Meghan Timlin, an assistant principal at Independence Middle School, has been named to the 2014 Class of Emerging Leaders by ASCD (formerly known as theAssociation for Supervision and Curriculum Development).

According to the ASCD press release, the Emerging Leaders program is designed to prepare a young, diverse group of educators for potential influence and ASCD leadership. During her time in the program, Timlin will take part in a multitude of activities, including participating in shaping education policy and advocating for the whole child, hosting networking events for educators and contributing to ASCD publications.

“ASCD is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the next generation of education leaders,” ASCD Executive Director and CEO Judy Seltz released in a press statment. “This carefully selected group of educators demonstrates a passion for teaching, learning, and leadership, and each holds promise as a future leader for students around the world.”

According to ASCD, emerging leaders typically have been in the education profession approximately five to 15 years; exhibit a broad range of diversity in position, location, cultural background, and perspective; hold promise as leaders; and are committed to ASCD’s beliefs and to pursuing leadership opportunities.