EmpowerED teacher fellowship kicks off with first cohort

Wichita Public Schools has launched the EmpowerED Teacher Leader Fellowship, an innovative, year-long professional learning journey designed to strengthen leadership skills in 14 hand-selected educators. 

These fellows, chosen for their exceptional leadership potential, will explore and implement the National Teacher Leader Model Standards, engage with global teacher leaders, and participate in collaborative, hands-on activities to refine their leadership practices. 

The fellowship aims to empower educators to not only enhance student learning but also to serve as mentors and change-makers, helping to shape the future of education in our district and beyond. 

The fellowship is facilitated by an expert team of experienced educators and leaders: Tammy Martin, WPS executive coordinator of Instructional Support; Dyane Smokorowski, WPS Digital Literacy and Citizenship Coordinator; Chris Wendt, WPS executive director of Elementary Schools; and Dr. Christie Meyer, WPS executive director of secondary schools, who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for fostering teacher leadership. 

This team’s goal is to support fellows in developing their leadership capacity, ensuring they are equipped to inspire their peers and make lasting impacts in their schools and communities.

The participants are:

• LaKeshia Brooks, middle school math virtual teacher, Education Imagine Academy
• Rachel Wysong, math teacher, Wilbur Middle School
• Erin Lehman, second-grade teacher, Cessna Elementary School
• Heloisa Haist, ESOL teacher, L’Ouverture Magnet Elementary School
• Sarah Forster, ESOL/high school Social Studies teacher, Southeast High School
• Kristen Harris, first-grade teacher, Ortiz Elementary School
• Patrick Loganbill, PE teacher, Linwood Elementary School
• Bethany Ensign, interrelated teacher, Dodge Literacy Magnet
• Stephani Brooks, Reading Intervention teacher, Gammon Elementary School
• Elizabeth Jackson, English Language Arts teacher, Curtis Middle School
• Jessica Taylor, Pre-K Mixed Abilities teacher, Little Early Childhood Center
• Danielle Espinosa, science teacher, North High School
• Ashley Reid, art teacher, Stucky Middle School
• Yvonne Sanders, English Language Arts teacher, Christa McAuliffe Academy

"I’m beyond thrilled to be part of the EmpowerED Teacher Leader Fellowship, where we get to support and nurture the next generation of teacher leaders,” said Smokorowski. “Building leadership within our schools is not just about inspiring our colleagues—it's about making a lasting, positive impact on our students and the entire education community. Watching these educators grow and thrive is truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my career."

Martin says she is excited to help expand the district’s leadership pipeline.

“I’m delighted to see that our leadership pipeline is expanding to include a pathway for classroom teachers that want to lead from their classroom,” said Martin. “We have an incredible group of educators participating in the program this year, spanning all levels from Early Childhood to High School with a variety of classroom roles. I could not be more excited to see the impact this group makes on their classrooms, buildings and students.”