Meet our 2025-26 Impact Academy fellows: educator-preparation leaders who are shaping the future of teaching

At a time when the teaching profession grapples with growing complexity, evolving student needs, and foundational questions about how to best prepare and support educators, a new cohort of leaders is stepping up to meet the moment and ensure all students access well-prepared teachers.

Today, DFI proudly announces the 10th cohort of the Impact Academy – a national fellowship that strengthens the leadership of deans and executive-level leaders in educator preparation. These 18 fellows represent a wide range of programs, including public and private universities, community colleges, residencies, and teaching fellowships, but share a common goal: to strengthen the pipeline of high-quality teachers who can honor and nurture the brilliance of all students.

Unlike other leadership fellowships, Impact Academy focuses exclusively on supporting those who lead teacher-preparation programs, a group who carry significant influence in how future teachers are trained, supported, and set up for success.

From close-knit Arkadelphia (Arkansas), to the bustling Chicago area, to the quietly majestic Fairbanks (Alaska), our 2025-26 fellows reflect the broad range of contexts where teachers begin their journeys. Their work is particularly urgent in a nation where many communities continue to experience high turnover among novice teachers, a rate that’s even higher in low-income communities; persistent shortages of educators particularly in high-need areas like STEM and special education; and a revolving door of underprepared and uncertified teachers. Research shows that teachers who receive comprehensive, practice-based preparation are 2.5 times more likely to stay in the classroom.

“Educator-preparation leaders play a critical role in shaping how new teachers are set up for long-term success,” said Valerie Sakimura, Executive Director of Deans for Impact. “From prioritizing instructional improvement in their programs, to supporting their teams to meet the evolving needs of schools and communities, to advocating for innovative and sustainable practices, they carry an immense responsibility in shaping the future of teaching and learning. With this milestone cohort, we look forward to helping them grow as change agents while staying grounded in instructional quality and student impact.”

Through a year of cohort-based learning calls, 1:1 coaching with seasoned leaders, and peer consultancies to tackle the field’s most pressing challenges, the Impact Academy will support these fellows to hone their adaptive leadership skills while learning from, and collaborating with, one another. 

Our 2025-26 Impact Academy fellows are:

• Carmen Dixon, Capital University (OH)
• Carol Cummings, Rhode Island College
• Charlotte White-Wright, Henderson State University (AR)
• Cristian Ruiz, TeachStart (CA)
• Cullen Johnson, Memphis Teacher Residency (TN)
• Daniel McMasters, University of Tennessee Southern
• Douglas Cost, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Emily Jackson-Osagie, Southern University and A&M College (LA)
• Emma Savage-Davis, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
• Jennifer Seybert, University of Texas at the Permian Basin
• Laura Saylor, Mount St. Joseph University (OH)
• Lesley Leach, Tarleton State University (TX)
• Lorrie Webb, Texas A&M University, Central Texas
• Neporcha Cone, Middle Tennessee State University
• Peter Eley, Alabama A&M University
• Teresa Taber Doughty, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Tonya Chacon, University of Bridgeport (CT)
• Tywanda Jiles, Prairie State College (IL)

These fellows join a network of 150+ leaders who are collectively working to empower future teachers to effectively serve students, schools, and communities across the country.

Interested in joining the next cohort of Impact Academy?

Fill out the interest form below!