Tanesha Dixon 

Tanesha Dixon is a nationally recognized educator, transformational school leader, and fierce advocate for equity, innovation, and culturally responsive learning in public education. She currently serves as the Principal of Legends Charter School in Lanham, Maryland, where she leads with vision, empathy, and a deep commitment to academic excellence and community care. 

 

With over two decades of experience in Title I schools, instructional coaching, and school transformation, Tanesha’s career spans classroom teaching, curriculum design, and executive leadership. She began her journey in Gainesville, Florida, where she was honored as Alachua County’s Middle School Teacher of the Year, and later served as the Founding Middle School Principal at DC Scholars Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. 

 

Tanesha holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Education in Secondary Social Studies from the University of Florida. Her passion for innovation led her to become an inaugural member of the Education Innovation Fellowship (EIF), a partnership between CityBridge Foundation and NewSchools Venture Fund. As a Fellow, she explored, designed, and implemented personalized learning models that elevated student agency and engagement. Her pioneering work has been featured in national outlets including the American Enterprise Institute, EdSurge, Digital Promise, Learning First Alliance, and Discovery Education’s Future@Now Live Digital Classroom, where she hosted U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. 

 

Tanesha has led a Next Generation Learning Challenge (NGLC) Breakthrough Schools team through a full school redesign, served on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Teacher Advisory Council, and helped launch the BetterLesson Blended Master Teacher Project — all while remaining deeply rooted in the classroom and community. 

 

Currently, she is a proud Fellow with the State of Black Learning, a national initiative focused on culturally responsive leadership and systemic change to improve outcomes for Black students. Her work centers on dismantling inequities, empowering educators, and designing school cultures where every child feels affirmed, challenged, and celebrated. 

 

Known for her strategic thinking, collaborative spirit, and unwavering belief in the brilliance of young people, Tanesha continues to shape learning environments that honor identity, foster curiosity, and build pathways to success. 

 

Her guiding philosophy: 
“Every child deserves a classroom that sees them, challenges them, and believes in their brilliance.” 

 

Outside of work, Tanesha finds joy in crafting, spending time with her family, and watching true crime stories — always curious, always learning.