JPS celebrates first cohort of emerging leaders
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Identifying and nurturing future leaders starts from within.
That belief inspired Jamestown Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and School Improvement Tina Sandstrom and district principals Kate Benson, Katie Russo, Amanda Sischo, and Traci Thompson in forming the district’s first Emerging Leaders program during the 2025-26 school year.
Eighteen teachers from across the district were selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the year-long leadership development program, which is designed to identify and cultivate leadership potential among JPS educators. Throughout the school year, participants engaged in monthly learning sessions focused on professional growth, collaboration, and leadership while working alongside district administrators and fellow educators.
“Our goal is to intentionally invest in the incredible people we have across the Jamestown Public Schools,” Sandstrom said. “Leadership comes in many forms, and we believe every educator has the potential to positively influence students, colleagues, and our district. 'Emerging Leaders' gives our staff the opportunity to develop those skills while building meaningful relationships across our schools.”
The first cohort of the Emerging Leaders program included Rachel Benjamin, Crystal Casel, Ashley-Nicole Cruz, Melissa Gormley, Gary Gustafson, Sara Henry, Kristin Keleman, Emily Knipe, Katie Meadows, Alexander Moore, Allison Morganti, Stacie Radecki, Michele Schnars, Andrew Sisson, Heidi Smith, Tommy Tantillo, Kaleisha Velazquez, and Sophia Walter.
The program is rooted in the belief that leadership is a choice rather than a position, Sandstrom said, emphasizing service to others, collaboration, ethical decision-making, and creating more leaders throughout the organization. Throughout the year, participants challenged themselves to think differently about leadership while applying what they learned directly in their classrooms and schools.
Allison Morganti participated in the program as a teacher on special assignment supporting students and staff at Love Elementary School. The experience inspired her to take the next step in her own professional journey and, in August, she was named long-term substitute assistant principal at Jefferson Middle School.
“I absolutely loved being part of the Emerging Leaders program," Morganti said. "It was motivating, inspiring, and incredibly rewarding. The experience actually inspired me to pursue my administration degree. I really enjoyed hearing from the guest speakers from around the community and learning from their experiences. I was also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the district. It was a great way to build connections and learn from one another.”
For Heidi Smith, a fifth grade teacher at Jefferson Middle School, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was building relationships with colleagues from throughout the district while recognizing her own leadership potential.
“Emerging Leaders helped me recognize my own leadership potential and how I can make a positive difference in my current and future roles as an educator," Smith said. "I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to be part of a program that made me feel valued in a field that can sometimes make you feel under-appreciated. I view this experience as a highlight of my career here in Jamestown.”
Throughout the school year, participants explored a variety of leadership concepts, including understanding individual leadership styles, strengthening instructional leadership, using data to improve student outcomes, collaborating with district leaders, and developing actionable plans to create positive change within their school communities. The experience reinforced that leadership extends well beyond administrative roles and that educators can make a lasting impact regardless of their title.
As the inaugural cohort concluded this spring, district leaders began planning for the program’s second year, including nominations for a new cohort and continued leadership opportunities for participants who completed the program.