University of Memphis - Department of Leadership

As our semester has come to a close, we are proud to say we finished strong with the Aspire to Lead ForUM 2026 hosting over 60 leaders from across the state!

We were delighted to host and provide a space for school leaders to grow, collaborate, and sharpen their practice in instructional leadership, leader and teacher wellness, and effective communication strategies for today’s educational leaders.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to meaningful conversations that continue to move leadership forward. We are grateful for our Department of Leadership Ambassadors, Dr. Joris Ray and Dr. Rebecca Scott for leading our panel. We are also appreciative of Drs. Melita Thomas, Sharonda Beard, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Dr. Terry Ross New Teacher University for bringing relevant conversations to our leaders. TASL credit emails will go out soon!

We are already looking ahead to next year’s Aspire to Lead ForUM and will soon begin seeking speakers and presenters who are passionate about sharing best practices and innovative leadership strategies. We look forward to continuing this important work together!

Last but not least, we are highlighting Dr. Rebecca Scott, who will be speaking with a panel of other educational leaders at the Aspire to Lead K12 Virtual Leadership ForUM this morning. It's not too late to register! Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6loUrrLNakSwWnhY3eXdutQrN3dzgKxOpSTs4HlWP9lUREJJNlJLVDZPS0dIVFZTTE9XUlgzSEQwVC4u

We're highlighting two of our panelists speaking at the upcoming Aspire to Lead K12 Virtual Leadership ForUM. Dr. Sharonda Beard and Dr. Joris Ray, along with Dr. Rebecca Scott, will be presenting as a panel of experts to discuss crisis leadership,
AI & technology, teacher retention & culture, mental health & emotional intelligence, and practical advice for educational leaders. Tune in to the Aspire to Lead K12 Virtual Leadership ForUM tomorrow at 10:30 AM to learn from these inspiring leaders! Register here today: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6loUrrLNakSwWnhY3eXdutQrN3dzgKxOpSTs4HlWP9lUREJJNlJLVDZPS0dIVFZTTE9XUlgzSEQwVC4u

There's still time to register! Join us tomorrow for the Aspire to Lead K12 Virtual Leadership ForUM hosted by the University of Memphis Department of Leadership. Register here now: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6loUrrLNakSwWnhY3eXdutQrN3dzgKxOpSTs4HlWP9lUREJJNlJLVDZPS0dIVFZTTE9XUlgzSEQwVC4u

Introducing two speakers you won't want to miss! Drs. Melita Thomas and Terry Ross will be speaking on Thursday at the Aspire to Lead K12 Virtual Leadership ForUM. Dr. Thomas will be presenting on Leading in Schools. Dr. Ross will be presenting on Building Teams Grounded in Emotional Intelligence and Growth Mindset. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn! Register today: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6loUrrLNakSwWnhY3eXdutQrN3dzgKxOpSTs4HlWP9lUREJJNlJLVDZPS0dIVFZTTE9XUlgzSEQwVC4u

Join us next Thursday April 30th for the second annual Aspire to Lead in K-12 Education Virtual Leadership ForUM. You can register here https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6loUrrLNakSwWnhY3eXdutQrN3dzgKxOpSTs4HlWP9lUREJJNlJLVDZPS0dIVFZTTE9XUlgzSEQwVC4u to join us to learn about current topics in educational leadership.

🚨 Don’t Miss It...Happening TODAY! 🚨

Thinking about stepping into leadership? This is your chance!

✅ Early Decision Deadline for applications - April 1st
✅ Info Session is TONIGHT

Come learn how the University of Memphis Department of Leadership can help you grow into the leader your school and community need, without putting your life on hold.

🎓 Finish your Master’s in less than 18 months

📍 Designed for working professionals

💡 Built for Memphis leaders

If you’ve been waiting for a sign…this is it.

📩 Join us tonight or send us a message to get started!

If leadership is already on your heart… this is your moment.

Every strong school needs prepared leaders.

Not just promoted teachers.

Not just well-intentioned administrators. Prepared leaders.

Our program is built to develop instructional leaders who:
• Support teacher growth
• Lead school improvement
• Make data-informed decisions
• Navigate educational law confidently
• Reduce burnout through strong systems

You don’t need to start over.
You just need to start forward.
Two paths. One mission.

Applications are open...priority application window ends April 1st but seats are limited.

👉 Apply today www.memphis.edu/lead
👉 Join our March information session.
👉 Tag someone ready for their next move.

Join us this March to take the next step in your leadership journey!

The University of Memphis Department of Leadership is hosting a Virtual Master’s Program Informational Session on March 19th at 6:00 PM for educators and professionals who are ready to lead with purpose and impact. This is a first look at our redesigned fast track option!

If you’ve been thinking about advancing your career, earning your Master’s degree, or stepping into school or organizational leadership, this session is for you! You’ll learn about:

✨ Program pathways
✨ Admission requirements
✨ Timeline to completion
✨ Internship/field experiences
✨ How our program supports working professionals

Memphis needs strong, equity-centered leaders...and we’re here to help you become one.

📅 March 19 | 6:00 PM
📍 Virtual Session

Tag a colleague. Invite a friend. Share this post with someone who’s ready for more.