The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) — Callaghan Elementary School Principal Lisa Hansford has been selected to participate in a statewide leadership program through the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development, providing her with an opportunity to learn and share ideas with education leaders from across the Commonwealth.
Hansford was chosen for SCOPE: Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence, a two-year professional development program that supports emerging K-12 leaders through collaboration, shared learning and the exploration of effective leadership practices. The program brings together school leaders from across Virginia to develop strategies focused on strengthening schools, supporting teachers and improving outcomes for students.
“I’m grateful to be selected,” Hansford said. “This is an exciting opportunity, and I look forward to learning with other educators and bringing new ideas back to Callaghan.”
Through SCOPE, Hansford will participate in professional learning sessions, collaborative discussions, and a final project that applies what she has learned about leadership development, school improvement, and innovative approaches to supporting students, teachers and school communities.
“I believe professional growth is essential to effective leadership,” Hansford said. “Learning alongside other school leaders across Virginia will provide valuable perspectives and ideas that can support our students, staff and families.”
Hansford brings more than a decade of experience in education and school leadership. She began her career as a teacher in Bath County Public Schools before joining Alleghany County Public Schools in 2014, where she taught language arts and history at Clifton Middle School. During her time at Clifton Middle School, she was recognized as the school’s Educator of the Year in 2018.
She later served in several leadership roles, including testing technology resource teacher, administrative intern and assistant athletic director, before becoming assistant principal at Alleghany High School. Hansford was named principal of Callaghan Elementary in 2023, where she continues to focus on creating a positive school culture, supporting teachers, and ensuring students have opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
Hansford’s selection for SCOPE continues Alleghany Highlands Public Schools’ commitment to developing strong instructional leaders and providing administrators with opportunities for continued professional growth.
Cynthia Morgan, director of instruction for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, previously completed the SCOPE program as part of the SCOPE-19 cohort. She began her participation in fall 2023 while serving as principal of Jeter-Watson Elementary School and was the first participant from the Alleghany Highlands area, completing research on family engagement in schools.
Morgan’s experience with SCOPE reflects the division’s ongoing investment in leadership development and collaboration among school administrators. As Hansford continues to grow as a school leader, her participation in SCOPE represents another opportunity to bring new ideas and strategies to AHPS.
“We are proud of Lisa for being selected for this leadership opportunity,” said Superintendent Kim Halterman. “Her dedication to learning, collaboration and continuous improvement reflects the type of leadership we value throughout Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. We look forward to the knowledge and ideas she will bring back to Callaghan Elementary and our entire school community.”
Thanks to generous support from The Alleghany Foundation, Morgan and Hansford’s participation in SCOPE promotes strong instruction and learning across Alleghany Highlands Public Schools.
“We have been very grateful for the support of The Alleghany Foundation for important training like this,” Halterman said. “Opportunities like SCOPE allow our staff to build professional relationships that support the students of the Alleghany Highlands.”
