Alisha Rice, M.Ed

I attribute my success to my deep commitment to education, shaped by over 15 years of experience in the field and my work as an Indiana Reading Cadre coach. My passion for literacy and teacher development is deeply personal. My mother was dyslexic and was unable to read beyond a third-grade level, which became a powerful driving force in my career. That experience instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and urgency to ensure that all students have access to effective reading instruction and that educators are equipped with the tools and training needed to support diverse learners. Education is not confined to the 180 days a child sits in a classroom—it shapes the whole person for a lifetime.

As educators, we are not just teaching standards or lessons; we are building humans. The work we do influences who our students become as leaders, thinkers, mothers, fathers, and members of their communities. Every interaction, expectation, and opportunity to grow helps form their confidence, character, and capacity to impact the world. Education is the key that opens doors far beyond academics, and when done with intention and care, it has the power to change not just a child’s future, but generations to come.

The best career advice I ever received was this: “Focus on showing up fully for the people around you, and the rest will follow.” Early in my career, I thought success meant having all the answers, doing everything perfectly, or being in control of every outcome. Over time, I realized that impact doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from presence, empathy, and partnership. When you invest in people, walk alongside them, and genuinely care about their growth and well-being, you create ripples that extend far beyond the work itself. That advice has shaped the way I lead, teach, and live every day.

If I could offer one piece of advice to women in education, it would be this: give yourself grace. You are not meant to be perfect—you are meant to be present, reflective, and willing to grow. Some days will feel heavy, and others will remind you exactly why you chose this work. Trust the data, trust your instincts, and trust the relationships you build along the way. Remember that impact isn’t always loud or immediate; sometimes it shows up years later in ways you’ll never fully see. Keep walking alongside others, keep cheering loudly for students and teachers, and know that growth—yours and theirs—comes from progress, not perfection.

The challenges in education right now feel different. Heavier. Sharper. The world moves faster, expectations grow louder, and the weight of it all can feel constant. For women—whether we are teachers, coaches, administrators, or mothers—balancing it all can feel like carrying too much with no space to set anything down. Work, family, students, data, emotions, and decisions all demand our attention at once, and the truth is, none of us has all the answers. The pressure to solve everything right now can feel relentless.

Our plates keep filling—teacher, coach, leader, mother, partner, caretaker—each role asking for more. And yet, even in the midst of this challenge, there is something powerful happening. We are learning to lean on one another, to extend grace, to prioritize what truly matters, and to remember that showing up is sometimes the bravest thing we can do. Progress doesn’t come from having it all figured out; it comes from continuing forward together.

And maybe that’s the reminder we most need: you don’t have to carry it perfectly to carry it with purpose. Even on the hardest days, the work you do matters. The care you give counts. And the steady, imperfect way you keep showing up as a woman, a mentor, a friend, a mother, a leader—is what moves students, schools, and communities forward—one moment at a time.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, compassion, purpose, and selflessness. After struggling with infertility and facing the reality we would not have more children, my son became my entire world and the center of everything I do. That journey deepened my empathy, strengthened my resilience, and reinforced my belief in showing up fully—for my family, my colleagues, and the students and educators I serve.

My faith has been a guiding anchor through life’s challenges, reminding me to lead with humility, trust in a greater plan, and extend grace to myself and others. I strive to live and lead through servant leadership, putting others first, supporting those around me, and lifting people up. I aim to lead with heart, gratitude, and intention, and I believe the greatest impact comes from walking alongside others, sharing the journey, and doing life together.