Stepping Into Leadership: Elise’s Experience with UCP’s Teacher-to-Leader Cohort
- UCP Agency
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
At UCP of Central Florida, we believe in growing leaders from within—and Elise’s story is a shining example of that commitment. What began as a role in behavior support has transformed into a dynamic leadership journey, fueled by passion, education, and the opportunities provided through UCP’s Teacher-to-Leader Cohort. Elise shares in her own words below how she embraced professional growth, stepped out of her comfort zone, and turned her dedication to students into a thriving career in educational leadership:
After graduating from Troy University with a Bachelor's in Social Work, I completed my internship at an acute children’s psychiatric hospital. That experience opened my eyes to the unique needs of children and families navigating challenging circumstances. From there, I worked in Early Intervention and later with a children’s advocacy group, which deepened my passion for supporting kids and ensuring they have the resources to thrive.
When I moved to Orlando, I was introduced to UCP and immediately felt at home. I could see right away that this was an organization where students are supported, families are valued, and staff are given opportunities to grow. For almost 4 years I’ve had the privilege of growing within UCP, starting as a Behavior Specialist, advancing to Lead Behavior Specialist, and recently, in June 2025, transitioning into my current role as the Curriculum and Instruction Autism Specialist. Each role has challenged me in new ways, allowing me to refine my skills in classroom behavior management, support teachers more effectively, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
During my first 18 months with UCP, I was working towards and completing my master’s degree in Social work with a focus in Organizational Leadership and Management. Currently I am pursuing a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership. My education has given me a strong foundation in understanding both the social-emotional and educational needs of children, which has been invaluable in my work at UCP.
I first learned about the kick off of the teacher-to-leader opportunity through UCP’s leadership team. They are the ones who encouraged me to apply because they saw the leadership potential in me to grow. I’m glad I took that step; it was a chance to challenge myself, learn more about educational leadership, and connect with others who share the same goals. Through the Teacher-To-Leader Co-Hort I was able to job shadow a principal, attend the ASCD and Get Your Teach On conferences where I learned more about curriculum, and get 1:1 mentoring and coaching in my professional growth. What I enjoyed most about the teacher-to-leader experience was building relationships with other educators and seeing how our different strengths came together to solve problems and support each other’s growth.
During my 18 months with the cohort, I learned so much about leadership styles, team collaboration, and how to inspire other educators to stay motivated while staying true to UCP’s values. The experience gave me tools to think critically, communicate effectively, and take initiative in new ways. It directly prepared me to transition from the Behavior Team to the Curriculum Team.
If I could give advice to anyone in UCP’s teacher-to-leader cohort or those thinking of applying, I’d say: don’t wait for the 'perfect moment' to step into leadership. Take advantage of every opportunity UCP provides, whether it’s leading a project, mentoring a colleague, or serving on a committee. Sometimes it can feel intimidating or even time consuming, however real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and you might be surprised at how prepared you already are to lead.
I entered education through a non-traditional path, which has challenged me to work twice as hard to learn, grow, and establish myself in this field. It wouldn’t have been possible without the UCP leaders who poured their time, expertise, and passion into my growth.
