Laura Dearman has over 20 years experience teaching in early childhood classrooms. Dearman works with teachers to build a culture of thinking in their classrooms and throughout schools. As a part of this effort, she coordinates and leads teachers’ professional development.

In serving as Director of Teacher Development for the Martin Institute for Teaching Excellence, Dearman led the Martin Institute Teacher Resident program. She built this initiative from an idea into a highly sought after source of exceptional teacher development. Dearman also served as director of the Martin Institute's annual conference.

Through her work with the Martin Institute and now with New Hope Christian Academy, she plays a key role in continuing to design, expand, and cultivate programs and networks that advance fruitful teaching and learning. Her driving emphasis on teacher development is to provide resources and support that increase Memphis area teachers’ abilities to design and lead transformative learning in the classroom.

Dearman is passionate about developing teachers as leaders and ultimately giving back to the City of Memphis. Laura and her husband, Buddy, have two children, Tripp and Lockie, and one crazy dog.