Dr. Linda Searby has been in the field of education for over 25 years.  She established and directed two successful private preschools early in her career.  She was an elementary school teacher for 7 years and served as a public elementary school principal for 10 years.  Her passion as an administrator was leading her schools in staff development and systemic change. Transitioning from public school administration into higher education in 2003, Dr. Searby began focusing on preparing preservice teachers and aspiring administrators to meet the changing challenges of today’s schools. She has taught both teacher education and educational administration courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  Her college teaching experience before coming to the University of Alabama at Birmingham included adjunct and visiting professorships at Illinois State University, University of Illinois at Springfield, Kendall College in Evanston, IL, and Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL. Dr. Searby joined the faculty in Educational Leadership at UAB in August, 2005.  At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Searby teaches courses such as Leadership and Administration, Curriculum and Supervision, Politics of Education, Mentoring, and School-Based Problem Solving. 

Dr. Searby is a graduate of Lincoln Christian College (B.A.),  Eastern Illinois University (M.S.), and Illinois State University (Ph.D.). She has presented extensively to principals and teachers on topics such as The Power of Reflection, Characteristics of Stuck and Moving Schools, Engaging Women in Mentoring Relationships, and Effective Leadership. Dr. Searby has presented nationally at the AASA Women and Emerging Leaders Conference, ASCD Annual Conference, National Staff Development Council Conference, Research on Women in Education, Mid-South Educational Research Association, and has served as a consultant for the Academic Development Institute in developing Alliance for Achievement, a school reform model. She served as President of Illinois Women Administrators from 2003 – 2005. Linda has a heart for helping new school administrators develop confidence and experience success.  Dr. Searby does consulting for schools and has recently started a program called Coaching New Principals, designed to assist  principals in goal setting and monitoring, developing a positive school culture and climate, facilitating school leadership teams, public relations and communication, and instructional leadership.

Dr. Searby’s research interests include women and leadership, mentoring, and reflective practice.  Her publications are listed in another section of the website.