Some leaders work within systems.
Vickie Crockett builds beyond them.
As the Founder of TEACH Educational Consulting, LLC, Vickie specializes in culturally responsive pedagogy, global curriculum design, and advancing educational equity for historically marginalized communities. Her work centers students’ cultural assets as strengths — not deficits — and challenges long-standing structures that no longer serve the learners they were built for.
At the intersection of research, classroom experience, and global collaboration, Vickie designs instructional programs that create meaningful, measurable impact for diverse learners.
And she does it by asking one critical question:
What would education look like if it were designed for the students we have — not the system we inherited?
When “Temporary” Became Calling
Vickie didn’t originally set out to become an educator.
A self-proclaimed “school nerd,” she thrived in academic spaces and built her identity around learning. But practical considerations led her toward law — a field aligned with her analytical thinking and passion for advocacy.
After college, she joined a law firm. It wasn’t the right fit.
When she found herself unexpectedly unemployed, substitute teaching became a temporary solution.
That “temporary” choice changed everything.
Her first assignment — seventh graders at a brand-new middle school — was chaotic, imperfect, and transformative.
“It was one of those rare moments of absolute clarity,” she shares. “Everything just clicked. I knew I had found my place.”
Education became her career. But eventually, she realized something deeper:
She didn’t want to be another cog in a system that wasn’t aligned with her values.
So she built something new.
The Hardest Part of Change Work
Vickie’s work focuses on one of the most resistant systems in the country: education.
“The system has functioned largely the same since the late 19th century,” she explains. “Suggesting that it should have been fundamentally reimagined decades ago is not an easy sell.”
Education is also business. Standardized testing is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Questioning whether testing volume truly benefits students can create discomfort at the highest levels.
The greatest challenge?
Accessing decision-makers and helping them see that change is not just ideal. It’s necessary.
Ironically, institutions built on learning and inquiry can be among the most resistant to innovation.
But the wins make the resistance worth it.
When future educators say, “This finally makes sense.”
When disengaged students remain present and complete meaningful work.
When teachers adapt strategies and see measurable impact.
Those moments affirm the work.
Because progress — even incremental progress — matters.
Cutting Through the Jungle
Vickie offers this advice to women leading change:
“Every step forward is a win. Large-scale change rarely happens overnight.”
She compares change work to cutting through a dense jungle.
“You clear enough to see a few feet ahead. And that has to be enough. The jungle has existed for a long time — it won’t disappear all at once.”
Progress may be slow.
Forward movement is still progress.
And at the center of it all are people.
“People are the purpose,” she says. “They are the priority, the value, and the joy.”
Building a Global Leadership Pipeline
Vickie’s next chapter is bold.
For the past several years, she has been building toward launching a summer global leadership program for students in her urban community — a space where access and exposure are often limited.
Her vision:
- Leadership development grounded in equity
- Global perspective for underserved students
- A scalable model adaptable to cities and countries with similar needs
This summer, she plans to pilot a two- to three-week beta program as the first step toward a full-scale initiative.
It’s not just about exposure.
It’s about courage, community, and modeling what change can look like.
Entrepreneurship and Ethical Alignment
Vickie’s shift into consulting was shaped by watching a mentor leave a finance career after being wrongfully terminated. Instead of retreating, her mentor built her own venture aligned with her ethics and values.
That example planted a seed.
Later, after experiencing her own career setbacks, Vickie remembered:
“I don’t have to stay in a structure that no longer fits. I already have what I need.”
Full entrepreneurship didn’t happen overnight. It’s still unfolding.
But clarity did. And clarity creates movement.
The Power of Community
Through the International Association of Women, Vickie found a steady place to return.
“IAW has been my push — firm but loving. The reminder to keep taking steps forward.”
From Monday Masterminds to accountability sessions, she values consistent touchpoints that allow her to show up honestly. Even on days when she feels discouraged.
“Having women reflect your purpose back to you when you temporarily lose sight of it — that’s invaluable.”
Her advice to new members?
Engage deeply.
Use the evergreen resources.
Show up consistently.
Community isn’t optional. It’s essential.
A Leader Designing What’s Next
Vickie Crockett is not simply advocating for educational reform.
She is building models for what education could become.
With global perspective, classroom credibility, and a relentless commitment to equity, she continues cutting through the jungle — one strategic step at a time.
Because systems don’t change by accident.
They change because someone is willing to build something better.
Connect With Vickie
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickie-m-crockett-eds-b4098a45/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teach_consulting/
