Dr. B. T. McGuire is an educator, scholar, and leader whose work reflects the transformative power of education as a first-generation college graduate. His academic journey is rooted in purpose, discipline, and a commitment to expanding opportunity. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of Louisville, a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Kentucky, and a doctorate in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University in 2020.
Dr. McGuire began his career as a high school teacher in Danville Independent Schools in Danville, Kentucky, where he was the district’s sole Black core-content teacher. He later taught in Metro Nashville Public Schools, assuming instructional and leadership roles focused on student achievement, educator development, and inclusive school culture. In 2020, he transitioned into school leadership and administration, serving as an instructional coach, dean of students, assistant principal, and principal in Nashville.
Currently, Dr. McGuire serves as Assistant Director of Teaching Development and Initiatives with the AdvancED team at Vanderbilt University. He also holds secondary faculty appointments as a Lecturer in the Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations within Peabody College of Education and the Department of Culture, Advocacy, and Leadership in the College of Arts and Science.
Beyond his institutional roles, Dr. McGuire is a trusted consultant and facilitator who has supported educators nationwide and internationally. His work spans cities including Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Louisville, St. Louis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Honolulu, and he has presented to educational professionals in Iraq, China, Israel, Jordan, and India.
Dr. McGuire is also an accomplished author, with publications including Unapologetically Here (2026), Coloring Outside the Lines (2025), The Effective Educator (2024), and peer-reviewed research on closing achievement gaps. His honors include the 2022 Nashville Black Top Forty Under 40, the Youth Advocacy Award from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Pi Chapter at the University of Louisville, and a nomination for the University of Louisville’s 2024 Alumni Awards.
Dr. McGuire is deeply committed to professional growth and community engagement. A life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he continues to serve in leadership roles at the local, state, regional, and national levels. He also serves as Co–Vice President of the Tennessee Pride Chamber, supporting initiatives focused on leadership development, equity, and professional advancement across academic and community contexts.
Guided by a belief in the power of education to transform lives and systems, Dr. McGuire remains committed to building inclusive learning environments, developing principled leaders, and expanding access and opportunity for all.
Dr. B.T. McGuire 