Stepping into School Leadership with TeacherReady
September 21, 2026 | TeacherReady
As an educator looking for professional growth while balancing current job responsibilities, finding a certification that fits into an already busy schedule can make a big difference. For Birmingham teacher Monique Tait, TeacherReady at UWF gave her the flexibility to work toward a certification while continuing to grow in the classroom and prepare for future leadership opportunities.
A key part of Monique’s TeacherReady experience was connecting what she learned in the program with her day-to-day work in the classroom. She was able to strengthen her skills in lesson planning, classroom management, assessment and differentiation while gaining a deeper understanding of how to meet a student’s individual needs.
Reflecting on her time in the program, Monique shared that, “What I love most about teaching is having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. My biggest takeaway is that effective teaching requires continuous reflection, flexibility and a willingness to grow.”
Since sharing her TeacherReady story, Monique’s career has continued to grow and she has recently accepted an assistant principal position at Huffman High School in Birmingham. She also received a scholarship to pursue National Board Certification, continuing her professional development as an educator and leader.
Her experience in the program has also given her the opportunity to support other educators. She currently helps other teachers navigate the certification process, answering questions and encouraging them as they work toward their goals.
When asked about her advice to those who are considering TeacherReady, she highlighted the benefits of staying organized, trusting the process and applying what you learn. “Apply what you learn directly to your classroom and view every assignment and clinical experience as an opportunity to improve your practice,” she advised.
What began as a simple path to certification has now grown into a career that includes teaching, mentorship and school leadership. From the classroom to her new role as an assistant principal, Monique continues to build on her commitment to helping students and educators succeed.
