Learning Environment
LEAD
Leaders of Excellence, Advocacy, and Discovery (LEAD) is a New York City public school with a mission to ensure students from historically underserved communities graduate prepared for college and life. LEAD emphasizes high expectations, strong instruction, and a culture of achievement, while also fostering students’ social-emotional growth and leadership. LEAD has gained recognition for its results in narrowing opportunity gaps and preparing a diverse cohort of students to thrive in college and beyond.
BOLD Fellow
Alexa Sorden
Dr. Alexa Sorden is LEAD’s founding principal in the South Bronx, NY. She is a credentialed teacher, reading specialist, and administrator in New York State. Dr. Sorden is viewed as a highly accomplished educator with 26 years of experience. She is a distinguished recipient of various awards, including the 2017 Ryan Award for Transformational School Leader and the 2020 and 2025 National Center for Urban School Transformation Best Urban School awards.
Dr. Sorden's academic journey includes a Master of Arts degree in Health and Behavioral Studies from Columbia University, followed by a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from St. John’s University in 2022. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development is evident in her academic achievements.
Recognized for her innovative and effective approaches to education, Dr. Sorden has been featured in Edutopia’s Schools That Work series, where she shares best practices to inspire and motivate educators. Her expertise has also been highlighted in several books, such as "Turning High Poverty Schools into High Performing Schools," "When Black Students Excel," and "Public Education in Turbulent Times."
Dr. Alexa Sorden's impact extends beyond the classroom. She was featured in a New York Times article titled “Smart is Something You Get: How a Bronx School Succeeds,” showcasing her commitment to fostering academic success in diverse settings.