Lisa Young

My success has been built on listening, collaboration, and service. I believe the people closest to students are the teachers and school teams, so my first priority is understanding their needs and identifying the supports needed and implementing those supports or Teachers. That has been the greatest impact at in my current role. My goal is to remove barriers, develop practical resources, and provide responsive guidance so educators can remain focused on what matters most—helping students learn and succeed.

By building strong relationships, applying regulatory expertise, and using strategic problem-solving, skills, I have helped educators navigate complex special education requirements while securing critical funding resources that directly benefit students and teachers. I believe leadership is not about having all the answers; it's about empowering others with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to do their best work. When educators are supported, students thrive!

The best career advice I have ever received is to do what you love. When you are passionate about your work and genuinely enjoy what you do, it no longer feels like just a job; it becomes a meaningful part of the life you are meant to live. It took me some time to discover my passion, as teaching was a second career for me, but finding work that truly aligns with your interests and purpose can make all the difference.

My advice to young women entering the teaching profession is to be patient with yourself and trust the journey. The first five years can be some of the most challenging, as you build confidence, develop your teaching style, and learn how to translate your education and training into meaningful classroom practice.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or lean on the experience of your colleagues and team. Teaching is a collaborative profession, and some of the best educators are those who continue learning from others throughout their careers. Remember, you do not have to have all the answers, and you certainly do not have to be perfect.

Give yourself the grace to grow. Focus on learning the systems, building relationships, and improving one skill each year rather than trying to master everything at once. Small, consistent steps lead to lasting success.

Most importantly, remember why you chose this profession. Every day you have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in a student's life. The relationships you build, the encouragement you provide, and the belief you show in your students can have an impact far beyond the classroom. Stay true to your purpose, continue learning, and trust that your confidence and expertise will grow with experience.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing the many competing demands of each day while effectively prioritizing responsibilities and maintaining a healthy approach to stress. Education is constantly evolving, requiring educators and leaders to adapt to changing regulations, diverse student needs, and new instructional practices while ensuring that every decision remains focused on student success.

At the same time, these challenges create tremendous opportunities for innovation. I enjoy finding creative solutions—whether negotiating contracts that improve efficiency, coaching teachers based on their individual strengths and needs, or developing systems that simplify complex processes and allow educators to focus on what they do best: supporting student learning.

One of the most significant changes impacting education today is the rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. The pace of innovation is unprecedented, and educators are continually learning how to integrate new tools in ways that enhance teaching and learning. AI has enormous potential to improve efficiency by assisting with lesson planning, grading, data analysis, and administrative tasks, allowing teachers to devote more time to building meaningful relationships with students and delivering high-quality instruction.

However, AI also presents important challenges. As educators, we must ensure that technology enhances learning without replacing the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and human connection that are the foundation of an excellent education. Finding the right balance means using AI to support educators—not replace their professional judgment or diminish authentic student learning. Technology should serve as a tool that strengthens teaching, not a substitute for the expertise and relationships that only educators can provide.

Another significant challenge facing education is addressing the nationwide learning gaps that have emerged over the past several years. Student achievement in both English Language Arts and mathematics has remained stagnant or declined in many areas, highlighting the need for meaningful reflection and action. As educators, we have a responsibility to examine the underlying factors that are limiting student growth and to be willing to rethink long-standing practices when they no longer meet the needs of today's learners.

Whether that means renewing our focus on strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, reimagining how and where students learn, or leveraging technology more effectively, we must be open to thoughtful change. Innovation should never come at the expense of academic excellence, but neither should tradition prevent us from embracing better ways to prepare students for the future.

I believe the future of education lies in balancing innovation with accountability, embracing new ideas while preserving the core values that define great teaching. By empowering educators, strengthening relationships, fostering critical thinking, and keeping students at the center of every decision, we can build an education system that prepares every learner not only for academic success but also for success in an increasingly complex and changing world.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, collaboration, and strong communication. I believe in building the capacity of others rather than simply doing the work for them, because empowering people to develop their own skills creates lasting impact. I also believe that when challenges arise, it is important to move beyond simply identifying problems and instead bring forward thoughtful solutions. I strive to turn negative discussions into positive, collaborative problem-solving opportunities.