Betty Sue Sparks has served as Assistant Professor of Practice in the University of Tennessee’ s K12 Online Leadership Studies – Principal Preparation Program since 2021. From 2010 to 2021 she served as the Principal in Residence for the Center for Educational Leadership’s Leadership Academy.

She is a Gallup Trained Clifton Strengths Coach, a cognitive coach, and a Balanced Leadership Developer. She also serves as a coach for new and aspiring school leaders and frequently offers professional development support to assist school leaders with school improvement. Before her work with UT, Betty Sue worked with Knox County Schools, where she served as a teacher, principal, supervisor, and Director of Human Resources and gained SPHR certification. She has served as president of the Tennessee Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development(TASCD)and the Tennessee Association of School Personnel Administrators(TASPA). She has experience as a supervisor, principal, and teacher. Sparks is a strong advocate for strengths-based leadership, and she enjoys coaching others to maximize their potential and flourish. She is currently serving as immediate past president of the Knoxville Chapter of UTK alumni and she is elated that the chapter was designated as 2023 Outstanding Chapter.