Ann-Marie Gleason, Ed.D.
Principal, Harpeth Valley Elementary School
Nashville, Tennessee
Candidate Statement
NAESP – Equipping Leaders with a Foundation for Success
Nelson Mandela spoke to the transformative power of education when he stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As principals, we are the primary catalyst for creating a positive learning environment where all students can build a firm foundation for success.
One of the best decisions I made when I began my administrative career 19 years ago was to join NAESP and TPA. I was fortunate to serve as the Zone 4 Director of NAESP from 2019-2022, which allowed me the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of how NAESP provides the supports necessary for leaders to grow to their fullest potential.
If selected as the Vice President of NAESP, I commit to supporting, empowering, and connecting with NAESP members through the following actions:
Support: Supporting state level organizations’ success as they grow their NAESP membership base; Advocating on behalf of our principals on Capitol Hill
Empower: Identifying challenges that principals face and providing guidance and professional development to increase principals’ confidence to courageously lead their school communities (though professional learning opportunities, publications, on-line NAESP resources)
Connect: Recognizing and sharing best practices from each state organization so that we continue to refine our craft as both building level administrators and as leaders in our national/ state organization
School administrators make an infinite number of decisions every day, impacting the lives of the thirty-five million children enrolled in our nation’s elementary and middle schools. The advocacy of NAESP elevates the collective voice of America’s principals, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the challenges and celebrations that take place in our schools every day.
If selected to serve as Vice President of NAESP, I would work collaboratively with the NAESP Board of Directors, NAESP staff, and state leaders to continue to propel our organization forward by focusing on the following key issues:
- Strengthening proactive mental health supports for students and staff
- Empowering school communities to mitigate barriers that negatively impact student success – including poverty, access to resources, and school safety
- Connecting aspiring principals to mentorship opportunities that continue throughout their first three years in educational leadership
- Advocating for all schools to have equitable and adequate funding, including the continuity of academic and emotional supports previously funded by ESSER
I am grateful for the firm foundation of effective leadership practices that NAESP provides to school leaders. NAESP’s intentional support, empowerment, and connection has contributed to my growth and success as a school leader. It would be an honor to serve as the Vice President of NAESP.
Additional Info
Professional Preparation:
- Ed. D., Leadership and Educational Practice, Trevecca Nazarene University, 2012
- Endorsement, Administration, Trevecca Nazarene University, 2004
- Endorsement, Reading Recovery Certification, Tennessee State University, 2003
- MEd, Instructional Effectiveness, Trevecca Nazarene University, 2002
- BS, Sociology and Elementary Education, Belmont University, 1998
Professional Experience:
- Principal, Harpeth Valley Elementary School, Nashville, TN, 2014-Present
- Principal, Eakin Elementary School, Nashville, TN, 2011-2014
- Principal, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, Old Hickory, TN 2007-2011
- Assistant Principal, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, Old Hickory, TN, 2005-2007
- Title I Coordinator/Reading Recovery Teacher, Tusculum Elementary School, Nashville, TN, 2001-2005
- Second Grade Teacher, Napier Elementary School, Nashville, TN, 1999 – 2001
Professional Affiliations:
- National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, Zone 4 Director, August 2019 – July 2022
- National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, National Leaders Conference, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2023
- National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, Member, 2005-Present
- Tennessee Principals Association Associate Director, June 2022-Present
- Tennessee Principals Association Board Member, June 2013-Present
- Tennessee Principals Association Meritorious Service Award, December 2016
- Tennessee Principals Association Secretary, 2017-2019
- Tennessee Principals Association Past President, 2016-2017
- Tennessee Principals Association State President, 2015-2016
- Tennessee Principals Association State Conference Chairman, December 2015
- Tennessee Principals Association President Elect, 2014-2015
- Tennessee Principals Association Vice President, 2013-2014
- Tennessee Principals Association Member, 2005-Present
Other Positions:
- Leadership Mentor, Lipscomb University, 2014-Present
- Leadership Nashville, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Panelist for Leadership Nashville Education Day, 2022 and 2023
- MNPS Principal Advisory Council– 2015-2016, 2017-2019, 2020-2022
- YMCA Bellevue Board Member, 2014-2016
- Grace Community Church Children’s Musical Director, 1999 and 2000
- Grace Community Church Worship Team, 1998-2002
Professional Accomplishments:
- National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, National Distinguished Principal from Tennessee, 2018
- Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Elementary Principal of the Year, 2019
- Harpeth Valley Elementary – State of Tennesse Rewards School – 2018 and 2022
- Harpeth Valley Elementary – State of Tennessee Level 5 Academic Growth – 2022
- Harpeth Valley Elementary – Tennessee Model Demonstration School for PBIS Implementation, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021
- Harpeth Valley Elementary – AdvancED Reaccreditation, 2016
- Eakin Elementary – Initial Accreditation as an International Baccalaureate World School, 2012
- Graduate of Vanderbilt University Principals Leadership Academy of Nashville, 2008
- Vanderbilt University Principal Leadership Academy of Nashville Exemplary Project Award, 2008
- Participant in South China Normal University Educational Leader Learning Exchange, 2008
- Andrew Jackson Elementary – AdvancED Reaccreditation, 2007
- Teacher of the Year Award, Tusculum Elementary – May 2004