LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

MBLI is led by a dedicated team of educators and operational professionals who believe middle school is the perfect time to build strong academics, confidence, character, and real-world readiness. As a small school with a big purpose, we prioritize relationships, high expectations, and a supportive culture where every student is known and encouraged to thrive.

School Leadership

Principal: Dr. Shiree Slade

We’re proud to introduce Dr. Shiree Slade as the inaugural Principal of The MECCA Business Learning Institute Public Charter School (MBLI). With over 25 years of excellence in education, Dr. Slade brings the rare combination families hope for in a school leader: high expectations, deep instructional expertise, and a genuine commitment to every child’s growth and success.

Dr. Slade has led across the full education spectrum—serving as a classroom teacher, school principal, and Director of Teaching and Learning (Pre-K–12). Her experience spans urban, suburban, rural, and international settings, giving her a broad and practical understanding of what students need to thrive in any learning environment. She has also served as a Curriculum Expert for the U.S. government, contributing to work that strengthened academic outcomes for students nationwide.

What makes Dr. Slade the right leader for MBLI is her unwavering focus on excellence with equity—creating a school culture where students feel safe, known, and inspired, while also being challenged to meet high academic standards. Her leadership aligns directly with MBLI’s model: a business-focused, real-world learning experience that prepares students for high school, college, career, and life.

Education & Credentials

  • Doctorate: Educational Leadership and Human Resource Development

  • Master’s: Curriculum Development

  • Bachelor’s: Chemistry

Certifications

  • Superintendency

  • School Administration I & II

  • Chemistry (Grades 7–12)

  • Middle School (Grades 6–8)

  • Elementary (Grades 1–6)

  • Early Childhood (Pre-K–1)

Under Dr. Slade’s leadership, MBLI is building a school where students are challenged, celebrated, supported, and prepared to thrive—with a culture grounded in respect, structure, and opportunity, and a learning experience designed to help every student grow into a confident learner and emerging leader.

Assistant Principal: Mr. Jeff Leaman

Mr. Jeff Leaman brings more than two decades of experience in Montgomery County Public Schools to MBLI, with deep expertise in middle school and high school leadership, teaching and learning, school operations, and student support. Mr. Leaman formerly served as an Assistant Principal at Walter Johnson High School and previously held long-standing leadership roles at Tilden Middle School and Julius West Middle School, giving him a strong, practical understanding of the middle school experience and the critical transition into high school.

Throughout his career, Mr. Leaman has been a hands-on instructional leader, supervising and supporting departments across Special Education, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, the Arts, Career and Technology Education, and Music. He is known for ensuring equitable instructional practices, high-quality teaching, and strong student engagement across content areas.

Mr. Leaman has extensive experience in:

  • School safety and security, including serving as an On-Site Emergency Team (OSET) Coordinator and leading safety planning for large-scale school events

  • Master scheduling, collaborating with principals and content specialists to design schedules that meet student needs and school improvement goals

  • Professional development, facilitating staff training aligned to school improvement priorities, cultural proficiency, and instructional best practices

  • Teacher support and growth, using the Professional Growth System (PGS) to coach educators and strengthen instruction

He has also served as a testing coordinator, overseeing the administration of statewide and federal assessments, and has led attendance monitoring efforts focused on reducing chronic absenteeism and improving student outcomes.

Mr. Leaman holds:

  • A Master of Education in Administration and Supervision

  • Maryland Administrator I and II Certification

  • Maryland teaching certification in Mathematics (Grades 1–8)

At MBLI, Mr. Leaman partners closely with Dr. Slade to ensure a safe, structured, well-run school environment where students can focus on learning, teachers are supported, and families feel informed and confident in the school’s leadership.

Our Team

MBLI’s staff includes a growing team of dedicated professionals who bring our model to life every day, including:

  • Core Teachers delivering strong instruction in core academic subjects aligned to state and district standards

  • M-Core Teachers leading MBLI’s signature programming—supporting student growth through business learning, advisory, real-world skill building, and service-connected experiences

  • Encore Teachers providing engaging enrichment and specialty learning that supports the whole child, including:

    • Physical Education, Health & Wellness to promote healthy habits, teamwork, and overall well-being

    • Arts Education through visual art and creative expression

    • Music to build creativity, discipline, and confidence

    • World Languages with an emphasis on globally relevant, business-focused language learning

  • Student Support Staff committed to student success, well-being, and day-to-day support

  • Operations and Front Office Staff ensuring families receive timely communication and the school runs smoothly and safely

We hire faculty and staff who believe in:

  • High expectations with strong support

  • Purposeful, real-world learning

  • Clear routines and a respectful school culture

  • Meaningful partnership with families

Join the MBLI Team

MBLI continues to recruit dedicated, student-centered professionals who want to help build something exceptional. Employment opportunities are shared as positions become available.

Families and prospective team members can visit www.MBLI-MD.org or contact the school office for additional information.