Tift County Schools is pleased to announce the educators selected to participate in the redesigned Tift County Aspiring Leaders Program, work conducted in support of Tift County School’s 5-year strategic plan. Building upon previous leadership development efforts, the expanded two-year initiative provides a more comprehensive and structured pathway for preparing high-potential teacher leaders for future school administrative roles.
The following educators were selected for the 2026 Cohort:
NAME | SCHOOL | POSITION |
Alphonso Joseph | NEMS | ELA Teacher |
Amber Gibbs | TCHS | Special Education Teacher |
Brett L. McLemore | TCHS | Math Teacher |
Callie Mauldin | NES | EIP Teacher |
David Dylan Bass | NEMS | Math Teacher |
Heather Waldrop | JTR | Instructional Coach |
Holly McCrary | MWE | Behavior Interventionist |
Janean McShan | LLE | Fifth Grade Teacher |
Jerry Riggs | Alternative Programs | BDA Supervisor |
Kaitiln Spurlin | ABC | Second Grade Teacher |
Kim Simmons | CSE | EIP Teacher |
Kimberly Onyeri | JTR | Gifted Resource Teacher |
Lynley Riddle | GOB | Third Grade Teacher |
Marcus Shelton | AO | CHINS Coordinator |
Marquita Gaskins | ABC | Kindergarten Teacher |
Mason Grant | TCHS | CTAE Teacher |
Melissa Phillips | MWE | Instructional Coach |
Michelle Archer | AO | District Behavior Specialist |
Rachel DeMott | ABC | Third Grade Teacher |
Tatyana Brooks | GOB | First Grade Teacher |
Participants were chosen through a competitive selection process that included a written application, principal recommendation, and an interview with members of the district leadership team. Candidates were evaluated based on instructional excellence, leadership potential, communication and collaboration skills, commitment to professional growth and alignment with the mission and goals of Tift County Schools.
“This redesigned program represents a significant investment in developing the next generation of leaders within Tift County Schools,” said Paul Nelson, Senior Director for Leadership and Professional Development. “By combining focused professional learning with authentic leadership experiences, we are helping participants develop the instructional, relational and operational skills needed to step confidently into future leadership roles, while impacting their schools in the process.”
The Aspiring Leaders Program directly supports Goal 2, Initiative 5 of the Tift County Schools 2025–2030 Strategic Plan: Develop and implement an Aspiring Leader Cohort to build the leadership capacity of the organization. “We know that Tift County Schools can expect a significant transition in leadership within the system as nearly 40% of our school and system leaders will be eligible to retire in the next five years, " explains Superintendent, Natalie Gore. By identifying, developing and supporting potential leaders from within the district, the program strengthens the district’s leadership pipeline and helps ensure organizational stability and succession planning.
The cohort will begin its work in August 2026 and participate in five sessions each year. The first year, titled Foundations of Leadership, will focus on leadership identity and emotional intelligence, communication and relational leadership, building effective teams, instructional leadership, school culture and professional readiness.
During the second year, From Aspiring Leader to Practicing Leader, participants will explore leading adult learning and coaching, data-driven leadership, culture and climate, change leadership and strategic execution.
The redesigned program is directly aligned with district priorities and the responsibilities of school-level administrators and combines cohort-based learning with practical, job-embedded experiences. Participants will apply their learning within their schools, receive mentorship from current administrators, and complete a culminating capstone project demonstrating their professional growth and impact. Its expanded design is intended to ensure participants are not only knowledgeable and reflective but also prepared to meet the instructional and operational demands of leadership at the school or system level.
Through the redesigned Aspiring Leaders Program, Tift County Schools is turning a key strategic priority into action by cultivating leadership from within, supporting professional growth and building the organizational capacity needed to strengthen schools and advance student achievement.
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