Leading meaningful change in our local schools

• Andrea Knies
• April 24, 2026
• Campus News, Students

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, a cohort of K-12 teachers from the Sarasota and Manatee school districts celebrated completing University of South Florida's Project T2L3: Transforming Teaching and Learning Locally through Leadership. This innovative pilot program was designed to strengthen school leadership and improve student outcomes and teacher retention through collaborative leadership development.

Over the course of five semesters, participants not only earned master's degrees in educational leadership, but also graduate certificates in exceptional student education (ESE) and state certifications as educational leaders. Thanks to a gift from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, all participants received full scholarships.

"The investment in these aspiring leaders will bring immediate benefit in student success through leaders committed to and prepared to support each and every child. This work places the USF College of Education and our partners at the forefront of innovative practice that can have impact locally, state-wide and nationally." Brianne Reck

The program was developed after Brianne Reck, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies and Campus Dean of the College of Education Cheryl Ellerbrock met with leaders from Sarasota and Manatee school districts to identify shared workforce needs and opportunities for collaboration. Those conversations led to a cohort-based model that brings together university faculty, multiple school districts and community partners to build leadership capacity among practicing educators.

Launched in fall 2024, the pilot cohort included teacher ambassadors, behavior specialists, interventionists, reading coaches and ESE liaisons. To accommodate working educators, coursework was delivered online during the week, with in-person weekend sessions. Participants also completed a two-semester administrative practicum capstone in local schools.

"Project T2L3 is a testament to the power of partnership," said Reck. "The two districts, university and a local foundation came together to support teacher leaders as they developed the knowledge and skills that will enable them to make an immediate impact on student learning, teacher retention and school improvement. They took on real challenges such as chronic absenteeism, developing literacy for learning, student behavior management and built teacher capacity to use high impact instructional strategies."

The graduation celebration included a gallery walk to share the results of the students' capstone projects. Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker welcomed attendees to the event and invited them to engage with these emerging leaders as they explore innovative solutions and see firsthand how leadership is driving meaningful change in our local schools and community.

With the first cohort complete, USF has begun evaluating the program's design and outcomes to determine its potential for replication within the university's Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program and as a model for other institutions. Graduates will be tracked over the next three years to assess career advancement and continued impact in local school districts.

"The pilot allowed us to test and refine a partnership model for educational leadership preparation that strengthens and streamlines the leadership pipelines for our local districts," said Reck.

By combining academic preparation, district partnership and ongoing evaluation, Project T2L3 aims to meet evolving community needs while developing the next generation of educational leaders.

Photography by Gwendolyn Herndon