FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2021
Walter McKenzie, Senior Director for Constituent Services, 703-575-5617
ALEXANDRIA, VA—National leader in K-12 educator professional learning ASCD today announced its newest group of Emerging Leaders, a two-year cohort-based program designed to cultivate and develop rising leaders in education. The Emerging Leaders Class of 2021 includes educators from 12 states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and India.
"Nurturing and promoting great education leaders is at the heart of our mission," said CEO and Executive Director Ranjit Sidhu. "The Emerging Leaders program represents a growing cohort of leaders from around the globe who will serve as a guiding force in districts and schools for years to come."
Participants in the Emerging Leaders program have between five and 15 years of experience in education and have made an impact as leaders in their schools, districts, and communities. Through the program, these educators gain access to networking and learning opportunities, prepare for future leadership roles, and build strong and supportive professional learning communities with peers around the globe.
"My time in the Emerging Leaders Class of 2011 was a transformational opportunity to learn alongside some of the leading thinkers in national education," said ASCD Board member Matthew Mingle. "It changed the trajectory of my career as an educator, and I am profoundly grateful for the experience."
The members of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2021 include:
Marcus Belin, Principal, Huntley Community School District 158, Illinois
Sean Bethune, Assistant Principal, Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia
Makeda Brome, Assistant Principal, Port Saint Lucie Public Schools, Florida
Gemma Cass, Lecturer in Primary Education, St. Mary's University, United Kingdom
Casey Church, Classroom Teacher, Tacoma Public Schools, Washington
Shayla Ewing, Classroom Teacher, Pekin Community High School District, Illinois
Darnell Fine, Instructional Coach, Singapore American School, Singapore
Jodi Friedman, Assistant Principal, New York City Department of Education, New York
Camille Jones, Digital Education Coach, Quincy School District, Washington
Krystal Keller, Math Teacher, Tacoma Public Schools, Washington
Benjamin-David Legrand, Instructional Coach, Jefferson Parish Schools, Louisiana
Erika Martin, Instructional Coach, Hamilton County School District, Tennessee
Emily McCloud, Math Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia
Julie Padilla, Assistant Principal, Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School, New York
Nita Row, Head of Junior School, Bombay International School, India
Rachel Sadler, Director of Middle School Program, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia
Freddie Shaker, Classroom Teacher, Somerville Public School District, New Jersey
Vanee Smith-Matsalia, Demonstration Teacher, San Bernardino City School District, California
Xatli Stox, Education Program Consultant, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina
Islah Tauheed, Classroom Teacher, New York City Department of Education, New York
Lauren Taylor, Elementary Principal, Tacoma Public Schools, Washington
Ginger Tedder, Project Manager for Innovative Programs, Mississippi State University, Mississippi
Sophie Teitelbaum, Teacher, Center for Resilience, Louisiana
Matthew Woods, Director of Student Support Services, Henry County Public Schools, Virginia
Sidhu said: "Just as our education landscape continues to change and evolve, ASCD is working intentionally to cultivate the next generation of leaders, and we are thrilled to welcome our newest members to the Emerging Leaders family."
For more information on ASCD's Emerging Leaders program, visit www.ascd.org/emerging-leaders.
About ASCD
ASCD is where educators come to learn about new instructional strategies, grow as individuals and thrive as professionals. We are the preeminent global leader of professional learning resources for all classroom teachers, instructional leaders, principals, and superintendents. For over 80 years, educators and instructional leaders have used ASCD’s educator-generated, evidence-based resources, digital tools, and solutions to build teaching and learning environments to elevate education and boost student achievement. Learn more at www.ascd.org.
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