Congratulations to the 2020 cohort of Leadership Public Education (LPE) for completing the program. Fellows learned and discussed the structures, challenges, and opportunities of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to pursue elected, appointed, and volunteer leadership positions impacting student achievement.

Sessions included public school funding; MNPS budget process; education policy, law, and equity; roles and responsibilities of Board of Education and Director of Schools; teacher and principal talent attraction and retention, and conflict resolution and effective communication.

LPE fellows met with leadership from The University of Tennessee County Technical Assistance Service, Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee State Board of Education, MNPS, Vanderbilt University, Trailblazer Coalition, Tennessee Education Research Alliance, Tennessee School Board Association, MNPS Board of Education, Office of Mayor John Cooper, Metro Nashville-Davidson County council members, education nonprofits, parent teacher organizations, and Lipscomb University Institute for Conflict Management. Well-prepared individuals serving in community leadership positions at all levels of our public education system is vital to student success and this training would not be possible without the support of these institutions.

LPE fellows are now actively pursuing a community leadership position, including Academies of Nashville Partnership Council, Education Report Card Committee at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, MNPS Board of Education, Metro-Nashville Davidson County boards and commissions, parent-teacher organizations, district-wide advisory councils, nonprofit board of directors, and Tennessee State Board of Education. We will profile LPE alumni in the future.

The LPE graduation will be set for a date to be determined once events can safely resume. Stay tuned to Monday Morning Report for updates and to attend graduation.

Are you interested in making an impact on Metro Nashville Public School students in a community leadership position? Join us for an information session on October 8th or October 22nd to learn more about the program, applying for the next cohort beginning January 2021, and connect with LPE alumni.

Learn more about LPE from alumni testimonials below and on the program website.

“Leadership Public Education (LPE) was a once in a lifetime experience. Growing up in middle Tennessee led me to believe I knew the struggles of our public schools and the everyday operational needs of our educators. However, LPE has opened my eyes to Metro Nashville Pubic Schools (MNPS) and every facet of our public educational system, including law, policy, board of education, director of schools, budget, parent/teacher/student relationships, current MNPS statistics, and many other segments. I look forward to using this knowledge and the connections I have made with other LPE fellows, by committing my time to education where I can advocate for the continuing betterment of MNPS.”

– Jason Loggins, Bank of Tennessee

“Leadership Public Education (LPE) empowered me to feel like I can have a true impact on the students in Metro Nashville Public Schools as a community partner. We heard from experts that I would have never been in contact with about their work with students. I now have new professional and personal goals as a result of LPE and feel prepared to go out in the community and advocate for change.”

– Ellen O’Neal, HCA Healthcare

“Leadership Public Education (LPE) is an immersive experience into the opportunities and challenges faced daily by Metro Nashville Public Schools students, teachers, administrators and the board of education. Session after session opens doors on the classrooms and meeting rooms where education is delivered and high-level decisions are made. It is a program that allows its LPE fellows to understand the complexities of public education and, in the end, find their pathway to become an advocate for public education in Nashville. A thoroughly engaging, illuminating experience.”

– Greg Bailey, Finley + Bailey Strategic Communications