Ann-Marie Gleason

As an instructional leader, Ann-Marie Gleason tasks herself with creating the conditions for adult learning and building systems to monitor student learning. As principal of Harpeth Valley Elementary (HVES), this approach has enabled the implementation of impactful programs that have transformed the school culture while buoying student achievement. Upon taking leadership five years ago, Gleason implemented a robust RTI program supported by job-embedded professional development opportunities to empower teachers to effectively target individual needs for intervention and enrichment. This program has not only led to academic gains, but has helped build a highly collaborative professional environment in which Gleason takes an open and honest approach to communicating about decision-making, planning, and exploring student data. She also led the successful implementation of PBIS at HVES, earning the school statewide recognition in 2017 as a Model Demonstration School after showing decreased referrals and notable shifts in climate. Gleason has scaled her impact within public education by serving as a mentor for new teachers and aspiring administrators. At HVES, she established an in-house program for new teachers that provides monthly professional development and structured mentorship with more experienced teachers. Gleason is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University’s Principals Leadership Academy; she holds a B.S. from Belmont University as well as an M.Ed., and an Ed.D., from Trevecca Nazarene University.