Every school has a leader who quietly changes lives.
Not through grand speeches or headlines, but through conversations in hallways, words of encouragement after difficult moments, and an unwavering belief that every student is capable of more than they currently see in themselves.
For Dr. Desireé Green, Principal of the Freshman Academy at Brainerd High School, that belief is more than a leadership philosophy—it is a calling. Green has built her career around a simple yet profound conviction: hope changes lives.
With more than a decade of service in public education, Green has dedicated her career to helping students recognize their potential. Her journey began in the classroom in 2013, where she quickly discovered that education was about far more than lesson plans and assessments. “I developed a passion for student learning and relationship-building,” Green reflects. “Those experiences shaped my belief that effective leadership is rooted in service, strong relationships, and a commitment to helping every student succeed.”
While serving as both a classroom teacher and Dean of Students, she learned the greatest influence educators have often comes long after the lesson ends. Those early years became the foundation for a leadership journey that has included serving as assistant principal, principal, and now leading Brainerd High School’s Freshman Academy.
Leading Through Relationships
Today, Green oversees instruction, student achievement, attendance, behavior, and school culture for ninth-grade students during one of the most significant transitions of their educational lives. She works closely with teachers, students, and families to ensure every freshman begins high school with both confidence and support.
The work is demanding and her purpose is unmistakable.
Ask Green what she treasures most about her work, and her answer is clear: “My favorite part of my job is building meaningful relationships with our freshman students,” she says. “I love helping them discover their fullest potential.” For Green, relationships transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. She explains, “Some of the most impactful moments happen during honest, real conversations throughout the school day. Whether we’re celebrating a success, working through a challenge, or simply encouraging students to believe in themselves, those daily interactions are what make this work so rewarding.” Some of education’s greatest victories never appear on a data dashboard.
Green’s perspective has also been shaped by experiences outside the classroom. Professionally, every leadership opportunity has strengthened her passion for serving students. Spiritually, however, her greatest growth has come during seasons of unimaginable difficulty. “Some of my greatest growth has come during the most difficult seasons,” she shares. “Leaning on my faith to guide my decisions as I support students, families, and staff through moments of uncertainty and loss has strengthened both my faith and my leadership.”
Helping her school community heal after the loss of students reinforced something she already believed—that schools are more than places where academic standards are taught. They are places where hope is restored, healing begins, and relationships become lifelines.
Her personal life has deepened that perspective even further. Becoming a wife and welcoming her son into the world transformed the way she defines success. “It reminded me that success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the lives we nurture and the legacy we leave behind.”
Leading with Conviction
Perhaps no words capture Green’s leadership style better than her favorite quote:
“Although I walk with grace, I have a mighty roar.”
She explains its meaning with quiet confidence.
“True leadership doesn’t require the loudest voice in the room. I strive to lead with humility, kindness, and empathy while remaining unwavering in my commitment to students, families, and staff. Grace allows me to build meaningful relationships, while my ‘roar’ represents the courage to advocate for what’s right, make difficult decisions, and stand firm in moments that require strength.”
It is a philosophy evident in both her leadership and her life. Outside of school, Green is also a spoken word artist—something many colleagues and students may not realize. “Poetry has always been a creative outlet and a way for me to connect with others through storytelling, faith, and lived experiences,” she says. “Whether I’m on a stage or in a school hallway, I believe words have the power to encourage, challenge, and transform lives.”
That same purpose follows her into work each morning. If she could choose one personal walk-up theme song to play as she entered work each morning, it would be “100” by KB. Green explains, “The song’s energy and message remind me to show up every day with authenticity, purpose, and excellence. I want to give my best—100 percent—while staying grounded in my faith and committed to making a lasting impact.”
Over the years, Green has learned that leadership is less about having every answer and more about continuing to grow. “The most important lessons I’ve learned are that resilience is the key to lasting success, no one has all the answers, and relationships are the true currency of leadership.” She believes schools become stronger when trust is intentionally cultivated and when students, families, and educators know they are genuinely seen and supported.
A Legacy of Hope
That conviction fuels the message she hopes every student and colleague carries with them. “We are never without hope.” Green explains why those words matter so deeply. “Education is about more than mastering content. It’s about helping young people discover that through perseverance, opportunity, and belief in themselves, they can create a future greater than their current circumstances.” Hope, she believes, is not simply encouragement. “It isn’t wishful thinking,” she shares. “It’s the foundation for growth, resilience, and transformation.”
For educators beginning their careers, Green offers advice she wishes every new teacher would embrace. “Don’t be afraid to fail trying.” She explains that some of the profession’s greatest lessons emerge from moments when plans fall apart. “Every student, every classroom, and every challenge will teach you something new. Progress—not perfection—is what makes great educators.”
She also hopes the public gains a greater appreciation for the complexity of modern education. “Every decision, challenge, and success has a deeper story behind it,” she explains. “Educators are balancing academics, student well-being, family partnerships, and countless unseen responsibilities—all while striving to create safe, supportive environments where every child can learn and grow.” The work of an educator is challenging and the responsibility immense; however, the impact of the educator is immeasurable.
At the center of everything Green does is an unwavering belief in people. “Every student deserves someone who sees beyond their current circumstances and believes in who they can become,” she says. “My goal is to help build schools where every student feels seen, valued, challenged, and loved.”
She offers one final thought that beautifully summarizes both her mission and the legacy she hopes to leave. “If I can help create even one more young person who leaves believing they have purpose and the ability to change the trajectory of their life, then I know I’ve made a meaningful difference.”
That is the legacy of Desireé Green. Not simply that she led a school well, but that she inspired others to believe that hope is always possible, and that every student’s future is worth pursuing.
Submitted by: TN Educator Collective in Collaboration with Dr. Desireé Green
Dr. Desireé Green was born in Chattanooga, TN, and is a native of Tullahoma, TN. She is an alumna of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in Africana Studies. In December 2021, Dr. Desiree Green graduated with a doctoral degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Education concentrating in Instructional Leadership. Dr. Green has served in administration in the Hamilton County Dept. of Education since 2018, and is a very proud graduate of Leadership Chattanooga’s Best Class, Class of 2021! She currently serves as the Freshman Principal at Brainerd High School.
In addition to being an educator, Dr. Green is a multifaceted creative—writer, musician, background vocalist, and slam poet artistically known as Dezigner—whose work boldly weaves faith, truth, and artistic excellence.
She is the author of two original stage productions, He Lives and The Perfect Easter, both performed by her local church as powerful expressions of the Gospel through dramatic storytelling.
In 2015, Dezigner competed in the Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Little Rock, Arkansas, as a member of the Knoxville Reloaded Slam Team, representing Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been featured twice in The 5th Woman, an annual showcase dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and strength of women through performance art.
In 2024, Dezigner founded Hollaback, a poetry literacy program designed to foster creative expression, empower student voice, and promote literacy among youth. She continues to write and perform spoken word poetry locally and is a member of Chattanooga’s Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry Group. Her work is featured in the 25th Commemorative Anniversary Edition of the Rhyme N Chatt annual anthology, Homecoming.
She is a licensed evangelist missionary who currently serves under her father, Dr. Cedric S. Seay. In 2024, she was inducted into COGIC Achievers 40 under 40, a celebration for young trailblazers who are leaving their mark in places beyond the church. She is married to the love of her life, Elder Tylis Green Sr, and in 2025, she birthed their first child, Tylis Green Jr., lovingly known as ‘TyJ.’
She is an ambitious, young woman devoted to living out the Gospel truth through education, fine arts, and avenues of servant leadership. She lives by the mantra, “Although I walk with grace, I have a mighty roar,” empowering young men and women to speak boldly, stand confidently under the shadow of the Almighty, and pursue purpose without fear.
