If you've been around City Leadership for a while, you've probably heard us say it: Everything rises and falls on leadership.

As we continue to dig into the findings from the 2025 Teach901 Educator Survey, where 1,137 educators across 47 Memphis schools shared their voices, one insight keeps standing out.

Teachers rate their school leaders significantly higher when those leaders are present in their classrooms.

Here's what the numbers actually say:

When leadership was never in the classroom, the average rating was 2.7/5.0
When leaders showed up once a month, that jumped to 3.9/5.0
When they were there once a week or more, that rating climbed to 4.2/5.0

Same leaders. Wildly different experience for teachers.

Because when a leader steps into a classroom, they're not just observing. They're saying: I'm with you in this.

And that changes everything.

Leadership That Shows Up

If leadership presence makes that kind of difference for teachers, then the question for all of us, school leaders, community organizations, businesses, neighbors, is simple: How are you showing up?

Teachers need more than encouragement from the sidelines. They need leaders in their corner. Leaders who can walk alongside them with professional development, certification support, resources for their classrooms, and tools to help them thrive long term.

And if you have any of that to offer, Memphis teachers need to hear from you.

Which is exactly why the Teach901 Educator Expo exists.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Teach901 Educator Expo

March 25th — Crosstown Concourse, 4th Floor

Memphis teachers are doing extraordinary work every single day. And they deserve a community that matches their energy. The Teach901 Educator Expo is built around one simple idea: teachers shouldn't have to go it alone.

This isn't just a teacher event. It's for schools, for community organizations, and for anyone who wants to put their resources to work where they matter most. Here's how to be part of it.

For Community Partners

If you're a community organization, business, or program with something to offer educators, this is your moment to lead. The Expo is actively seeking community partners who want to bring real resources into the room, the kind that improve a teacher's craft, support their classroom, or directly benefit students.

Ask yourself: What do I have that a Memphis teacher could use? How can I show up for them?

We're looking for organizations offering things like:

Professional development programs and workshops
Licensure guidance and certification support
Student extracurricular activities and field trip opportunities
Teacher personal investment and financial wellness resources
Classroom enrichment programs and student support services

This is a chance to become part of a lasting support network for Memphis educators.

Community partners must sign up on or before March 24.

RSVP AS A COMMUNITY PARTNER

For Schools

Got openings? Building your team for next school year?

The Teach901 Educator Expo is the perfect place to connect with talented, passionate educators who are actively looking to make a difference. Come ready to table, share your story, and tell the Memphis teacher community what makes your school unique.

Highly motivated candidates will be in the room. Educators who show up here care deeply about students and are looking to call your school home.

RSVP AS A SCHOOL PARTNER

For Teachers

We've learned from the Educator Survey that for teachers, finding a school that truly supports them, with present leadership, strong culture, and a shared mission, makes all the difference. And the Expo is where that search gets real.

Whether you're looking for a new role or simply want to level up your craft, this Expo was built for you.

Come connect with schools hiring now and for the upcoming school year. Explore a full lineup of community partners with real resources for your journey — professional development, licensure pathways, field trip opportunities, classroom programs, financial wellness tools, and more.

And because you show up every day for Memphis, we're showing up for you too.

There will be FREE Teach901 Merch and a Teacher-Only Social with FREE snacks and drinks.

RSVP AS A TEACHER

Teachers give so much to this city. Let Memphis give back.

Want to support teachers year-round? When you become a monthly donor to Give901, you help fund Teach901, Choose901 Alumni, and the programs that are doing real, lasting work in the lives of Memphis youth, guiding them to reach their full potential.