Over 60 educators complete teacher leadership induction program 

Over 60 Hampton City Schools teachers and administrators recently completed the Teacher Leader Program. The HCS teacher leadership series is a two-year comprehensive professional learning program designed by Dr. Kim Richardson, director of induction and development, and Heather Peterson, climate and culture director. 

“This work began with teacher leaders who wanted more than to be effective in their classrooms—they wanted to be trained to lead. As Heather Peterson and I designed training for teachers and coaches, which turned into my dissertation on leadership identity, this series grew into a nationally-recognized model for developing educators’ ability to lead and collaborate with adults, and ultimately became the final component of the HCS 5-Year Induction Program,” said Dr. Kim Richardson, induction & development director. “As I retire, I am proud that this work has strengthened teacher effectiveness, expanded leadership pathways, and prepared educators to step into formal roles across Hampton City Schools and beyond. It stands as a reminder that when we invest in teachers as leaders, the entire system benefits.” 

The series comprises eight mini-courses organized into four key focus areas: communication, collaboration, leadership, and diversity, equity, and cultural competence. A mandatory introductory prerequisite is available at different intervals throughout the summer, followed by the offering of two classes each semester. Educators with over three years of experience are encouraged to join. Notably, this series also fulfills the final two years of activities for the HCS 5-Year Induction Program.

 

The teacher leadership program, "Lead From Where You Are," encompasses two key aspects. The first option is open to any educator within HCS who identifies as a leader but may be uncertain about the next steps to take. Whether they are experiencing a “leadership itch” or feel a strong drive to bring about change in their school, this series is designed for those teachers. It caters to those who are professionally restless and seeking avenues to exert their influence.

 

The second option caters specifically to fourth and fifth-year teachers who initially joined the division as beginners. The division has provided support to this group of teachers during their first three years, helping them become successful in their classrooms. Once they have established a strong foundation, they transition into the Teacher Leadership series. 

 

“It is important to note that our intention is not to push teachers away from the classroom if that's where they prefer to be, nor are we grooming them for future administrative roles,” shared Richardson. “Instead, our goal is to cultivate a leadership mindset within them. We strive to prepare teachers to broaden their perspective beyond the four walls of their classroom. We equip them with essential skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, and cultural responsiveness. This way, they can make a positive and meaningful contribution to their school community.”

 

The following teachers were recognized at the April 1, 2026, School Board meeting for completing the program:

Amber Atkins, Kraft Elementary

Cory Blount, Patrick Elementary

Tulsa Boyd, Tarrant Middle

Kim Garner-Boone, Tarrant Middle

Angela Cherry, Syms Middle

Janise Cook, Smith Elementary

Crystal Crumbley, Kraft Elementary

Lastavius Darby, Syms Middle

Wietske Delano-Beales, Barron Fundamental Elementary

Rachel Dobyns, Bethel High

Ashlee Dillingham, Burbank Elementary

Ashleigh Drummond, Phenix PreK-8

Megan Ervin, Phenix PreK-8

Sandra Fitzgerald, Bryan Elementary

Marissa Finch, Bethel High

Jillian Fredenburg, Langley Elementary

Jennifer Gandy, Phenix PreK-8

Aida Gaton, Syms Middle

Fanny Limon Duparcmeur, Hampton High

Hannah Hammond True, Bethel High

Durrell Hardy, Phenix PreK-8

Kristy Harmon, Patrick Elementary

Olivia Hudson, Machen Elementary

Patricia Huffman, Phenix PreK-8

Lavern Jackson, Andrews PreK-8

Zecharie James, Kecoughtan High

Siera Jenkins, Hampton High

Brianna Jenkins, Kilgore Gifted Center

Melody Jones, Langley Elementary

Love Kane, Andrews PreK-8  

Emily Klotz, Kilgore Gifted Center

Arnita Landy-Rosier, Mary Peake Elementary

Paula L. Larson, Kilgore Gifted Center

Jacob Lelesch, Bethel High

Stephanie Lopez Reppert, Moton Early Childhood Center

Erika Martin, Kecoughtan High

Tracye McLean, Kraft Elementary

Leah McGlynn, Hampton High

Kathleen May, Bethel High

Abigail Mor, Hampton High

Ajah Mooring, Aberdeen Elementary

Alexis Myszak, Barron Fundamental Elementary

Anne-Logan Mugler, Langley Elementary

Jakara Mahoney, Andrews PreK-8

Hollie Monroe-Johnson, Hampton High

Hallie Paige, Phenix PreK-8   

Tajah Paige, Kilgore Gifted Center

Roychelle Payton, Eaton Fundamental Middle

Jennifer Person, Andrews PreK-8

Adriane Peterson, Cooper Elementary Magnet School for Technology

Jomara Quiñones, Langley Elementary

Kandie Rivera Cotto, Phoebus High

Erin Scalley, Jones Magnet Middle

Jaz Sedgwick, Aberdeen Elementary

 Kyle Sheridan, Jackson Elementary

Renata Sims, Mary Christian Elementary

Sara Spoo, Hampton High

Danielle Strother, Tarrant Middle

Morgan Thompson, Kilgore Gifted Center

Alexis Upton-Savedge, Phoebus High

Heather Ulsh, Induction & Development

Lauren Wilson, Bassette Elementary

Ashley Williams, Kecoughtan High

Giselle Winston, Syms Middle

Valerie Wolfe, Kecoughtan High

Alicia Wright, Aberdeen Elementary