Amanda Grimm, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Rockbridge County High School, was recently selected as one of only 14 educators and administrators nationwide to join the exclusive Lead-4Change Teacher Fellowship. Designed to inspire, equip, and celebrate impactful middle and high school leaders, the Lead4Change Fellowship is a year-long experience centered on expanding student leadership, innovative instruction, and teacher longevity.
As part of the fellowship, Grimm recently returned from a national retreat held June 22–26 in Nashville, Tenn. The retreat brought together educators from across the country to focus on vision, community, and leading from a place of personal and professional purpose. Over the course of three days, fellows connected with local and global nonprofit leaders, collaborated on innovative visioning for their classrooms, and shared strategies to empower the next generation of student leaders.
“Educators have the most important job in the country,” the Lead4Change Fellowship team shared regarding the program’s mission. “This fellowship is our way of honoring that work by pouring back into those who are making a lasting impact in the lives of student leaders. It’s more than professional development — it’s a community of innovators shaping the future of classrooms.”
Grimm has taught Business and Family & Consumer Sciences at RCHS since 2020, integrating project- based leadership and advising student organizations like FCCLA, FBLA, and Educators Rising. She holds a master’s degree in education from Regent University.
“Participating in this fellowship allows me to bring renewed energy, resources, and leadership opportunities directly back to my students and school community,” said Grimm. “I’m thrilled to represent our community at the national level and bring these insights back to the classroom this Fall.”
For Grimm, the fellowship will continue through the fall semester with ongoing mentorship, collaborative projects, and access to unique student leadership resources.
