Relay Graduate School of Education and Teaching Lab Announce Tim Saintsing As President
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Saintsing will help lead the integration of Relay and Teaching Lab, connecting their work across educator preparation, professional learning, and innovation.
November 13, 2026 — Relay Graduate School of Education, Teaching Lab, and Teaching Lab Studio announced today that Tim Saintsing will join the organization as President effective December 1, 2026.
Saintsing joins at a pivotal moment for Relay and Teaching Lab as the organizations bring together their work in educator preparation, professional learning, leadership development, and innovation. As President, he will work with CEO Dr. Sarah Johnson and the executive team to build coherent systems that connect educator preparation, professional learning, and school leadership so that every student, in every community, benefits from exceptional teaching.
His appointment brings Saintsing back to Relay, where he served as founding chief operating officer and co-president of Relay Lab Schools. Since leaving Relay in 2020, he has led a network of schools and worked alongside educators and students to shape the use of artificial intelligence in education.
“Tim is a rare leader: he knows our sector deeply, believes fiercely that every child in this country deserves to learn at the highest levels, and has a strong record of delivering results through school systems and nonprofits, including Relay,” said Johnson. “What I value most is how he leads, with kindness, empathy, and patience.”
Saintsing joins Relay and Teaching Lab from Playlab, where he serves as Head of Operations. Playlab works to give educators and students the agency to shape how artificial intelligence is used in education. Previously, he served as executive director of KIPP North Carolina, a network of schools serving students in urban and rural communities.
Saintsing’s experience spans the systems that support educators and students, from the preparation of teachers to the leadership of schools and the development of new tools for educator development and student learning.
Saintsing holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College and a Master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.