Advancing Middle Level Leadership: Middle School Principal Preparation Programs and Approaches to Leadership

Dr. Toni M. Williams is an Associate Professor at the middle level in the department of Teacher Education at the University of South Carolina and earned her doctorate at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Her work in middle level teacher education is grounded in culturally sustaining pedagogies, social justice, and equity. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she is dedicated to preparing middle school teachers to meet the diverse needs of their students while creating equitable, supportive learning environments. In addition to serving as the Middle Level Program coordinator, Dr. Williams teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and presents at national and international conferences. Her research interests include Black teachers, communities, and families and middle level teacher preparation. Dr. Williams is the editor of Middle Grades Research Journal and serves on the Board of Trustees for AMLE. She also an active member of AERA and the MLER SIG.

Dr. Wally Keith Burgess is an Extended Impact 3 Teacher at Northridge Middle School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Urban Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2024. Dr. Burgess also holds a master’s degree in Education and a bachelor’s degree in Biology. With over a decade of experience in education, Dr. Burgess has served as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, and advocate for equity and inclusion in under-served communities. His professional expertise lies in STEM education, urban educational development, and teacher leadership, with a focus on empowering historically marginalized populations. Dr. Burgess's research interests include middle-level education leadership, STEM integration in urban schools, and equity-driven pedagogical practices. His work has been recognized through numerous awards, including the CMS Southeast Learning Community Teacher of the Year (2023-2024), the Arts & Science Council CATO Excellence in Teaching Award (2023), and the Honeywell STEM Teacher of Distinction Award (2021). As an active member of professional organizations such as the National Middle School Association and American Educational Research Association (AERA), Dr. Burgess is committed to advancing educational research and practice.