On Saturday, April 18, 2026, a cohort of K-12 teachers from the Sarasota and Manatee
school districts celebrated completing University of South Florida’s Project T2L3:
Transforming Teaching and Learning Locally through Leadership. This innovative pilot
program was designed to strengthen school leadership and improve student outcomes
and teacher retention through collaborative leadership development.
Over the course of five semesters, participants not only earned master’s degrees in
educational leadership, but also graduate certificates in exceptional student education
(ESE) and state certifications as educational leaders. Thanks to a gift from the Charles
& Margery Barancik Foundation, all participants received full scholarships.
“The investment in these aspiring leaders will bring immediate benefit in student
success through leaders committed to and prepared to support each and every child.
This work places the USF College of Education and our partners at the forefront of
innovative practice that can have impact locally, state-wide and nationally.” Brianne
Reck
The program was developed after Brianne Reck, an associate professor of educational
leadership and policy studies and Campus Dean of the College of Education Cheryl Ellerbrock
met with leaders from Sarasota and Manatee school districts to identify shared workforce
needs and opportunities for collaboration. Those conversations led to a cohort‑based
model that brings together university faculty, multiple school districts and community
partners to build leadership capacity among practicing educators.
Launched in fall 2024, the pilot cohort included teacher ambassadors, behavior specialists,
interventionists, reading coaches and ESE liaisons. To accommodate working educators,
coursework was delivered online during the week, with in‑person weekend sessions.
Participants also completed a two‑semester administrative practicum capstone in local
schools.
“Project T2L3 is a testament to the power of partnership,” said Reck. “The two districts,
university and a local foundation came together to support teacher leaders as they
developed the knowledge and skills that will enable them to make an immediate impact
on student learning, teacher retention and school improvement. They took on real challenges
such as chronic absenteeism, developing literacy for learning, student behavior management
and built teacher capacity to use high impact instructional strategies.”
The graduation celebration included a gallery walk to share the results of the students’
capstone projects. Interim Regional Chancellor Brett Kemker welcomed attendees to
the event and invited them to engage with these emerging leaders as they explore innovative
solutions and see firsthand how leadership is driving meaningful change in our local
schools and community.
With the first cohort complete, USF has begun evaluating the program’s design and
outcomes to determine its potential for replication within the university’s Educational
Leadership and Policy Studies Program and as a model for other institutions. Graduates
will be tracked over the next three years to assess career advancement and continued
impact in local school districts.
“The pilot allowed us to test and refine a partnership model for educational leadership
preparation that strengthens and streamlines the leadership pipelines for our local
districts,” said Reck.
By combining academic preparation, district partnership and ongoing evaluation, Project
T2L3 aims to meet evolving community needs while developing the next generation of
educational leaders.
Cory Bernaert shared his research during the T2L3 Practicum Showcase Gallery Walk
Barancik Foundation Interim President and CEO John Annis talks to Brandy McCormack
about her research
Photography by Gwendolyn Herndon