About the Founder and Technical Director

Dr. Tequila Kurth is an award-winning educational leader, CEO, and curriculum strategist with over two decades dedicated to building pathways to success. Her experience spans the full educational spectrum, beginning with her very first role as a substitute teacher, which provided firsthand knowledge of classroom dynamics.

Dr. Kurth's executive experience includes founding and leading UpGrade Media Arts Schools, Inc., where she directed all areas of state-required programs, teaching, learning, and operations. In addition to this entrepreneurial success, she served as a Principal in three of Wisconsin's largest districts (Madison, Racine, and Milwaukee). Her qualifications are formally recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), where she holds Lifetime Licenses for:

• Superintendent - District Administrator

• Principal & Director of Instruction

• Teacher (Early Childhood through Adolescence, including Special Education)

Through this extensive leadership background, Dr. Kurth witnessed firsthand the critical and growing impact that effective, prepared substitutes have on student learning and school stability.

Now, she is leveraging this deep expertise in educational quality, strategic planning, and staffing to address the substitute teacher shortage. She leads the development of PI 34 compliant training pipelines, ensuring districts can secure substitutes who are not only present but ready to maintain a high quality of instruction. This mission is driven by a commitment to the success of every classroom and the professionals who lead them.