Leadership to meet a rapidly-changing education field: introducing our 2026-27 Impact Academy fellows

“I am excited to both challenge and be challenged alongside leaders… who believe that strong systems, reflective practices, and shared accountability can lead to high-quality learning opportunities.”

That reflection from a member of DFI’s newest 2026-27 Impact Academy fellowship cohort captures the spirit of leading educator preparation today: a willingness to learn and grow while holding a high bar for what preparation can make possible. Across fellow applications are similar themes of adaptiveness and resilience: redesigning programs to be responsive to a rapidly-evolving landscape, navigating “financial constraint, policy pressure, and institutional change,” strengthening community partnerships that move beyond hiring and placement, and making difficult decisions where there are no clear right answers.

Their reflections highlight how many in teacher preparation are meeting the moment. The field is being asked to adapt to myriad changes, from AI and new strategic staffing models to reading and math instructional policy shifts, tightening budgets, enrollment pressure, and evolving workforce needs. Yet, the leaders joining this year’s Impact Academy cohort are not treating complexity as an obstacle; they are navigating ambiguity and meeting challenges with a view that these are opportunities to lead with clarity of vision, courage, and care.

This year, DFI proudly welcomes 24 educator-preparation leaders to the 11th cohort of Impact Academy, our national fellowship for deans and executive-level leaders working to strengthen accessible, high-quality pathways into teaching. In addition to serving as program leaders, they bring perspectives and former experience as teachers, researchers, PK-12 district leaders, state-level advocates, and more. From California to Nebraska to Virginia, they lead in rural communities, urban districts, regional institutions, and national programs. 

During the 2026-27 school year, these fellows will engage in in-person and virtual cohort-based learning experiences, 1:1 coaching from seasoned leaders, and peer consultancies addressing the field’s most pressing challenges. Over the course of the year, they will workshop solutions to adaptive challenges: complex problems leaders face when change depends not only on making technical or structural fixes but on shifting mindsets, relationships, and ways of working.

Our 2026-27 Impact Academy fellows are:

• Angela McDonald, Longwood University (VA)
• Anika Burtin, University of the District of Columbia
• Annette Hux, Arkansas State University
• Brooke Burks, Tuskegee University (AL)
• Cheryl Lambert, University of West Alabama
• Christine Hardigree, Iona University (NY)
• Cindy Martinez, Western New Mexico University
• David Fuentes, Stockton University (NJ)
• Jamia Richmond, Coastal Carolina University (SC)
• Jerre Snead, Rhode Island School for Progressive Education
• John McConnell, Austin Peay State University (TN)
• Kelly Chaney, Morningside University (IA)
• Kevin Badgett, Sul Ross State University (TX)
• Krista Jahn, Central Queens Academy Charter School (NY)
• Kym Acuña, Wayne State College (NE)
• Lisa Harrison, Ohio University
• Malekah Salim-Morgan, Reach University (CA)
• María Scharrón del Río, The City University of New York
• Marius Boboc, University of Missouri–St. Louis
• Mary Olvera, North Carolina Community College System
• Rebecca Saiz, Lone Star College (TX)
• Shawn Daley, George Fox University (OR)
• Tarsha Reid, Harris-Stowe State University (MO)
• Tonya Rose, Southern University at New Orleans (LA)

Former Impact Academy fellows will support this year’s cohort as coaches. Selected for the strength of leadership they demonstrated through the fellowship and their continued impact in the field, these alumni bring deep experience navigating challenges and opportunities in educator preparation.

Our 2026-27 coaches are:

• Afra Hersi, Loyola University Maryland
• Amy Smith, University of St. Thomas (MN)
• Beth Quick, University of Alabama in Huntsville
• Carolyn Theard-Griggs, National Louis University (IL)
• Janna Scarborough, East Tennessee State University
• Jim Meadows, Washington Education Association
• Laura Saylor, Mount St. Joseph University (OH)
• Mark McDermott, The University of Iowa

Together, these fellows and coaches are part of a network of nearly 200 leaders who are working within and beyond the field of educator preparation to ensure all students across the country are taught by well-prepared teachers.

Interested in joining the next cohort of Impact Academy?

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