Meet the 2025 Teacher Leaders Who Are Changing Education
Who they are: This year’s most inspiring teacher leaders
Chosen from a competitive pool of educators across the country, this year’s awardees exemplify the qualities of outstanding teacher leaders. Their commitment goes beyond personal development, they’re devoted to the success of their students and colleagues alike.
We are proud to recognize:
- Emerlyn Abrenica – Decker Middle School, Manor Independent School District (Manor, TX)
- Wavell Blades – British International School of New York (New York, NY)
- LeeAnn Caradine – Scandia Elementary School, Travis Unified School District (Fairfield, CA)
- Qingyan Edie Kang – Broadway Elementary, Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles, CA)
- The Bulldog Leaders (Department Chairs) – Riverside Middle School, San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (San Benito, TX)
- Davina Lyons – Desert Wind Middle School, Maricopa Unified School District (Maricopa, AZ)
- Paola Mejia – Newark Educators Community Charter School (Newark, NJ)
- Betsy Springer – Gull Lake Virtual Partnership, Gull Lake Community Schools (Richland, MI)
- Bailey Weddington – Forest Ridge Elementary School, Howard County Public Schools (Columbia, MD)
- Mary Wyman – Combs Center for Success, J.O. Combs Unified School District (San Tan Valley, AZ)
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the 2025 Teacher Leader Impact Award. This recognition affirms the heart I put into leading with purpose and uplifting both students and colleagues,” Davina Lyons said. “Every day, I aim to inspire resilience, growth, and connection in the classroom and beyond—and this award is a beautiful reminder that the work we do as educators truly matters.”
“This award reflects the commitment of my colleagues and students to fostering a school culture where every learner feels seen, supported, and challenged to thrive. I’m excited to continue advancing innovative, values-driven practices that help shape resilient, compassionate future leaders,” Wavell Blades said.
Celebrating excellence with meaningful support
Each winner will receive a comprehensive prize package valued at $3,550, including:
- A cash award
- Exclusive Edthena merchandise
- A school-wide subscription to the AI Coach platform for the 2025–2026 school year
The AI Coach platform uses conversational artificial intelligence to support teachers through coaching cycles. The secure platform allows teachers to independently reflect on their practice and set near-term goals within a self-paced module that mirrors the instructional coaching process. Teachers engage in interactive conversations with Edie, the AI-enabled coach, who asks probing, open-ended questions and offers personalized tips and resources for improvement.
As winner Betsy Springer noted, “Coaching the amazing staff at Gull Lake Virtual Partnership is more than a job, it’s a privilege and my passion. I can’t wait to see how the resources from Edthena support our goals to innovate and ensure education is personalized for all students.”
Join us in congratulating these exceptional educators
At Edthena, we believe that great teaching deserves recognition, and effective professional development requires innovative tools. We’re honored to support these outstanding teacher leaders and their school communities in the coming year.
Want to learn more about our 2025 Teacher Leader Impact Award winners?
Visit www.edthena.com/teacherleaders for additional information.
