Lindsay Reid

Lindsay Reid works in postsecondary education after transitioning from public school teaching. She participates in professional organizations including AERA and the federal government distance learning association known as FDLA. She also works with Strong Girls United and is working to start a chapter in Virginia. In addition, she coaches color guard and winter guard with marching bands. Lindsay attributes her success to persistent networking, following up weekly on opportunities in a polite but consistent manner, and not being afraid to ask questions since no simply means finding another path. She values leading with kindness and empathy, recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence, and being an effective communicator. Among the advice she has received, she highlights taking the high road from her father and being unserious as a person while serious about work. She advises young women entering the field not to fear hearing no, to find opportunities to learn, to know their value as teachers with undervalued soft skills, and to stand up for themselves. In her view, challenges in the field include limited growth outside administration in public education, assumptions from employers about teachers, politics in the federal government, the dismantling of the Department of Education affecting funding, the role of AI, and environmental aspects. Opportunities lie in educational technology, particularly the flexibility in instruction delivery demonstrated during COVID for adult learners seeking degrees.