From a press release:
The Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance has named Lequite Manning, Ed.D., as its executive director. Dr. Manning is a veteran educator with 25 years of education experience transforming educator preparation, instructional leadership, and system-level change across K-12 and higher education. She will begin the role effective Monday, May 18, 2026.
“We are elated to welcome Dr. Lequite Manning to TECA at this pivotal moment of the organization turning 10 years old, and in this critical time for education, educators, students, and our diverse Tennessee communities,” shared Matt Cheek, TECA Board President. “Dr. Manning’s dynamic experience and progressive leadership will undoubtedly anchor TECA in navigating the current and anticipated challenges ahead, while celebrating and supporting educators as they serve diverse student populations and grow in their careers.”
Before joining TECA, Dr. Manning served Relay Graduate School of Education in numerous capacities, including Dean of Relay Memphis and as the Clinical Practice Director for the state of Tennessee. There, she led the design and implementation of state-level teacher preparation programs that produced impressive, measurable results. Among her achievements, she led the campuses in reaching Tennessee’s highest racially diverse teacher candidate representation and a TVAAS Level 4+ ranking for statewide teacher effectiveness. She has co-launched innovative pipelines, including a registered apprenticeship program for aspiring teachers and an AI-powered teaching simulator to generate real-time instructional insights.
“It is an honor to be entrusted to lead TECA,” reflected Dr. Manning. “I look forward to working with and learning from the staff, membership, donors, and community partners to propel future levels of undeniable purpose and unrestricted impact.”
Previously, Dr. Manning was the Instructional Leadership Director for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, overseeing leadership development and operational support across more than 15 schools. Her success in the role was demonstrated by the 60% increase in math proficiency in a single year and by raising Instructional Culture scores system-wide. Additionally, she was selected as a Resident Principal by the competitive New Leaders program, where she designed school-level strategies for culturally and linguistically diverse learners.
Dr. Manning earned a B.S. in Multidisciplinary School Learning from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and an M.Ed., Ed.S., and Ed.D. from Union University. Her specialities focus on curriculum, educational leadership, and leadership in school reform.
TECA Founder and Board Member Diarese George, Ed.D., expressed, “I am excited to welcome Dr. Lequite Manning to TECA. She is well-qualified and positioned to advance its enduring legacy as the premier educator network for support and retention of educators of color in Tennessee.” Dr. George transitioned from TECA in 2025 to become the president and CEO of the Nashville Public Education Foundation. Programs Manager Shawn Boyd, Ed.D., has served as interim executive director.
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