"In a lot of ways, teachers are not given the respect as the professionals that they are. It sounds so simple. I'm finding myself focusing on teacher mental health as much as student mental health because I have to create the space where they [all] want to be here."

2023 New Memphis Educators of Excellence Kerrith Griffin, Executive Director of University Middle School, and Danny Song, Founder and Executive Director of Believe Memphis Academy, share how to lead with love, the importance of empathy in leadership, and the importance of shifting the narrative and knowing your value.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Believe Memphis Academy
• Building Excellent Schools fellowship
• University Middle School
• Memphis Teacher Residency
• Veritas College Prep
• New Memphis Educators of Excellence Award
• New Memphis LDI
• Charter schools
• Simon Sinek's TED Talk on leadership

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.