Neubauer Fellows Community

Leah Coleman

Principal, Stephen Girard Elementary School
School District of Philadelphia
2019 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
K - 4th
Student Enrollment
348
School/Org Neighborhood
South Philadelphia
Education
M.S. Reading, Gwynedd Mercy University
M.A. Educational Leadership, Administrative Certification, Cabrini College
B.S. Elementary Education, Drexel University
"I serve as a principal to build a school culture that fosters the love of learning I had the privilege of experiencing as a student. I want my students to understand the power of education. I love that I am able to serve the families in the city where I grew up and have the opportunity to make an investment in my community."

Leah has served as the principal of Stephen Girard Elementary School since 2017. Under her leadership, Girard Elementary received recognition for a two-tier Overall improvement on its 2018-19 School Progress Report (SPR). In addition, Girard achieved a 34.4% increase in the number of students at target in AIMSweb, a 100% rate of students with zero out-of-school suspensions, and a 10% increase in the number of 4th grade students attending school 95% of the time. In 2019-20 Stephan Girard increased in the number of English Learners who met their annual growth targets by 19%. In 2018-2019 the school achieved a 13% improvement of 4th graders proficient/advanced in Science on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (52.5%) as well as exceeded the state growth standard (70) and growth scores (75) on the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) in ELA (score 78), math (score 100) and science (score 78) for all student groups.

Leah has been an educator since 2004. Prior to becoming a principal, Leah served as a 2nd grade teacher, reading coordinator and intervention teacher, and a professional learning specialist with the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Teaching and Learning. Leah was recognized as a School District of Philadelphia Bright Spot by Dr. Hite for excellence in instruction and dedication to the profession. Leah grew up in Philadelphia and attended J.R. Masterman School.

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