As the first year of the two-year Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA) wraps up, we’re grateful for the 60 educators from across the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) who have dedicated their time to learning more about Alamance County and growing as leaders within their schools and communities. Now in its sixth cohort, TLA brings together passionate teachers to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and innovation in education.
Throughout the program, participants spend full days engaging with local leaders and businesses—discovering how systems like economic development, health equity, and workforce readiness intersect with education. These experiences not only broaden perspectives but also inspire educators to bring new ideas back to their classrooms and schools. An integral part of the program, the Creativity Grants provide up to $20,000 for student-centered projects that bring innovation to classrooms across the district.
At its core, TLA empowers teachers to lead—not just within their classrooms, but across the community. By amplifying teacher voices and deepening the link between education and local opportunity, the program is helping shape a brighter, more connected future for Alamance County students.
August Retreat: Recharging and Refocusing for the Year Ahead
In August, TLA participants gathered at Elon University for a two-day retreat focused on leadership, values, and wellness. Through team-building exercises, leadership development sessions, and conversations about school funding and innovation, teachers had the opportunity to reflect on their leadership journeys and reconnect with their purpose as educators.
Guest presenters including Colin Cowne, Learning and Development Consultant with Cone Health, Mike Close, Senior Advisor Governmental Affairs with the North Carolina School Boards Association, and Scottie Seawell, Principal Consultant at Leading and Governing Associates, Inc. led sessions that helped participants clarify their leadership agendas and explore new strategies for fostering growth and resilience — in themselves, their students, and their colleagues. During the retreat, participants learned about the Creativity Grant opportunity and heard from program alumni who described their grant experiences—sharing how they used the funds to spark innovation in their classrooms and improve student learning.
October Session: Agriculture in Action
The Academy’s October session took participants out into the field — literally — to explore the vital role agriculture plays in Alamance County’s economy and culture. From visiting local farms to seeing firsthand how technology and sustainability are shaping the future of agriculture, educators gained valuable insight into the career pathways and classroom connections that can inspire their students.
Stops included Mac Meadows, Quality Equipment (John Deere), AmeriAg, and Fogleman Farms, where participants learned about agritourism, livestock production, and emerging technologies like drone-based agriculture. By the end of the day, teachers walked away with practical resources and ideas to integrate agricultural learning into their curriculum — connecting students with real-world applications of science, business, and environmental stewardship.
Investing in Creativity and Classroom Innovation
Inspired by the stories shared at the August retreat, TLA participants have begun turning their ideas into action through this year’s Creativity Grants. Their proposals reflect a wide range of passions—from flexible learning and sensory spaces to an interactive agricultural area and history exhibit—all designed to enhance student learning and spark innovation across ABSS classrooms. You can view this year’s grant recipients and explore their projects here. These projects demonstrate how empowering educators with resources and local connections can spark lasting change in classrooms and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As TLA participants move into the second year of the program, they’ll continue to deepen their leadership practice, strengthen community ties, and turn creative ideas into action. The Teacher Leadership Academy stands as a testament to what’s possible when educators are given the time, space, and support to lead boldly — for their students, their schools, and our community.
