Leanne Hinkle Named Director of Global Education

Discovery, curiosity, and adventure are at the core of Leanne Hinkle’s world. When Mrs. Hinkle joined St. Mary’s in 2021 as a Middle School French teacher, she immediately approached every moment as a chance to learn and engage with the world. 

From leading the seventh and eighth grade trip to Québec, Canada, to mentoring students to be thoughtful, empathetic, and globally aware citizens, Mrs. Hinkle brings energy and purpose to her work. In the 2025-2026 school year, Mrs. Hinkle is stepping into a new role as the Director of Global Education.

In this position, Mrs. Hinkle will oversee the Global Scholars program, coordinate international travel, and collaborate with four Global Education Coordinators (Mrs. Allison Safley, Ms. Jesse Osias, Mr. Ben Graunke, and Mrs. Courtney Gillespie) to ensure students receive an education filled with discovery and new experiences.

“I will work with the Global Education Coordinators in each division as well as the Director of Belonging, Nikki Davis, to weave global education into the pre-existing curricula for PK through 12th grades,” Mrs. Hinkle said. 

With more than 20 years of experience teaching at the middle and high school levels, Mrs. Hinkle earned her bachelor’s degree in French and Psychology from Lake Forest College and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Memphis. Through her innovative teaching style and hands-on experiences, Mrs. Hinkle hopes to support students’ love of learning.

“I believe in the power of experiential learning. From hands-on work with manipulatives and scientific observations to field trips and international travel, students of all ages learn better ‘in the field,’” she said. “Especially with cultural experiences, people make connections in a host of different ways, and one never knows what small encounter will make a lasting impression.” 

Additionally, Mrs. Hinkle will teach an AP Psychology class, which she says is one of her favorite subjects. She will also work with faculty and administrators in the Upper School and oversee the Guatemalan Student Exchange program. No matter the subject, collaboration and enthusiasm are at the core of Mrs. Hinkle’s teaching style. 

“I hope to draw from my educational style, which is to allow students to work from their strengths toward a set goal,” she said. “When working with a team, allowing others’ strengths to shine on a project makes it that much stronger. I also want to infuse enthusiasm into everything that Global Education touches.” 

Her main goal for this school year is to help St. Mary’s attain the Institute of Global Learning Group’s Endorsement for Global Education. To earn the endorsement, St. Mary’s must demonstrate excellence in global education across six standards, which would make St. Mary’s the only school in Tennessee with this distinction. 

With exciting new opportunities and care for her students, Mrs. Hinkle is excited to support each girl’s unique purpose. 

“I’d like to think I have a multi-faceted personality, that I’m someone who’s driven yet supportive, authentic yet adaptable. But at the heart of it, seeing the students thrive and achieve their goals brings the biggest smile to my face.”