Two LEAD Educators Named 2024 Blue Ribbon Teachers
LEAD Public Schools is proud to announce that two outstanding LEAD educators have been named Blue Ribbon Teachers – Saige Connor of LEAD Cameron Middle School and Maggie Moran of LEAD Southeast High School. This is a testament to their exceptional dedication and skill in the classroom. This honor not only highlights the individual achievements of these remarkable teachers but also underscores the high-quality instruction that is a hallmark of LEAD Public Schools.
The Blue Ribbon Teacher awards are an initiative of Metro Nashville Public Schools, the Nashville Public Education Foundation, and other community partners. Each year, extraordinary district and charter teachers receive this award for their work in the three categories of equity, instruction, and leadership – and they each receive a $2,500 prize.
About Saige Connor
Saige Connor teaches math at LEAD Cameron, where she has been for three years. “I really love helping students to find joy and success in the math classroom and helping to dispel the myth that some people are born knowing or understanding math,” she explained. “I love the ‘a-ha moments’ when students learn from their own mistakes – my fifth graders love reminding each other, ‘your brain just lit up,’ when students catch their mistakes.”
Part of supporting the diverse student body at LEAD Cameron is ensuring that each and every student has the opportunity to grow academically. Connor was selected as a Blue Ribbon Teacher in the category of “Equity.”
“Saige is deeply committed to equity in education,” said her coach at LEAD Cameron, Katie Lerg. “She recognizes the diverse backgrounds and experiences her students bring to the classroom, and she leverages this diversity as a strength. By knowing her students as individuals, she creates a learning environment where each student feels seen, heard, and valued.”
In addition to the classroom work Connor does, she also tracks data with a unique tool that she created. “By meticulously analyzing data, she identifies not just where students are, but where they need to go and how best to guide them there,” said Lerg. “This attention to detail ensures that no student is left behind and that every learner receives the tailored support they need to reach their full potential.”
Connor is a prime example of the types of educators LEAD boasts, and she believes that LEAD is a special place as well. “There is something really special about the community and leadership at Cameron,” she said. “I feel incredibly supported by Principal Shelton and our team of assistant principals and instructional coaches. My coworkers are energized by challenges and that energy pulses throughout the school as a result of their intentional leadership.”
As she continues to pour into her middle schoolers, Connors says, “My hope is that students leave my class feeling capable of accomplishing big goals and energized by productive struggle. I hope that they learn that it’s okay to get things wrong so long as they are continuing to try and learn from their mistakes.“
About Maggie Moran
Maggie Moran is a long-time LEADer – she has been at LEAD Southeast High School for eight years and serves as an exceptional education teacher and case manager. She has worked the longest in the Alternate Instructional Model (AIM) space with students who have intellectual disabilities and autism.
“What I love most about teaching students with intellectual disabilities and autism is the unique perspective they bring to learning,” she said. “Each student has their own strengths and interests, which can make for incredibly rewarding teaching moments. I appreciate their authenticity and the joy they find in small successes.”
Moran was selected as a Blue Ribbon Teacher in the “Instruction” category. “This award inspires me to continue growing as an educator and advocate for my students, highlighting the importance of their achievements,” she said. “Additionally, it helps raise awareness about the value of diverse teaching approaches and the positive impact they have on students’ lives.”
Moran says that her team at LEAD supports her instructional autonomy and supports her values as an educator. “The collaborative atmosphere among staff and the strong community ties provide an ideal environment for fostering student growth,” she said. “I’m particularly excited about the access to the community and the opportunities for classroom enterprises, which allow students to connect their learning to real-world experiences. Implementing innovative teaching methods that cater to all learners, especially those with unique needs, is a priority for me.”
As Moran continues to be a strong advocate for her learners, her hopes for her students are that they will feel empowered as a result of their time with her. “I hope students take away a sense of confidence in their abilities and a belief in their potential,” she said. “I want them to feel valued and understood, knowing that their unique perspectives contribute to our classroom community. I also hope they develop important life skills, such as resilience, empathy, and collaboration, that will serve them beyond the classroom. Most importantly, I want them to leave with a love for learning and the tools to pursue their passions.”
For more information about the Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards, and a list of all of this year’s winners, click here.
