Michael Freeland

Michael Freeland Jr. is a mission-driven education leader who has spent his career helping schools unlock excellence for every student. As Managing Director of National Program Growth and Impact at Leading Educators, he leads national partnerships that expand access to high-quality instructional materials and professional learning for educators across the country. In this role, Michael helps districts and funders align around bold visions for student learning and ensures program teams deliver with excellence.

Over the past six years at Leading Educators, Michael has worn many hats—Senior Director of Networks, Program Director, and Instructional Leadership Coach—while spearheading the organization’s expansion across regions. He has built and deepened partnerships with major districts and state networks, aligned cross-functional teams to ambitious goals, and supported large-scale curriculum adoptions in math and literacy. Under his leadership, the Charleston County School District partnership achieved the highest math and ELA growth among the nation’s largest districts—a testament to his ability to scale impact while maintaining a sharp focus on results for students.

Michael holds an M.S. in Education (Learning Design & Technology) from Purdue University and a B.B.A. in Marketing from Morehouse College, where he graduated Cum Laude. Beyond his role at Leading Educators, he serves as Board Chair for DeKalb Brilliance Academy and has organized HBCU college tours to expand opportunities for students in his community.

When he’s not working, you’ll find him enjoying family time and pouring into the next generation. Michael is guided by a simple but powerful belief: every student deserves the opportunity to make choices about their future.