Teacher Leader Fellowship

The Teacher Leader Fellowship aims to increase the success of diverse learners by empowering and equipping teachers to lead change within their classrooms and schools. Engaging in a year-long fellowship program, Teacher Leaders develop both technical and leadership skills to enact change for the diverse learners they serve.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year open on March 4. Click the links below to apply or recommend a teacher!

The Fellowship Experience

Three Day
Summer Session

School Year
Growth Sessions

onsite 1:1 core practice and leadership coaching

peer
school visits

Mentor groups and
cohort events

Design and implement
impact project

Leader Benefits

Impact Diverse Learner Outcomes

Drive improved academic, behavioral, and social outcomes for diverse learners through data-based decision making processes.

Lead
Teachers

Develop skills to collaborate with and coach teachers and leaders in leading effective student-centered instruction.

Influencing School Practices

Advocate for diverse learner responsive practice, develop solutions to related challenges, and design effective strategies for implementation.

In the Words of Our Fellows

We are often the overlooked or last thought about teachers in a building. Having the opportunity to share, learn and grow with a group of like-minded people has been really empowering.

I’ve never felt so inspired and heard through a group of educators that really ‘get it!' This is by far the best professional growth experience I’ve ever had.

I loved being surrounded by people who understand me and my work experience! I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to not have to defend my advocacy and passion.

Strong Candidates

Our goal is to develop diverse learner leaders who are able to affect change within their schools. Each Fellowship is comprised of a group of educators who:

Are licensed to teach students with disabilities or students who are multilingual
Work with students and teachers on a regular basis through a variety of instructional settings and experiences
Have been working in education for at least two full school years
Have an awareness of gaps in opportunities for diverse learners in their schools and a desire to lead change that will directly impact these learners
Continuously push themselves to learn and improve and inspire their community to demonstrate a similar growth mindset
Seek to increase their abilities to communicate across stakeholders to advocate for diverse learner needs
Have the support of school leadership to participate in the Fellowship experience and implement their Impact Project at the school-site

Past Fellowship Cohorts

2022 - 2023

26 Fellows across Nashville and Memphis
Private, traditional, and charter schools
3 EL Teachers, 17 special education teachers, and 6 general education teachers
Ranging from 3 to 24 years of experience

2021 - 2022

20 Fellows across Nashville and Memphis
Private, traditional, and charter schools.
8 EL teachers, 9 special education teachers, and 3 support coordinators
Ranging from 3 to 25 years of experience

2019 - 2020

21 Nashville Fellows
7 charter schools and 9 traditional schools
8 EL teachers, 8 special education teachers, and 5 support coordinators
Ranging from 3 to 30 years of experience