As principal of Denver's Manual High School from 1985- 1995, Linda Bates (Transou) Leali gained recognition as a demanding and innovative administrator at a school located in the heart of the city's gang territory. During her tenure she focused on decreasing the dropout rate, increasing advanced placement enrollment and, recognizing the immediate needs of her student population, providing special school programs for at-risk students. She also developed a support program called "WE CAN," which enabled parents of ninth- graders to become directly involved in their children's high school careers.
A Paris, Texas native, Linda's public school education was in segregated schools until her collegiate years. As a second generation educator, she was molded to achieve accomplishments that were previously unattainable in her hometown. She was the 1st Black female named as a Distinguished Graduate and added to the "Wall of Fame" in Paris, Texas in 2015.
Currently, I am a volunteer in civic issues, a part-time entrepreneur and an avid traveler. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, I am as busy as ever. Though I retired in 2001 after a fantastic 32 year career as a teacher, principal and administrator, followed by 9 years of part-time educational consulting, I remain interested in public education issues. I encourage those of you who are still in the "trenches" to keep the faith as you continue to accomplish your great mission!
“I have become part of a network of educators who are on..." (read more)
1969 University of Colorado, B.A.; University of Colorado, M.A.; University of Denver, all but Dissertation
