A page of dedication to those special, longtime friends-and-colleagues without whom our career journeys would not be the same! Longterm, trusting, caring professional relationships are possible! Enjoy reading these testaments to enduring friendship among worthy educators. We'll add a new #edufriends tribute every day the month of February. Longterm, loyal, caring, nurturing, professional friendships are still possible!
I first met Melinda Lawson over a decade ago when I was a principal in Richmond, Virginia. While a single paragraph could never fully capture what she means to me, I can say that she has been my professional confidant and unwavering source of support for over ten years.
Early in my tenure as principal at Albert Hill Middle School, we connected when she served as a department chair in my building. We bonded over a shared commitment to excellence and a deep passion for creating environments where young adolescents could thrive.
We both found joy in the work - work that never felt like "work" because, as servant leaders, it was our privilege to serve. Together, we established high standards, hired and nurtured incredible staff, scaled impactful programs, and worked to bridge the divides in a community that could sometimes feel like a tale of two cities.
Through long days and late nights filled with problem-solving, strategizing, and celebrating victories, Melinda became much more than a colleague - she became a sister in this work. We've laughed, cried, and triumphed together over the years, and my appreciation for her runs deep. I count myself incredibly fortunate to champion this cause alongside her.
Shanté Knight
A Worthy Educator
Janice Bradley is a trusted friend, a leader, an inspiration, and a sister. She first came into my life about thirteen years ago through the Learning Forward Foundation. Her brilliant mind and skill as a researcher and writer, coupled with her open-minded, compassionate, welcoming spirit drew me to her immediately. Collegial conversations evolved into a deep, lasting relationship that is a cornerstone of my personal and professional lives.
I deeply admire her for so many reasons, it is a challenge to capture them all. Here are just a few ways that she has been my North Star, my trusted confidant, my coach, and my friend:
★ She is a transformational leader who ensures that all voices and ideas are heard. In doing so, she lifts others up to greatness.
★ Janice is deeply curious and her growth mindset is inspiring.
★ Her sense of joy, love of learning, and belief in empowering others radiates in every interaction.
★ It is a rare gem to find someone like Janice who truly listens, asks thoughtful coaching questions, and provides resources and support.
★ Janice inspires me to dream big and believe in myself in ways that I had never imagined possible.
Our relationship has evolved to the place where we are writing together, and it is such a treat to spend time co-creating and cultivating a space of hope and collective brilliance to share with others. Having Janice in my life has brought immeasurable joy to life’s journey. Whenever I count my blessings or focus on gratitude, the gift of her immediately comes to mind. I am eternally grateful for her support, kindness, brilliance, collaboration, and positive energy. Janice lights up every room.
My fervent wish is that everyone can find their Janice, and be invited into a relationship that epitomizes the connection in this quote from Brené Brown, enabling them to thrive and reach the potential beyond their wildest dreams.
Heather Lageman
A Worthy Educator
Dr. Corlis Curry, my principal for four remarkable years, has been one of the most influential figures in my professional journey. Her leadership, rooted in trust and empowerment, gave me the freedom to grow in ways I never thought possible. I vividly remember her saying, “I know my best people will outgrow my organization if I do my job as a leader.” Those words stayed with me because they reflected her selflessness and deep commitment to fostering growth in others.
Together, Dr. Curry and I led the building of an arts integration program that transformed our school into a glorious, colorful, and child-centered space where the arts truly oozed from the walls. It became a place of joy and creativity, inspiring the whole school community. Those four years working under her leadership were the happiest and most fulfilling of my classroom teaching career. Her trust and encouragement allowed me to thrive in ways I hadn’t experienced before, and I will always cherish that time.
Since our time working together, Dr. Curry and I have often met for lunch or brainstorming sessions to dream up ways we can still collaborate. She remains a humble force of inspiration. When I once told her how much credit she deserves for my professional success, she brushed it off, insisting my achievements had nothing to do with her. But that simply isn’t true. Her belief in me set the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished. Through me, her impact extends to countless teachers and students—a legacy that I find truly remarkable.
Dr. Curry also inspired me to keep going during moments of frustration and exhaustion. She always seemed to know just when I needed encouragement or a gentle nudge to persevere. Her calm, composed demeanor was a perfect complement to my own creative energy and ambition. While I often thrive on bold ideas and big-picture thinking, she brought steadiness and clarity, ensuring those ideas could come to life in meaningful ways.
One of the things I’ve always admired most about Dr. Curry is her unwavering commitment to her values and ethics. She leads with integrity, and that example has guided me in my own work. I strive to embody her authenticity and strength in all I do. Dr. Curry’s influence reaches far beyond what she may realize, and I hope she knows how deeply grateful I am for her leadership and friendship.
Amanda Koonlaba
A Worthy Educator
When it comes to longterm relationships, I immediately think of my sisters who are also educators: Alina Taylor and Amber Taylor. I am fortunate to have them in my family, though it can be a bit intimidating when we get together. While, of course, we have shared bonds that extend past our occupations, being a teacher is a large part of our identities and we LOVE to talk about it!
There’s something so comforting about talking to people who have been with you through all the waves of new technology and strategies that come through our world. We can reminisce about the days when we wrote on projector transparencies, debate about our current understanding of AI platforms, and visualize what we hope education will look like in the future.
I appreciate that whenever I need advice or an opportunity to vent, they are willing to listen and offer support. It is so wonderful to share my successes and failures with people who are in the field but not necessarily in my day-to-day. We each have our own location, specialty, and goals. Yet we are able to jump right in and have some real talk, knowing that we share the same values and can learn from each other’s experiences.
Apryl Taylor
A Worthy Educator
I smile whenever I think about the professional relationship that I had with Dorothy Strickland for more than 30 years. Because of her grace and generosity, Dorothy met with me monthly when I was Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for New Brunswick, New Jersey Pubic School District and she held the prestigious position of Samuel D. Proctor Professor in the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education (RU-GSE).
Our relationship began with a telephone call from Dorothy when she knew that she was coming to RU-GSE. She telephoned to say that it was one of her core values and an essential condition in accepting the RU-GSE position to know that she and I would work as colleagues. Can you imagine how surprised, how flattered I was that the internationally lauded Dorothy Strickland would make working in New Brunswick school classrooms with teachers a prime condition of her accepting a position at Rutgers, The State University? Come she did! Dorothy came to RU-GSE and she came to New Brunswick classrooms on a regular basis (meaning multiple times every year for twenty years). In addition to her work in classrooms and with teachers, Dorothy met with district supervisors of instruction and with school principals.
Of great value to me was our private conversations. In these conversations we talked about the challenges of leadership. We talked about books that she was reading for her professional growth and the novels that were her favorites and those that she was reading. I listened and made reading lists for myself. From these conversations a personal relationship developed that included invitations for me to enjoy tea with Dorothy in her home. In turn, I invited Dorothy to join me for arts performances at regional companies located in New Brunswick: Crossroads Theater Company, George St. Playhouse and American Repertory Ballet Company. Dorothy loved these experiences, and of course, I loved introducing her to artistic directors and Broadway and other world class performers.
A pinnacle moment came when Dorothy gave me permission to write about her in a small book that colleagues and I published. The title of the book is Beloved Educators, Women of Color Who Inspire Us. To my great pride and joy, Dorothy Strickland attended the launch of this book. She mingled with guests, signed book copies, had her sons in attendance and enjoyed the celebration. With grace and generosity that stretched far beyond my imagination during that first telephone conversation, my relationship with Dorothy Strickland was a blessing from God. Dorothy Strickland will forever be my beloved and Worthy Educator.
Penelope Lattimer
A Worthy Educator
Leadership is about relationships. Regardless of the role we hold, it is clear that we listen to and follow people because we trust them. We know that they respect us and care for us. I was fortunate to work with many people who went the extra mile and who followed my leaps into the unknown. And the best followers were those who often pushed back even as they leapt with me.
In particular, I reflect on one colleague, Barbara Thomson, whom I trusted deeply. Part of the reason why I had such faith in her is that she would tell me when she disagreed with me. Titles and hierarchy didn’t get in the way of her integrity. Her candid, “But Tom, have you thought of…” or “Are you sure??” questions caused me to stop and reflect and, often, led to a continued dialogue and a better solution. Or she would say, “OK, I will do this, but I don’t think it’s a good idea and I want you to know my thinking…” An important part of her having my back was by her telling me things that I needed to hear even if it wasn’t pleasant for me. She did it well, but she did it. Our relationship helped me be a better leader.
Tom Hoerr
A Worthy Educator
The person that immediately comes to mind when asked to identify a longtime colleague whose friendship I value very much is my friend Anissa (Nessa) Brown-Dennis. We first met over 25 years ago when I was a brand-new music teacher and Nessa was an assistant principal in my school. Not only was she supportive of my work as a teacher, but also took the time encourage me to think about my future as an educator and the explore the possibility of pursuing leadership positions. When she took on a principalship, she intentionally and thoughtfully engaged me with increasingly intense leadership opportunities with which she provided highly effective coaching and feedback. Nessa has a wonderfully unique way of challenging me to do things I think I can’t do while simultaneously giving me the confidence and inspiration to actually do them. Despite moving into a demanding cabinet-level position in another school system, Nessa continued to connect and inspire, which helped me to enjoy a middle school principalship and my current position as an executive director. Just recently, something happened that I could never have expected. Nessa “retired” and came back to my school system as a specialist in the central office. Folks new to a central office position are automatically given a mentor. Imagine how surprised we both were when we found out that I was assigned as HER mentor!! My mentor now mentors me through the eyes of a mentee and I am just as challenged and inspired now as I was some 25 years ago. Thanks, Nessa!
Doug Elmendorf
A Worthy Educator
Susan McCray was the first person I hired when launching a new high school in Portland, Maine in the spring in 2005. Her presence exuded, without trying to, “I am a teacher who inspires.” She was also the first staff member I phoned last June when I made the heart-wrenching decision to step away from the principalship after 19 years. Just hearing her voice answer the phone was enough to make me breakdown and start blubbering. And my blubbering was enough for Susan to know exactly why I was calling. For 19 years, Susan was our visionkeeper, my visionkeeper. She embodied our school’s noblest aims; she believed fervently that her students - and our school - could do more than we thought possible - and then she worked with relentless skill and love to make it happen. Her bold faith in humanity pushed me to be a better leader and sometimes, wisely, shoved me out of the way. During the rare times when Susan was down, my job was to remind her of who she was and what she had done - and will do once again. After collaborating on countless projects, rituals, events and student issues, we got to partner together in a new way this past fall. We co-taught some professional development for a high school in New Hampshire. It was a reminder that Susan is always someone you want in your sandbox: inventive, generous, fun and wise. And you’ll end up with one helluva sand castle, the most beautiful you’ve ever seen. Till her next one. I look forward to our next playdate together.
Derek Pierce
A Worthy Educator
Kim Austin has been by my side as my greatest mentor and coach from the very first day she hired me fresh out of college. She has presented me with opportunities during all of those 13 years that have challenged me to become the person I am today. She's been there for my highest of highs and my lowest of lows. I am who I am today because of Kim Austin.
There are so many favorite stories with Kim. The greatest came in my first year teaching. She stopped by my classroom and asked if I could stop by her office during my planning time later in the day. Now for a first year teacher, that is a terrifying, gut wrenching feeling waiting to find out why she wanted me to stop by. Long story short, she was taking me to the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. This trip inspired us to create an entire social-emotional learning experience for the kids of our school. This was one of many incredible opportunities Kim granted me. Perhaps the greatest memory of all is of Kim simply showing up for me in tough times when she probably had a thousand other things to do.
Kim, Thank you for always being there for me. From the very first day you called me on a Sunday morning the day after I graduated college to ask me to visit your school in Virginia to all these years later, you've always been there for me. You've encouraged me to always reach higher and to always stay true to who I am.
Thank you.
Dan Reichard
A Worthy Educator
Dear Rich Flaim,
Thank you for the extraordinary experience of working with you.
You have always represented a model of the finest principled-leadership anywhere. You were an excellent mentor – intelligent, caring, skillful, highly respected, thoughtful and focused. I admired your keen sense of knowing that always served to shape an idea into reality and often improved learning for me and for everyone. You led with mind and heart and wisdom, a rare combination.
I am so honored to have followed you into the position of assistant superintendent, for your accomplishments served to advance the quality of education in Vineland, New Jersey and beyond. You have left your mark, and it is recognized and celebrated.
To realize one’s potential is the gift of a quality life. As I recount your impressive contributions to our profession over time, I hope that you, too, are in awe of the ways you chose to live out a life. I think that your journey really has been the destination.
Thank you for all that you have shared with me. I will always treasure your professional conversations, friendship, delightful sense of humor, and unusual appreciation of the human spirit.
May “bests” Always be yours!
Sincerely,
Marie Adair
A Worthy Educator
I’ve known Loralie Baum for 11 years. When I was a middle school Resource Specialist (Special Education), Loralie was a 6th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher. We shared students. I found her to be extremely collaborative, and she always made sure that students received their accommodations. She would ask questions as well as make suggestions, and always had feedback for students' IEPs. Years later, as a Special Education administrator, I had the opportunity to work with her again to ensure that students with extensive needs could be included into General Education classrooms. Loralie always stepped up to the plate and was patient and empathetic with students and parents. In addition to our professional relationship, Loralie is one of if not my best friend. She's been there to support me in the roughest times, and was my maid of honor at my wedding in 2016. I cannot think of a better teacher and friend to appreciate.
In January 2014, about six months into our working relationship, Loralie, myself, and a few other teachers from our school went to a professional development session in Portland, Oregon. This was truly the trip where we bonded and solidified our friendship. After the PD session a group of five teachers were going into the city center to spend an extra two nights in Portland downtown to explore. This is before the days of Lyft XL or Uber X. We called a local cab company asking for a minivan to accommodate us and our luggage. When a Prius showed up we called the cab company back, and they told us the next van would be ready in two hours. We made a decision in the 25 degree Portland cold that I would ride in the trunk with the bags. Thankfully, we made it to our final destination safely.
Loralie, thank you for being my #edufriend and so much more! I am so glad our paths crossed at Parkside more than a decade ago. You continuously inspire me through your efforts to ensure that all students feel welcome and included in your classroom. You go above and beyond, planning fun and interactive lessons, hosting the LEGO club at your school, and serving as an instructional leader and model. I'm so grateful we've been able to share so many wonderful memories together, from Disney to Salem, Delaware, the rodeo, and even to Narita, Japan! You're the Rose to my Dorothy, and I love you!
Dr. Kristin Vogel-Campbell
A Worthy Educator
I’ve known Deirdre Williams since 2017. In our professional journey, we've consistently uplifted each other by sharing our ideas and transforming them into meaningful actions. We just got some fantastic news! An offer to publish the book we wrote together has come our way, and it truly feels amazing after all the hard work we've poured into this project over the years. I truly appreciate her unwavering support and for being such an important part of my tribe in helping me discover the diamond within the rough. Thank you, Deirdre!
Kelly Brown
A Worthy Educator
Thirty years ago this year, Kath Rivadeneira and I met in teacher's college at Brock University, (St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada). Even though we have been miles apart ever since. I teach in Ontario and she is in Florida, we stay in touch regularly. Over the years, we have called each other many times to share our challenges within our careers as teachers. Sometimes we have offered each other an empathetic listening ear, sometimes strategies to solve problems, sometimes we share celebrations, sometimes we share our frustrations with the beliefs and limitations within education and sometimes we share our hopes and dreams for the future of our education system. During our countless moments of laughter as well as a few tears, I am often reminded of the importance of having a dear friend to remind us that we are not alone in our struggles as well as recognize all that we do as educators to make the world a better place for our students and our school communities!
Jill McPherson
A Worthy Educator
I have known Jesse Kraft since 2001 (24 years). He and I collaborated at a time when we were both grade 4 teachers in the Fairfax County, Virginia schools.
During my first year as a teacher, I wanted to connect with others outside of my building teaching the same grade level. I read about the district Teacher Collaboration program and decided to pursue it. I was eager to learn and grow.
The program paired us together, and we set up a day to visit each other's classrooms. This allowed me to learn so much from Jess, witness a master teacher, and make new goals. Our relationship continued after the program, checking in on each other and where we were, both professionally and personally.
Thank you Jesse for the opportunity to share space and strategies, the time to collaborate, and to learn from each other. This experience really had a major impact on me as a new teacher.
Kevin Simpson
A Worthy Educator
At 76, I am no longer surrounded by the amazing mentors who lifted me up throughout my professional life. Sadly, they have all passed. From graduate professors to professional association colleagues to fellow school administrators, they supported me, advised me, and celebrated with me.
For the past twenty-one years, I have been employed by the NJ Principals & Supervisors Association and its professional learning non-profit, the Foundation for Educational Administration. Prior to joining NJPSA/FEA as an employee, I was one of the first members of the newly created NJPSA in 1981.
I recall first meeting Denise Hecht-Berger around the late-1990’s when she presented at our annual Principals’ Center for Educational Leadership which I attended as a principal. I was impressed by her passion, her knowledge, and her insights. Several years later, she joined the staff of NJPSA/FEA as an NJPSA Assistant Executive Director and as the CFO of FEA. As a long-time NJPSA Board member, I had the opportunity to engage with Denise on a variety of initiatives. In 2004, I, too, joined the organization as an employee.
Although I have had several titles at NJPSA/FEA, I have always been peripherally or directly involved with obtaining and directing grant-funded leadership projects. Denise has become my partner on all these ventures. She is my sounding board, my creative influence, and my budget guru. Her perspective as a business woman and as a grandmother of ten adds a different voice to my musings. Together, we create magic (and successful applications and proposals)!
On a personal level, we elevate each other - despite the circumstances! Attending periodic dinners and Broadway shows along with indulging in spa dates has cemented our friendship. Our personalities and skill sets complement each other beautifully.
I am so happy to have a forum to honor my valued and trusted “office sister,” Denise Hecht-Berger.
Mary Reece
A Worthy Educator
My treasured colleague, Rama Ndiaye, is someone whose friendship and partnership I deeply value. Our journey began as two of the few teachers of color at our school in China, where we bonded over shared experiences with racism and child safeguarding issues. Over time, we became accountability partners and co-conspirators in the fight for educational equity, actively challenging oppressive systems.
Rama’s unwavering commitment to anti-racist education and her steadfast belief in the humanity of every individual continue to inspire me. For example, her work with her third-grade students to create a video in response to a colorist incident at school demonstrates her dedication to empowering her students and challenging bias. We've collaborated on numerous projects, from co-founding the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Alliance (IDEA), to dreaming and presenting together the "AIELOC Academy," to co-authoring articles, including our work on the "English-Only Policy as a Tool for Systemic Oppression", and the presentation we did on "Culturally and Conceptually Sustaining Math Practices."
As cultural wealth practitioners, we collaborate to center the voices and experiences of BIPOC educators and students, and to dismantle oppressive systems within our institutions. Rama's tenacity, her ability to inspire action through dialogue, and her dedication to lifelong learning are qualities that I deeply admire and that have pushed me to grow both professionally and personally. She is a true leader, and I am grateful to have her as a colleague and friend.
Nayoung Kim-Weaver
A Worthy Educator
Connie Hamilton is a true innovator and mentor. Although she will say that I am these things to her, over the years, I have grown accustomed to our easy communication and care. We started as strangers who signed up to write a book together, and almost 10 years later, she is the voice of reason I seek when I need support professionally or personally. Her experience, expertise and kindness continue to amaze me. She is an asset to every person she knows. I'm grateful to call her the sister I never had.
Starr Sackstein
A Worthy Educator
The friendships I’ve built in my adult years don’t just take up more space in my heart—they occupy a different kind of space altogether, defined by loyalty, compassion, and the ability to make you feel seen as you navigate life in new ways. If I had to pinpoint one person who has embodied all of this for me over the past five years, it would unquestionably be Eric Beasley. Eric has been instrumental in my professional growth, but more importantly, he has been a guiding force in helping me navigate the complexities of being a father and husband in a blended family, particularly in balancing the challenges of parenting children who don’t live with me full-time. He understands the strain this puts on a marriage and the difficulty of being fully present at work while managing people. Without me needing to ask, Eric offers support through long conversations sparked by my random texts or spontaneous road trips with friends to help me recharge. His unwavering dedication to helping men grow both personally and professionally has been a constant source of guidance for me, and the principles he embodies are ones I carry with me every day. Because of my friendship with Eric, I am a better husband, father, friend, and educator.
Ryan Anthony Bell
A Worthy Educator
David Lowery has been a steadfast presence in my professional life for decades, embodying the very essence of loyalty, integrity, and mentorship. Our journey began when he was my high school history teacher, and later, we became colleagues when I served as an assistant principal and principal at the school where he excelled as a teacher, head football coach, and athletic director. Our professional paths continued to intertwine as system-level administrators, where his honesty, dependability, and relatability made him a trusted ally. Even after his initial retirement, when I sought someone to spearhead an Educators in Training program, David didn’t hesitate to step up, sharing his pedagogical expertise to inspire the next generation of educators. Now retired again, he remains a tremendous community partner in his role as a WoodmenLife Field Representative, continuing to serve others with the same dedication and care that have defined his career. His unwavering support, wisdom, and genuine concern for the well-being of those around him have been an invaluable source of inspiration, and I am profoundly grateful for his friendship and mentorship.
Ashley Catrett
A Worthy Educator
Kathy Evans is a longtime colleague and friend who I value beyond words! We were friends before we became colleagues - and recently, we get to work side by side everyday. I was recently asked about a time when I felt I was treated restoratively. To describe that in 4 words (mostly), I stated - given space and respect, to begin again and start over. Kathy embodies restoration in our work and in our friendship! Kathy thank you for valuing our relationship!
Aundrea Smiley
A Worthy Educator
I have known Aglaé Perez for 19 years. She was assigned to me as my ESOL Aide during my first year of teaching. She basically rescued me at a time where I was bogged down with misinformation and "brand new teacher" abuse. She was the key that allowed me to always be able to reach my students no matter what, and together we did just that.
Here’s a refined version of our story for clarity and impact: During my first year of teaching, we welcomed a remarkable student into our class during his 8th-grade year. He was new to America, spoke very little English, and was navigating significant changes in his life. Despite these challenges, his intelligence and potential were undeniable. Although he initially kept much of his personal struggles private, he eventually opened up to Aglaé. Together, we worked to ensure he had the support and resources he needed to thrive. After I moved back to South Carolina, I was thrilled to learn that Aglaé had stayed connected with our student. She reached out to tell me he was graduating from high school and asked if I would surprise him at his graduation. Without hesitation, we made it happen. On the day of his graduation, we went to pick him up. When I stepped out of the car, his face lit up with pure joy. Seeing his excitement and knowing how far he had come was one of the most heartwarming moments of my career—a memory I will cherish forever.
Gabbana, Where would I be without you? I’m almost certain I wouldn’t be an educator—or if I were, I wouldn’t have the same hope and joy for the profession that I do now. Your presence in my life transformed my perspective on education and the profound power of being a classroom teacher. All I ever wanted was to truly reach my students, and you helped me do that. After my first year of stumbling and finding my way, WE were awarded merit pay for the incredible gains our students achieved. I’ll never take full credit for that accomplishment, and one day, you’ll accept that you were just as significant—if not more so—than I was during that pivotal year. I’m so grateful for the friendship and sisterhood we’ve built and for the way our children are growing up as cousins. You’re the friend I never knew I needed, and I’ll always be thankful that you came into my life. Love you forever, Dolcé!
Natalie Odom Pough
A Worthy Educator
Tammie Schrader and I have known each other for 15 years. We first met at an organizational meeting to create a nonprofit to advance the use of games in education.
Tammie is a former rocket scientist with NASA, and we have worked together to spread joy, engagement, and motivation to teachers and students in STEM, STEAM, problem-based learning, and game-based learning. She has taught in the classroom, taught teachers, keynoted conferences, consulted on education legislation, been asked to speak at the White House, and run conferences. Tammie hosts the GameEd Games in Education podcast and is currently writing a book on Games and STEM.
Tammie sat through a trial run of my MindShifting classes in 2021, and then made them available to all educators in Washington State starting in 2022. She and I are co-teaching a course in Conflict and Collaboration in Education.
Together we led teams of educators through schools and universities in Finland (2022), Portugal (2023 and 2024), and, in November 2025, we will be leading a group to visit schools in India to learn about and share educational practices with Indian teachers and administrators.
I’ve learned so much from Tammie, and probably our strongest bond is that we both look at the world through the eyes of a seven year old. Neither of us ever grew up.
Mitch Weisburgh
A Worthy Educator
