One by one, members of the LEAD Academy Class of 2018 approached a representative from the college of their choice, handed him or her their application, shook hands, smiled, and walked away with varying degrees of swag: pennants, stickers, banners, …
LEAD Public Schools today announced its decision to withdraw amended applications to open LEAD Academy North High School and LEAD Southeast Elementary School. “Our commitment to our students, families and staff is to provide ‘best in class’ academics across …
The 2017-2018 school calendar is live on our website and can be found here. The school year officially begins on Monday, August 7 — between now and then, we are hard at work preparing for our LEAD University professional development …
One by one, the LEAD Academy Class of 2017 dropped the mic. Well, not literally. But in publicly declaring where they will attend college in the fall, each senior put their own individual mark on what is a LEAD tradition: …
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 …
More than 400 people attended this morning’s annual LEAD College Breakfast inside the Music City Center in downtown Nashville to celebrate the success of the last four graduating classes of LEAD Academy – all of whom have earned 100 percent …
LEAD Public Schools officially announced today that the LEAD Academy Class of 2017 is the fourth consecutive group of seniors to earn 100 percent acceptance to college. To date, every single LEAD Academy graduating class has attained this honor. “We …
Congratulations to Antonio “Tony” Anthony for being named the city’s Mr. Basketball through the Charles Davis Foundation awards program. Tony, an eighth-grader at Brick Church: A LEAD Public School, led the Bears to a 16-4 record and a season …
Dr. Alexandra Valdes, a science teacher at LEAD Southeast since 2014, was recently named a 2017 Shell Urban Science Educator Award recipient. The award recognizes outstanding and diverse science teachers and provides them with ongoing professional development and growth opportunities. …
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.