kane]’s passion to make a better opportunity and life for every student was contagious.
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.
BA in Biology | MA in Supervision and Administration from Tennessee State University | 24 years in education