Announcing the 2024 Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts Fellows

Throughout the Commonwealth there are educators who are aspiring to lead and transform high schools to be dynamic and engaging learning spaces where all young people can thrive. In the face of reduced budgets and resources, we remain committed to supporting the efforts of rising leaders to create excellence in high schools across Massachusetts.

Earlier this summer, 15 educators from an applicant pool of 112 were welcomed by Springpoint, in partnership with Barr, into the second cohort of Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts (TLM) fellowship.

We are pleased to announce the 2024 TLM Fellows.

• Kori Alston, Veritas Prep High School, Springfield
• Gisel Antigua, Rindge Avenue Upper Campus, Cambridge
• Carolyn Baptista Blennau, Taunton High School, Taunton
• Teron Brown, Springfield Prep Charter School, Springfield
• Sam Chen, Dearborn Stem Academy, Boston
• Jack DeChristopher, Neighborhood House Charter School, Boston
• MaryAnn DeMaria, Millbury Jr/Sr High School, Millbury
• Emily Floyd, Chelsea High School, Chelsea
• Lakeisha Gerald, Attleboro Community Academy, Attleboro
• Monica Goncalves, Orchard Street Academy, Marlborough
• Kiara Martinez, Excel Academy Charter High School, Boston
• Belzie Mont-Louis, Boston Latin Academy, Boston
• Elizabeth Schibuk, Conservatory Lab Charter School, Boston
• Susie Smith, Kipp Lynn Academy Collegiate (9-12), Lynn
• Patrick White, Codman Academy Charter Public School, Dorchester
  

TLM fellowship brings together a diverse group of leaders from various high school communities, committed to this one goal; improving the learning experiences for each and every student. These fellows lead schools across Massachusetts. Our fellows come from a range of professional backgrounds and currently serve as teachers, deans, instructional coaches, assistant principals, and principals, with experiences spanning from five years to over 21 years in education.

We know leadership matters—transformative leadership matters more. Achieving school transformation isn’t possible without preparing leaders who are equipped to make a difference. The TLM fellowship aims to further equip these leaders. The fellowship is a two-year school design and leadership program leveraging an apprenticeship model to give fellows hands-on learning in their current schools with deep coaching, mentorship, a strong community of practice, and a stipend of $20,000.

The first Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts fellowship was launched in 2022 with a cohort of 12 aspiring high school leaders. Hearing their feedback on the significance of the fellowship experience has only strengthened our commitment. Many past fellows have received promotions into leadership roles, a testament to their growing skills and potential for future impact. Our primary goal was to provide a transformative leadership experience for passionate and committed educators who deeply believe that high school could and should be done differently. And it still is.

The diversity of our fellows and their schools highlights that transformation isn’t limited to any specific region, community, or school type; it’s necessary and relevant across all educational spaces. It’s a reminder that inequitable practices and work to transform the learning experiences for all secondary students can be addressed, not in theory, but in real time, within the schools where committed leaders are actively driving change.

Congratulations to this year’s rising transformative leaders who are excited to champion, catalyze, and steward the next generation of high schools for our Commonwealth.

2024 Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts Fellows