Indianapolis Public Schools interim superintendent Aleesia Johnson was chosen among the country’s top educators to take part in a national leadership program.
Chiefs for Change is a year-long program that trains educators to support minority and low-income students. Johnson’s cohort will include top school leaders from Texas, Florida and Colorado.
“I’m honored to be joining this incredible community, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with like-minded leaders who are expanding opportunities for all students,” Johnson said in a statement.
Past participants in the program include former IPS superintendent Lewis Ferebee and the district’s former deputy superintendent of academics. Ferebee left IPS in January to lead Washington, D.C. public schools.
“These Future Chiefs are already making a tangible difference for students across the country, and Aleesia is no exception,” Chiefs for Change CEO Mike Magee said in a statement. “We’re impressed by her commitment to the Indianapolis community and her relentless drive to do the right thing for students and families.”
The program will include one-on-one coaching, portfolio building and shadowing of current Chiefs for Change members.
“If you think about large organizations, and you think about what is the key element to a successful organization, like IPS, talent is the key component,” IPS school board President Michael O’Connor says. “So I'm not surprised that Aleesia, who was seen as a leader within this organization, would be selected.”
One-third of Chiefs for Change leaders have become superintendents or state chiefs.
