In Albuquerque Public Schools, Esports District Manager Laurie Lehman is proving that gaming can be a powerful tool for academic and social connection. Lehman has built one of the nation’s most robust scholastic esports programs, securing more than $120,000 in grants to provide state-of-the-art labs across the district.

This achievement landed her on Education Week’s 2026 class of 'Leaders to Learn From,' making her one of only three big-city educators recognized for excellence in district leadership.

Beyond the competition, the program serves as a critical engagement tool. District data reveals that 50 percent of participating students feel "totally connected" to their schools, a significant increase from 17 percent prior to joining. Lehman has also spearheaded the creation of a state-approved curriculum that links esports to high-demand career pathways in cybersecurity, drone management, and mass communications, ensuring that students' passions translate into professional opportunities.

In Louisville, Ky., April Brooks, the first Black woman to serve as Jefferson County Public Schools executive director of athletics and activities, is repositioning sports as a primary intervention tool. Known to students as "The Sports Lady," Brooks sees athletics not as an extra-curricular "perk," but as a vital hook for student retention.

Brooks has focused on reversing post-pandemic declines in participation, particularly among girls. By launching the district’s first all-girls elementary basketball league and a popular districtwide flag football program, Brooks is building a pipeline of engagement from an early age. She has also advocated for major facility upgrades, including new turf fields and college-level gymnasium floors, to ensure the district’s 10,000 student-athletes have access to top-tier resources.

"I want more kids to have opportunities to do something positive that gives them a stronger sense of belonging in their school and keeps them away from the streets and other negative things that could be going on," Brooks told Education Week.

Debra McAdams, Executive Director of Exceptional Education for Metro Nashville Public Schools, believes that inclusive classrooms benefit the entire school community. Under her leadership, the district has transformed its approach to special education, moving away from "hub" schools and ensuring students with disabilities attend their neighborhood campuses.

McAdams has overseen a significant shift in the district's "least restrictive environment" metrics, with 76 percent of students with disabilities now spending the majority of their day in general education classrooms. By emphasizing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and providing deep professional development for general education teachers, McAdams has fostered a culture where students are seen as individuals first.

"When we do something for students with disabilities, we do something for all students,” said McAdams in an interview with Education Week.