Introducing
Tim Ware
Grizzlies Prep is thrilled to welcome Tim Ware as our Executive Director. Throughout his service in public education that spans nearly two decades, a notable theme emerges: Tim leverages his experiences so that others can find success for themselves.
An Experienced Leader
Tim’s career experience is extensive. He began in education as a social studies teacher, pushing students at Frayser High School to learn and grow. Tim then founded and led Veritas Prep to become a Tenessee Reward School. Later, as Executive Director of New Leaders, he gave educational professionals the tools to become effective school leaders themselves. Not backing down from a challenge, Tim became Executive Director of the Achievement School District, working to turn around the lowest-performing schools in the state of Tennessee. He’s done the hard work of aligning mission-driven teams, developing talent, and allocating precious resources to achieve incredible results.
But Tim’s career experience is only half of what he brings to the Grizzlies Prep Family.
“I’ve got 45 years of lived experience as an African American in the United States. Like many of our young men, I grew up in a city grappling with high poverty and high crime rates. I know what it’s like trying to carve out your own space. They’ve got tough choices to make about who they are going to be...I’ve got friends in prison and friends working in the White House. I’ve walked that path.”
Tim’s professional success paired with his lived experience makes him an invaluable guide for our staff and students. His leadership is needed now more than ever.
There’s Never Been a More Pressing Time in Education
“Without hyperbole, if we don’t get these coming school years right, we will have an entire generation of young people who are lost,” says Tim. “Although teachers and families worked heroically to combat the negative academic effects of the pandemic, there will have been an 18 month stretch of time where learning has been severely disrupted.” The pandemic learning loss will not magically disappear. Without intentional remediation, students will be working uphill for the rest of their lives.
Tim also understands the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on students. Thankfully, that is what he found so attractive at Grizzlies Prep. Our staff has always been passionate about a holistic approach to education. To see growth in the coming years, Grizzlies Prep’s instructional practices will take into account the instability and trauma that many students faced over the past year.
Students aren’t the only ones facing barriers. It’s been a difficult year for teachers as well. The pressure and stress of virtual learning have many teachers feeling burnt out. “Just like every student deserves a great teacher, every teacher deserves a great school leader,” noted Tim. A great school leader develops teachers and gives them the tools to focus on the work that only they can do. The magic happens when staff are serving in the right roles and feel thoroughly equipped.
We Can Do This Together
Tim believes that the Grizzlies Prep Family can overcome these challenges together. Our staff and students have a track record of incredible academic growth. Our families sacrifice for their sons to give them a better future. The Memphis Community has invested in our students’ lives through mentorship. Now, we have a school leader who understands our boys, knows what is at stake, and has the experience to navigate challenges both academic and social-emotional. Tim Ware will be leveraging his leadership position so that our young men can live successful lives. Grizzlies Prep welcomes him to the team and knows that we can overcome these challenges together.