Transformative Educational Leadership

On this MLK Day, we reflect on the transformative power of building a beloved community; one rooted in justice, compassion, and shared humanity. True leadership calls us to foster spaces where everyone can thrive, breaking down barriers and healing divides. Let’s commit to the qualitative and quantitative changes needed in ourselves and our systems to create a future defined by equity and collective flourishing. Together, we can nurture a world where love and justice are not just ideals but lived realities. #TELLeadership #DrKing #TrueEducation #TransformativeChange #MLKDay #EmpowermentThroughEducation #EducationForAll #LeadWithPurpose #SocialJustice #TELCommunity #InclusiveEducation

We’re so excited and proud to share the release of TEL Alumni, Dr. Dawn Brooks-DeCosta’s new book, The Change You Want to See: A Culturally Responsive and Affirming Approach to School Leadership, co-authored with Dr. Mark Anthony Gooden. Released in December, this book is a powerful guide for school leaders who want to create more inclusive, responsive, and supportive environments for students. Dr. DeCosta’s work is a call for change in how we approach leadership in education, emphasizing the importance of cultural responsiveness and social-emotional learning. It’s a tool for leaders who want to cultivate a culture where every student’s potential is not just seen, but celebrated. We couldn’t be more proud of our alumni and the impact they continue to have! Be sure to get your copy today and join the movement toward transformative change in our schools. #TELAlumni #LeadershipInEducation #CulturallyResponsive #InclusiveLeadership #TransformativeChange #SocialEmotionalLearning #BookRelease #TheChangeYouWantToSee #ProudAlumni #EducationForAll #TELProgram #Community

We’re so excited and proud to share the release of TEL Alumni, Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta’s new book, The Change You Want to See: A Culturally Responsive and Affirming Approach to School Leadership, co-authored with Dr. Mark Anthony Gooden. Released in December, this book is a powerful guide for school leaders who want to create more inclusive, responsive, and supportive environments for students. Dr. DeCosta’s work is a call for change in how we approach leadership in education, emphasizing the importance of cultural responsiveness and social-emotional learning. It’s a tool for leaders who want to cultivate a culture where every student’s potential is not just seen, but celebrated. We couldn’t be more proud of our alumni and the impact they continue to have! Be sure to get your copy today and join the movement toward transformative change in our schools. #TELAlumni #LeadershipInEducation #CulturallyResponsive #InclusiveLeadership #TransformativeChange #SocialEmotionalLearning #BookRelease #TheChangeYouWantToSee #ProudAlumni #EducationForAll #TELProgram #Community

Sonya Mehta’s journey from bilingual kindergarten teacher in Oakland to founder of Expand Your Capacity Virtual Assistant Agency is a testament to the power of purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to equity. From transforming classrooms to shaping national programs, Sonya’s work has been rooted in fostering sustainable systems and unlocking the potential in others. In this interview, Sonya reflects on how her TEL experience deepened her understanding of the intersection between personal growth and systemic transformation. She shares how the lessons learned through TEL continue to guide her as she leads with integrity, impact, and a focus on building spaces where people and systems can thrive. Watch Sonya’s inspiring story of growth, reflection, and the power of community, she encourages us all to lean into the process of transformative leadership. ?? Full Alumni Spotlight Here: https://lnkd.in/epUUcgmg #TELLeadership #TransformativeChange #EquityInEducation #CulturallyResponsive #SEL #LeadershipWithPurpose #InnerWork #SystemsChange #EducationReform #SocialEmotionalLearning #EducationForAll #BeTheChange #TELCommunity #BelovedCommunity #LeadershipForJustice

As we honor Indigenous Peoples Day, TEL is proud to spotlight Simone Gonyea, a TEL 2018 Inaugural Cohort member and a Snipe clan leader from the Onondaga Nation. As the first female administrator of the Onondaga Nation School and now a Senior Health Project Coordinator at the University of Rochester, Simone’s leadership has always centered on community, resilience, and cultural preservation. Her work embodies the principles of humility, collective strength, and continuous learning, reflecting her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices and creating inclusive spaces. Simone’s journey through TEL deepened her connections with fellow leaders, providing her with the tools and support to navigate challenges with grace. Today, she continues to build bridges between generations in her community, always grounded in the wisdom of her ancestors and the power of compassionate leadership. Simone reminds us to stay curious, listen deeply, and celebrate the enduring strength of Indigenous communities. We are inspired by her wisdom: "We're always pulling up our youths and reaching for what we have in our elders." Let’s honor and celebrate Indigenous leaders like Simone today and every day. We invite you to connect more with Simone's story here: https://lnkd.in/gGd3S8JY #IndigenousPeoplesDay #TELAlumni #CommunityLeadership #OnondagaNation #Resilience #CollectiveStrength

Our collective actions can make a rare impact! On World Mental Health Day, Oct 10th, join us in supporting mental health initiatives by shopping?@RareBeauty?at Sephora, online or in store. On Oct 10,?@sephora?is donating 100% of?@RareBeauty?by?@SelenaGomez?sales to the Rare Impact Fund for 24 hours only. The Rare Impact Fund is Rare Beauty’s commitment to providing mental health resources and support to young people around the world. Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL) is proud to be part of the Rare community as we come together to support the mental wellness of all adults and youth in our educational communities! #mentalhealth?#mentalhealthawareness?#worldmentalhealthday?#rarebeauty #rareimpactfund #sephora

In honor of #ClimateWeekNYC, ?? ?? we're excited to share new videos of a powerful Youth Climate Justice Panel from our summer 15th Mindfulness in Education Conference, on “Embodying Courage & Resilience as We Educate for Climate Justice.” This youth-led panel moderated by Linda Lantieri and Mychal Mills of Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL) featured inspiring members of the NY Climate and Resilience Education Task Force - Ellery Spikes, Olivia Yim, Ethan Liu and Maggie Handelman. In this video, Maggie speaks about the challenges and potential of actions they've taken to bring a climate education bill to Albany.?Throughout the panel discussion, they reflected on their experiences with climate education, climate mental health, and how they’ve transformed their concerns and emotions into meaningful activism. Watch these videos to witness the voices that are driving change and shaping a more sustainable future.? More videos will be posted. All videos available here at https://lnkd.in/d6G3RaND #climatementalhealth #mentalhealth #climatejustice #climateanxiety #education #youthvoices #youthleaders #justice?#mindfulness

#UNGA79 this week, & we're grateful for ?? YooNa Kim, TEL Fellow and Director at citiesRISE, which is cohosting this important convening TODAY on how to build systems for #youth #mentalhealth anchored in inner development for #collectivewellbeing. So excited to hear the key findings!

?? ???? Solidarity between communities of color is critical. Join the Black Asian American Solidarity Professional Development Hybrid Conference Oct. 10th to learn, grow, & support each other. Speakers include Sima Kumar, current TEL Fellow, Board Member of E Pluribus Unum, and NJ educator! This ?? hybrid event is an opportunity to learn Black history, Asian American history and the history of solidarity between Black and Asian Americans in the movement for civil rights. Register at tinyurl.com/tepupinc & read the workshop descriptions and speaker bios. Speakers include: Dr. Pat Lamy of the Amistad Commission Dr. Beth Lew-Williams of Princeton University Dr. Sohyun An and Dr. Noreen Naseem Rodriguez, authors of Teaching Asian America in Elementary Classrooms Dr. Rosetta Treece, superintendent of Hopewell Valley Regional School District Yoland Skeete-Laessig, author of When Newark had a Chinatown Dr. Jason Chang of UConn AAASI Gabriel Tanglao of NEA & Sundjata Sekou, a NJ Educator Dr. Andy Urban of Rutgers University Samip Mallick of South Asian American Digital Archive Dr. Joy Barnes Johnson, a NJ Educator & Denyse Leslie of Paul Robeson House of Princeton Sima Kumar of The E Pluribus Unum Project Inc and a NJ Educator Dr. Nathalie Edmond of Mindful and Multicultural Counseling and Antiracism Revolution The conference is sponsored by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), NJEA, Princeton University Carl A. Fields Center, The Amistad Commission, UConn AAASI, and Paul Robeson House of Princeton. #solidarity #education #leadersofcolor #teachinghistory #blackhistory #asianamericanhistory

?? Congratulations, Techa Smalls-Brown, ??beloved TEL alum and inaugural Director of The Sisters of Septima?? a newly founded, trail blazing teacher leadership development program for women of color at the College of Charleston. We are so inspired by this beautiful unfolding of Techa’s leadership journey! The Sisters of Septima (SOS) is a new initiative in the School of Education named after educational and Civil Rights trailblazer, Septima P. Clark. The Sisters of Septima is a teacher leadership development program designed to support the growth and advancement of women of color majoring in Teacher Education. Aspiring #women #educators of #color can gain the skills, knowledge and connections necessary to become effective and influential leaders in their classrooms, schools and communities. Students in the program will receive expert mentorship, academic support and the opportunity to be part of a vibrant cohort of women who are passionate about teaching and learning. For more info about SOS: https://lnkd.in/ephHkGCm #education #leadersofcolor #womenofcolor #civilrights #teachers