Josh Webb ’26: The College of Education Didn’t Just Teach Me How to Educate, It Taught Me How to Lead’ | College of Education News

April 24, 2026 - 04:04

Josh Webb, a 2026 graduate of the College of Education, has long held a deep conviction that education is a transformative force. For Webb, this belief extends beyond the walls of a single classroom; it is a mission to ensure that every child, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers, has access to a high-quality education. However, his journey through the College of Education reshaped this vision in an unexpected way. “The College of Education didn’t just teach me how to educate,” Webb explains. “It taught me how to lead.”

During his time in the program, Webb discovered that effective teaching is inseparable from strong leadership. He learned that educators must advocate for resources, mentor colleagues, and navigate complex systems to create equitable learning environments. Courses on educational policy and community engagement challenged him to think beyond lesson plans and consider the structural inequalities that affect rural and underserved schools. “I realized that to truly change a child’s future, you have to be willing to lead change in the system itself,” he said.

Webb’s passion for equity was ignited by his own experiences growing up in a small town, where he saw firsthand how limited resources could stifle potential. Now, armed with a degree that emphasizes both pedagogy and leadership, he plans to work in districts that face similar challenges. His goal is not only to teach but to inspire other educators to take on leadership roles, whether as department heads, curriculum designers, or policy advocates. “A great teacher is a great leader,” Webb states. “And leadership starts with the courage to demand better for every student.”