Neubauer Fellows Community

Mary Libby

Deputy Chief of Diverse Learners
School District of Philadelphia
2022 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
School/Org Neighborhood
Governor Mifflin School District
Education
Ed.D. Reading/Writing/Literacy, University of Pennsylvania
M.Ed. Reading/Writing/Literacy, University of Pennsylvania
Grad Cert., AdvancedEducational Leadership, West Chester University
Grad Cert., School Management & Leadership, Harvard University
Administrative Certification, Philadelphia Pathways to Leadership in Urban Schools (PhillyPLUS Turnaround)
"I became a Neubauer Fellow to learn and collaborate with a network of committed educational leaders as we collectively strive to ensure more equitable learning opportunities for each student within and across Philadelphia Schools."

Dr. Mary Libby is a student-centered educational leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to advancing equity and social justice in K-12 education. Currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Diverse Learners for the School District of Philadelphia, she previously served as Assistant Superintendent of the Governor Mifflin School District and in various leadership roles in the School District of Philadelphia. As a school principal, Dr. Libby led the Chester A. Arthur School through a transformative period, including a successful student-led initiative to rename the school Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, honoring the civil rights icon.  She led the school to significant improvements in student achievement, with increases across all District Board Goal Leading Indicators in reading and math (up to 13%). Under her leadership, Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy received multiple awards, including recognition from the Office of Educational Technology, the Office of Family and Community Engagement, and WHYY.  The school was also shortlisted for the prestigious T4 Education’s World’s Best School Prizes in the Supporting Healthy Lives category for its commitment to equity, academic excellence, and community engagement.

While Dr. Libby’s experience driving systems-level change extends internationally, her deep roots and commitment are in Philadelphia schools.  Her commitment to fostering inclusive environments that value diversity and ensure each learner is empowered to exceed their limitless potential is informed by this diverse experience and the various roles she has served, including teacher, department and curricular lead, teacher and leadership coach, lecturer, researcher, professional learning specialist, principal, and assistant superintendent.

Originally from the Portland, ME area, Dr. Libby is dedicated to improving outcomes for Philadelphia students.

Fellow Listing