The Academy for Teachers Names Dr. Tom Liam Lynch as President

Sam Swope to Transition to Senior Advisory Role

New York, NY – July 1, 2025 – The Board of Directors of The Academy for Teachers is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Tom Liam Lynch as its next president, effective July 15. Dr. Lynch succeeds Sam Swope, the Academy’s founder and president for its 14 years of existence. Mr. Swope will move into a senior advisory role to ensure a seamless transition, support strategic partnerships and programs, and to continue advancing The Academy for Teachers’ mission of empowering K–12 teachers through unique and inspiring professional development experiences.

“After an eight-month nationwide search, the board was unanimous in its belief that Tom is the visionary leader we need to guide the Academy into its next chapter,” said Barbara Raho, board co-chair. “Tom brings a rare combination of programmatic expertise, strategic fundraising acumen, and authentic passion for teacher empowerment. His track record of growing nonprofit education initiatives and forging strong partnerships will be invaluable as we work to deepen our impact and expand our reach.”

A first-generation college student, Dr. Lynch has dedicated his career to the very institution that helped him create meaning out of a turbulent upbringing. Serving New York City communities for more than twenty years as a classroom teacher, district official, education professor, and nonprofit leader, Dr. Lynch’s career has been defined by the use of innovation to improve education.

In the classroom, he recorded literary hip-hop albums with students. In the central offices of the nation’s largest school system, Dr. Lynch led the implementation of a first-of-its-kind $50 million citywide online learning program and $6.8 million curricular library for 75,000 teachers. In academia, he pioneered research bridging computer science and English Language Arts, earning him the National Technology Leadership Award from the National Council of Teachers of English. During COVID-19, he led the popular website InsideSchools, responding to the emergency needs of thousands of New York City families by launching online communities, courses, and podcasts. As Vice President of Education Equity at United Way of New York City, he led programs designed to leverage innovation to expand equity, including building dozens of community libraries across the city and launching a fellowship for English teachers to integrate computer science into their classrooms.

Dr. Lynch’s unique blend of innovative vision, eclectic experience, and operational tenacity has made him a dynamic force in K–12 education.

“In my twenty years in education, The Academy for Teachers is the only professional learning organization I’ve encountered that unapologetically leads with inspiration,” Lynch said. “Inspired teachers inspire students—and inspired students change the world. Sam and the team have built something truly singular, and the field needs it now more than ever. That’s why I’m honored to step into this role. I believe the Academy can lead the sector in scaling an inspiration-forward model of innovative teacher development—one that makes good teachers great, keeps great teachers in the classroom longer, and ultimately redefines how society sees and values the teaching profession.”

Sam Swope founded The Academy for Teachers in 2011 because overworked and underpaid teachers need inspiration, respect, and meaningful support. Under his leadership, the Academy has grown into a $1.8 million-budget organization serving nearly 1,000 teachers each year. It has offered over 450 master classes, workshops, lectures, panels, concerts, salons, stand-up-comedy nights, and other events, and grown into a thriving community of 3,200 public, charter, and private school teachers identified for their passion for their subjects, creativity in the classroom, and devotion to students. An independent study conducted in 2021 found that teachers who participated in Academy programs were four times more likely than their peers to stay in the profession.

“Tom is smart, experienced, and he has heart,” said Swope. “His experience with large nonprofits will serve the Academy well. But the fact that he was an English teacher, and therefore has a visceral understanding of how unique and important the Academy is, will be invaluable. Passion is everything in this work.”

As president, Lynch will oversee all aspects of operations, including program strategy, partnerships, fundraising, and staff development.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Tom Liam Lynch to The Academy for Teachers. We look forward to his leadership as we grow, cultivating even more courageous and creative teachers who transform both their own classrooms as well as the lives of the tens of thousands of students they serve.