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Rich has served as the principal of William VW. Bodine High School for International Affairs since 2022. Under his leadership, Bodine has experienced renewed academic growth. The number of 9th-grade students “on track” for graduation increased 19%. In his first year, the percentage of Bodine students scoring Advanced on the Algebra | Keystone more than tripled, and the proficiency rates on the Literature Keystone increased by 4%. Through coordinated leadership
and clear communication, Rich supports the interests of Bodine’s diverse student body, across 18 varsity sports teams, a nationally-recognized robotic team, monthly cultural assemblies, and regular World Affairs Council programming. Additionally, Rich implemented a robust recruitment and branding strategy that increased the number of applications to Bodine in the school selection process by 87% in just two years.
Rich has been an educator since 2002. Prior to becoming a principal, Rich served as a social
studies teacher for eight years and as an assistant principal for twelve years in The School District of Philadelphia, in Washington, DC, and in Springfield (Delaware County), PA. In 2024, Rich received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals.
Rich grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and is a graduate of West Catholic High School.
Dana has been a principal since 2018 and the proud Principal of Feltonville Intermediate School since 2021. Under her leadership, Feltonville Intermediate School has under gone a complete interior and exterior rebranding and has seen increases in student achievement. In just one year, Feltonville Intermediate School saw an increase of 12.7% in the number of students scoring at or above grade level in ELA.
As a result of ensuring equitable opportunities for marginalized learners, Feltonville Intermediate School also saw a 12.6% decrease in the percent of 3rd grade EL students performing below basic on the PSSA ELA assessment and a 10.1% increase in the percent of 3rd grade students performing at Proficient or Advanced on the PSSA assessment. During the 2021/2022 Dana was selected to participate in the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders Performance Partners Program where she received innovative and hands on development in instructional leadership and coaching. Feltonville Intermediate School was also recognized for significant gains in PVAAS performance in ELA and Math during the 2022/2023 school year.
Dana has served as an educator since 2003. Prior to becoming a principal, Dana served as a substitute teacher, classroom teacher, school climate and culture lead, Consulting Teacher, and Assistant Principal. Dana grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a proud product of Philadelphia Public Schools, graduating from Franklin Learning Center High School.
Dr. Smith is an enthusiastic professional educator with 24 years of instructional experience in elementary and secondary education. He is currently in his third year as Chief Learner (Principal) at School of The Future (SOF), in which some of his achievements were improvements in the conditions for success category (Student and Teacher attendance, Learner dropouts, and 4-year cohort graduation rates) for SY 22-23, as indicated on the SPOTlight Spree report. Also, SOF learner STAR participation rates for the 2021-2023 school year was 58%, and in 2023-2024, the learner participation rates increased to 94%.
Dr. Smith believes that partnerships between organizations such as the Philadelphia Zoo, Microsoft, Heights, and the National Science and Math Initiative have enriched our curriculum and provided unique learning opportunities for our learners. He also partnered with universities to offer dual enrollment programs for his learners and emphasized incorporating more Advanced Placement (AP)classes. For the 2022-2023 school year, learners at SOF scored three in AP Language, AP Literature, and AP United States History. SOF will be one of the first schools to have a CTE Computer Science program for the 2024-2025 school year
Special Awards, Certificates, and Honors Dr. Smith obtained: Graduate of the State of Pennsylvania’s Cohort 10 Special Education Leadership Academy. Implemented a district-wide enrichment tutoring program for students of color for the Upper Dublin School District, Completed Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Program, Honored by the Glassboro School Board for a Peer Tutoring Program, Glassboro Golden Teacher Award, Alpha Kappa Mu Teacher Honor Society (Cheyney University), ACT 101 Mentor Award (Bloomsburg University), Outstanding Service (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.), served as President of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (Lambda Alpha Chapter).
Dr. Smith is a proud graduate of Lankenau Motivation and grew up in the Uptown section of Philadelphia.
Zenobia has served as the principal of Global Leadership Academy (GLA) Southwest since 2022. Under her leadership, Global Leadership Academy had 24% of scholars performing on or above grade level in English Language Arts and 13% in Math. Closing the achievement gap at GLA Southwest has been a major achievement with 81% of scholars making 1 years’ worth of growth in Math and 75% of scholars making 1 years’ worth of growth in English Language Arts according to the I-Ready quarterly benchmark. GLA Southwest has increased their number of eighth graders, in Fall of 2023, who were admitted to special admit and private high schools with scholarships by 25%.
Zenobia has been an educator since 2005. Prior to becoming a principal, Zenobia taught internationally as an English teacher in Tianjin, China. As well as served as an elementary school teacher, professional development liaison, Science and Social Studies site coordinator, grade level chairperson, academy leader (grades 3-5), director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, assistant principal, and principal for one year prior to GLA Southwest. Zenobia was a recipient of Dekalb County’s Teacher of the Year in 2011.
Zenobia grew up in Philadelphia and attended John Bartram High School’s Motivation Center.
Stephanie has served as the Principal of Belmont Charter Middle School since 2022. Working together with her talented staff, 6th, 7th and 8th graders from Belmont Middle met/exceeded their growth goals in Math according to PVAAS. Further, their school increased the percentage of students with average daily attendance of 90% or higher from 86.6% to 89.4%. Belmont Charter Middle School boasts an overall staff satisfaction rate of 4.6/5 according to their annual climate survey.
Stephanie has been an educator since 2008. Prior to becoming Principal, Stephanie served as an Assistant Principal, founding Academy Leader (K-2) and 9-12 Special Education Teacher. She received her administrative certificate from TNTP‘s residency program, PhillyPLUS. Stephanie grew up in East Orange, NJ and attended Mount Saint Dominic Academy.
Dr. Jury Seger was elevated to her current role as Principal in 2013, after serving as Assistant principal for two years. She is affectionately referred to as “Mama Jury” within her school community and has been a dedicated and inspirational administrator, leader and teacher at Imhotep Institute Charter High School for fifteen years. Although she joined Imhotep as a special education teacher, her success in the classroom quickly led to a promotion as an academic coach and in 2011 she was promoted again to Director of Special Education before taking on the principalship.
As the school principal, Dr. Segers is passionate about building the capacity of her staff and creating an affirming school culture that is focused on student outcomes for all learners while using professional learning as a vehicle to improve teaching and learning. She has adopted a schedule that allows for common planning time used for collaboration and to analyze student data. During her tenure, Imhotep has consistently maintained a graduation rate that exceeds the statewide average. Dual enrollment opportunities have expanded to include partnerships with four colleges and universities. During the 2021-2022 school year, 34% of her scholars were enrolled in rigorous courses of study. Future Ready Index data for the 2022-2023 school year indicates that 82.1% of the graduates had a post-secondary transition to school, military or the workforce. During the same year 41% of her scholars had an attendance rate of at least 95 percent. Her efforts earned her the Principal of the Year Award from Psi Delta Kappa International in 2023. Through a rigorous selection process she was accepted into the Neubauer Fellowship Program that commences in July 2024. Dr. Segers has been featured on the nationally syndicated Real World Leaders radio show for a segment on leaders in education.
Dr. Segers graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences. Committed to lifelong learning, at Arcadia University, she concentrated on special education while earning a Master’s Degree in Education. She later returned to Arcadia University to complete post-graduate studies and was awarded the Dr. Norman A. Miller Scholarship for Educational Leadership. In 2024, she completed her Doctoral Degree and is currently pursuing her Letter of Eligibility at her most recent alma mater.
With a career in education that spans more than twenty years, she holds the following certifications: Principal K-12, Special Education Supervisor, Special Education N-12, English as a Second Language Program Specialist K-12, Social Studies 7-12 and a certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She also holds the certification and facilitates courses for the National Institute for School Leadership Executive Development Program designed for novice administrators seeking their Level II Administrative Certification. She is a proud alum of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, graduating class of 241. In her spare time, Dr. Segers enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Dr. Yonaira Rodriguez has served as the proud Principal of William Cramp Elementary in the School District of Philadelphia since April of 2024. Previous to Cramp, she was principal at Isaac A Sheppard Elementary where she impacted student achievement by positively impacting 2023 PSSA scores, increasing 4th grade Science scores by 19%, ELA Proficiency scores by 4%, and Math Proficiency scores by 5%. Yonaira also decreased students in the Below Basic ranking of Math by 26% and students in Below Basic in Science by 31%. Additionally, Sheppard saw an increase in student attendance by 22%. While at Sheppard, she established a partnership with Taller Puertorriqueño and the Julia de Burgos bookstore. Via private and corporate fundraising, she raised over $5,000 for students at Sheppard to shop three times a year from the pop up book fair which was curated with a focus on BIPOC authors and characters.
Dr. Yonaira Rodriguez began her teaching career in 2000 as middle school teacher at Julia de Burgos in the School District of Philadelphia. In 2002, she taught 6th and 7th ELA at Colegio Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. In 2003, she taught 3rd grade Spanish dual language at Pineloch Elementary in Orange County Public Schools. Yonaira was awarded Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 2005. In addition to her teaching experience, Yonaira worked as an instructional coach for Success for All Foundation from 2008 to 2015. In 2015, she served as a District Instructional Coach in William Penn School District located in Delaware County, PA. In 2018, she rejoined the School District of Philadelphia in the Office of Curriculum and Instruction as an ELA Specialist and then Director of Literacy. Outside of her work in SDP, Yonaira is an adjunct professor at the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, University of Pennsylvania and Saint Joseph University. She serves on the Executive Board for the Pennsylvania Association of Hispanic School Administrators whose goal is to increase opportunities for latino leaders in the educational space.
While she was born in Puerto Rico, Yonaira has spent most of her life in Philadelphia, PA. Yonaira is a proud SDP alum having graduated from Edison High School in 1996.
Nicole Patterson has served as the principal of William H. Ziegler Elementary school in Northeast Philadelphia for 2 years. Prior to becoming the principal, Nicole served at Ziegler for 6 years as the Assistant Principal, Dean, and teacher establishing strong relationships with families, students and staff.
Finishing the first year Ziegler was able to move ELA PSSA scores from 19% proficiency to 24% and Math PSSA scores from 3% proficiency to 8%. The STAR data resembles similar growth, ELA increased by 10% and Math by 13% proficiency while also decreasing the intensive intervention students by more than 14% in both content areas. Ziegler focused on marginalized students and increased student proficiency in both EL and SpEd categories by 8% allowing them to be a school moving from 4 subgroup designations to 1.
With 15 years of experience as an educator, Nicole has worked in North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In Virginia, she received Teacher of the Year for Richmond. Nicole was born in Germany and spent most of her life in Panama until returning to North Carolina where she graduated from South View High School in Hope Mills. As a former ESOL student, she continues to build opportunities for all. At Ziegler, she recently received the Math award for over 65% of her students hitting the growth target on the STAR Assessment.
Since becoming the principal at Ziegler, Nicole continues to partner with Philadelphia community members. Ziegler is currently partnered with the Boys and Girls Club, CHOP, Vetri, Magna Prep, and PYB. Additionally, the local state representative’s office has been a great support in planning the new playground build.
Finally, Nicole has been a member of the Inspiring Leader Academy and the TNTP Philly Plus program
to help build her capacity as a leader and coach.
Nicole assumed the role of principal at Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy in July 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in education within inner-city communities. In previous roles, Nicole’s leadership in Chester yielded over a 50% decrease in out of school suspensions through student-centered leadership and implementation of the Youth Courts program in conjunction with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in 2019.
Nicole’s leadership at Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy has yielded academic growth, with a significant increase in student performance on assessments, particularly among Black/African American students in both Reading and Math. During the 2023-2024 school year, STAR Math scores for all students yielded a 11.2% increase in the At/Above category. STAR Math scores for Black/African American students yielded a 13.9% increase in the At/Above category.
An accomplished author and researcher, Nicole has shared her expertise at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference in 2023, focusing on leadership during the pandemic. She is also a published author through School Leadership & Management (SLAMS), addressing the challenges of leading urban school teachers of Black and Brown students amidst social injustice and the pandemic. Throughout her career in education, Nicole has been a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal before her inaugural principalship in Chester, PA from 2019 to 2022. Nicole’s commitment to educational equity and community engagement is evident through her service on the Scholar-Practitioner Research Collaborative Advisory Board through Saint Joseph’s University and ongoing advocacy initiatives.
Nicole was raised in Cheltenham, PA and graduated from Cheltenham High School. Nicole is a child of God, full-time daughter, sister, and friend.
Khary has served as the principal of the James R. Ludlow Elementary school since 2018. Under his leadership the James R. Ludlow has developed a caring and safe environment where students can feel safe learning and where every adult in the building is respected as an educator of children. During the 2022-2023 school year, James R. Ludlow experienced a 6.7% growth in Reading and an 14% growth in Math on the PSSA’s over the span of two years. Additionally within the same two year time span Kindergarten through Second grade student increased their reading by 22.8% as measured by the STAR Assessment.
Khary began his work in education in 2001 working in the School District of Philadelphia’s Alternative Education Department. In 2003 Khary became the Program Coordinator for the RETI-WRAP Program where he and his team worked to transition adjudicated and incarcerated youth back into schools. In 2011 Khary was appointed the site administrator to the Philadelphia Youth Development Academy (PYDA). PYDA was a school program specifically designed for returning adjudicated youth to earn the diploma while crafting a plan for post secondary success. Eventually in 2014, Khary became the principal of Dimner Beeber Middle School in West Philadelphia. Khary is a 2024 recipient of the Linback Award for Distinguished Principals. Khary is a Philadelphia native, growing up primarily in the Mt. Airy and Germantown sections of the city. Khary considers himself a product of the School District of Philadelphia, attending public schools from kindergarten through 9th grade. However he ultimately graduated high school from Cardinal Dougherty High School.
Mandy has served as the Farm Administrator of Fox Chase Farms since 2019, pioneering experiential learning in agricultural and environmental education for urban youth in Philadelphia. Managing the largest public school district-run educational farm in the United States, she has overseen operations that have resulted in over 50,000 student visits.
Mandy has secured significant grants, accounting for $100,000, to establish initiatives such as the District’s first student-managed farm store and a Poultry Science Program engaging special education students. Notably, she recently secured a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to develop students through the state’s first Apprentice Program in Controlled Environment Agriculture, addressing food insecurity in Philadelphia’s underserved areas.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education from Delaware Valley University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, a degree of Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from North Central University.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Mandy is a proud mother to her son, Billy, who shares her passion for making a difference in the world. Mandy’s roots in agriculture trace back to her upbringing on a farm in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, near Gettysburg
Baretta has exemplified leadership and innovation as the Principal of the Alain Locke School since 2020. Under Baretta’s exemplary leadership and innovation, the Alain Locke School has experienced remarkable academic growth, marked by a 15.1% increase in PSSA reading scores for Grade 3 students and a staggering 30.4% increase in math scores for the same cohort. Moreover, Baretta has overseen a commendable 6.8% overall improvement in math proficiency across Grades 3 to 8.
Baretta Massey brings a wealth of experience to her role, having served as an educator and administrator in both West Philadelphia and North East Philadelphia since 2002. Throughout her career, she has been committed to fostering excellence in education and creating opportunities for student success.
Baretta’s tireless dedication to professional growth has been displayed in her participation in the Philadelphia Pathways to Leadership in Urban Schools and PASL’s Instructional Leadership Academy. She is committed to delivering high-quality education to every student and family she serves.
Joy has served as principal of Rnawnhurst School since 2018. Under her leadership, Rhawnhurst School was awarded the National Blue Ribbon for
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools in 2020 for being among Pennsylvania’s highest performance in closing the gaps that exist between various student groups and the entire student body.
Joy has been an educator since 2010. During her teaching career, she worked extensively to increase student literacy skills and break down the learning gaps that created barriers for students. During her time as a classroom teacher, she was accepted to Philadelphia Pathway to Leadership in Urban Schools (PhillyPLUS). After her acceptance in PhillyPLUS, she was hired as a Principal Fellow at Prince Hall School where she coached teachers around instructional best practices with an emphasis on implementing Common Core Standards with fidelity. Joy is a proud Philadelphia native and graduate of Merion Mercy Academy.
Darryl has served as the principal of G.W. Carver High School of Engineering and Science (Carver HSES) since August 2021. Under his leadership, Carver HSES developed a robust Dual Enrollment Pathways program along with a STEM internship experience that has allowed over 375 students to attain college credits and/or real world experiences prior to graduation. Carver HSES reported the highest 4-year graduation rates (100%) across the School District of Philadelphia during the 2022-2023 school year and was also recognized as one of the Best High Schools in the United States in 2023 by US News & World Report. Over the last 3 years, Carver HSES has won 10 Public League Championships in Boys Bowling, Cheerleading, Boys Soccer, Girls and Boys Indoor and Outdoor Track, and Baseball.
Darryl has 15 years of experience in the School District of Philadelphia working hands-on with students, parents, and staff in various professional roles in both schools and the Central Office. Darryl has served in roles as a Student Disciplinary Hearing Officer, Transition Liaison, Dean of Students, Director of Student Supports, Director of School Culture, and Assistant Principal. In 2022, Darryl was recognized as a trailblazer and featured as an “Education Power Player” by Metro Philadelphia.
Darryl currently serves on the Professional Learning Advisory Board and the Black Male Leadership Think Tank. Darryl is also in the 2023 Instructional Leadership Academy led by the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders. Prior to becoming an educator, Darryl worked for Delta Community Supports Inc as a social worker. Darryl grew up in Willow Grove, PA.
Nick has served as Principal of St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School since 2017. Under his leadership, math achievement increased from 32% to 59% of students being on grade level in math. The percentage of students on grade level in English also increased during this time. Teacher retention increased dramatically since Nick started as Principal. Additionally, community support for St. Helena-Incarnation also expanded under Nick’s leadership.
Nick started his career in education with the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program out of the University of Notre Dame. Through the program, Nick taught at an under-resourced school in Atlanta for two years and he remained committed to education since his time in ACE.
Nick grew up just outside of Reading, Pennsylvania, and attended Reading Central Catholic High School.
Bahir Hayes has served as Principal of William C. Bryant Elementary School since 2019. Under his
leadership, attendance metrics have grown. Bryant has moved from the bottom 3 to 1st in Acceleration Network schools with 75.7% of students attending 90% of school days, which is a 31.5% increase from EOY 2023. On the PSSA, the students scoring Below Basic has decreased by 14.2% in Reading, 13.9% in Math, and 10% in Science from 21-22 SY to 22-23 SY. Proficiency on the PSSA has increased by 2.7% in Reading, 1.7% in Math, and 5.0% in Science from 21-22 SY to 22-23 SY. Bryant has heavily invested in Chipper Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) incentives, including a student lounge – “The Bear Den,” a school store, and free field trips for all students. This has had an immensely positive impact on Bryant’s school climate and resulted in 0 suspensions in the 2023-2024 school year.
Bahir has served students for 18 years, as a camp counselor with education works and a lifeguard for 6 years where he taught inner-city students to swim. He has formally worked as a professional educator for 13 years as a teacher, teacher-leader, Master Teacher, grade team lead, Cultural Context Facilitator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Most recently, Bahir sat on the Principal Selection Committee, Pathway to Leadership Selection Committee, and Superintendent’s Advisory Council.
He prioritizes community engagement and the active participation of Black Male figures in schools, hosting events with over 300 Black Males for a “Breakfast With Dads.” Additionally, he has organized three Annual Black Excellence Career Fairs where over 30 Black Leaders from various professions speak to and inspire the Bryant students.
He is one of seven named for the 2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals. In receiving this award, the Lindback Foundation awarded his school community $20,000 which will be used for PBIS student initiatives.
Bahir Hayes is a native of Philadelphia, PA, and a product of the School District of Philadelphia as he attended Greenfield Elementary School and Bodine High
School for International Affairs.
Luis has served as the Principal of Alexander K. McClure school since December 2021. Under his leadership, Alexander K. McClure school has seen a 10% increase in reading performance at the highest tier. In addition, regular student attendance of 90+% has risen from a cumulative average of 55% to currently at 62.2%. In regards to PSSA performance, McClure has seen an increase of proficient and advanced scores across all 3 subject areas. According to the most recent Student Well Being Survey and aligned with the school’s vision of dismantling system of oppression in regards to relationships, 84.4% of students agree and/or strongly agree that McClure’s staff do care about their needs.
Luis has been an educator since 1998. Prior to serving as a principal, he served as a Learning Support Teacher, Emotional Support Teacher, Special Education Chairperson, and Assistant Principal. In addition to the School District of Philadelphia, other places of employment have included North Penn School District, Lower Moreland Township School District, and Aspira, Inc. Charter Schools. He received both his undergraduate (Elementary Education and Special Education) and graduate (Educational Administration and Special Education Supervisory) degrees from Saint Joseph’s University. Luis grew up in the North Philadelphia section and is a graduate from Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS HS. He also attended Alexander K. McClure as a student, where he now serves as principal.
Alphonso Evans was selected as Assistant Superintendent of School Performance. Prior to this appointment, Evans spent two years as Principal of Stearne Elementary School, where he led the school’s turnaround, increasing student attendance by 13.5 percentage points; increasing teacher attendance by 17.4 percentage points; decreasing the number of students assessed as Reading Below Basic (Grades 3-8) by 12.6 percentage points; and decreasing the number of students assessed as Math Below Basic (Grades 3-8) by 7.8 percentage points. Dr. Evans’ leadership created a culture of excellence, which included teamwork and collaboration among staff, teachers and students. This ultimately led to a 94% retention rate of staff. In addition, Dr. Evans restored the trust of parents and community stakeholders within one school year.
Dr. Evans has served in the capacity of Assistant Superintendent, Director of a School Region, CEO, Principal, Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach and teacher during his 23 years in education. In 2017, Dr. Evans completed his freshman children’s book entitled, “Tell Them They’re Great…I Dare You”. Finally, in 2022, Dr. Alphonso Evans Sr. released his highly anticipated sophomore book, “Taking The Risk…Meet Your Father” which has been a call to the educational community to rediscover the relationships between fathers and sons.
Dr. Evans is a member of the Philadelphia School District’s Principal’s Advisory Board and the recipient of the 2023 Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Principals. He graduated from the Franklin Learning Center Public High School of Philadelphia.
Since 2020, Monique has served as the principal of Frederick Douglass Elementary School. Under her leadership, the school has shown consistent growth across all domains, with notable achievements including a 56% increase in IEP goals, a 19% rise in attendance, an 11% boost in enrollment, and a 14% improvement in MAP Reading Fluency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these gains have inched the school closer to pre-pandemic data and beyond. The school has partnered with several organizations, including Beyond the Bars, Ignite Tutoring, and CLI, to provide students with enriching experiences beyond the classroom.
Monique’s career in education began in 2010, when she moved to Delaware and started teaching at Marion T. Academy as a 7th grade ELA/Drama teacher. This role ignited her passion for making a lasting impact on youth. Over the next eight years, she extended her reach beyond the classroom and embarked on a journey of leadership. With a teaching certification from the University of Delaware, a master’s degree from Strayer University, and a principal certification from the Delaware Leadership Project, she has been driven to fulfill her purpose in education.
Monique’s professional journey includes roles at several schools including:
· Marion T Academy, ELA/Drama Teacher (2 years)
· Maurice J. Moyer Academy, ELA/Drama Teacher (4 years)
· Family Foundations Academy, ELA Teacher, Dean, Director of Climate (7 years)
· Eastside Charter, Assistant Principal of School Culture (1 year)
· Uncommon Schools, Principal Fellow (2 years)
· Mastery Charter Schools, Principal (5 years)
In Monique’s leisure time, she enjoys embarking on thrilling adventures with her two daughters, Whitney and Lynn, and cooking and hosting gatherings for her loved ones. Monique is originally from Bronx, NY.
Rosalie has served as the principal of Holy Cross School, an Independence Mission School, since 2021. Under her leadership, student achievement percentiles grew from the 55th to the 72nd in reading and from the 45th to the 66th in math as measured by the NWEA MAP test. In addition to advancing student achievement, Rosalie’s priorities include providing an education in which students have the opportunities they deserve and see themselves represented in the school culture and curriculum.
Rosalie has been an educator for over 20 years. She has been with Independence Mission Schools since its inception in 2013, when the network took on the challenge of turning around 14 schools that were slated for closure. Prior to becoming a principal, Rosalie served as assistant principal, instructional coach, teacher, and track coach. As a teacher, her experience includes a wide range of grade levels, with the majority of experience teaching 7th and 8th grade ELA.
Rosalie was selected for TNTP’s Pathway to Leadership in Urban Schools (PLUS) program, obtaining her principal’s certification in 2017. She was a Maguire Scholar in the St. Joseph’s University reading specialist graduate program. She received the St. Joseph’s University Reading Specialist Award in 2020 and the IMS Teacher Impact Award in 2019. Rosalie also serves on the IMS Principals’ Council. She is a graduate of La Salle University, Chestnut Hill College, Temple University, St. Joseph’s University, and Little Flower Catholic High School. She grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Jamal has served as the principal of Crossroads at Hunting Park since 2019 and of Philadelphia Learning Academy North since 2022. During the 2023 – 2024 Fall to Winter STAR assessment, the average student at Crossroads at Hunting Park outgrew 75% of their academic peers nationally in mathematics and 79% of their academic peers nationally in reading.
Jamal has been an educator since 2000. Before becoming a principal, Jamal served as a 6th – 8th grade Math and Science teacher, high school English teacher, middle-year teacher leader, School-Based Teacher Leader, PhillyPLUS resident, and an adjunct professor for the Early Childhood Education Department at Harcum College. He was also the principal of Edward T. Steel from 2015 to 2019.
Outside of school, Jamal currently serves as a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the Lansdowne Fire Department, a board member for Caring People Alliance and Committed Community Mentors, a member of the board of directors for ENSPIRE Foundation, and a member of the Delta Sigma Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. He received the Lang Lang International Music Foundation Keys of Inspiration Grant for $185,000.
In 2023, Jamal received a Citation from the Council of the City of Philadelphia. Jamal is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Bartram Motivation High School.
Derrick has served as the principal of Shoemaker High School since Spring 2022. Under his leadership, Shoemaker’s 7-8 Math MAP growth is in the top 75th percentile of the network, while Shoemaker’s Algebra 1 achievement has seen over 35% increase in proficiency on quarterly assessments year over year. In ELA, Shoemaker saw a 5% proficiency increase on the PSSA from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023. All of these gains can be partially attributed to his team’s focus on student retention and attendance, the latter of which has seen over a 10% increase from 2022-2023 to 2023-2024. Derrick has spent his entire career in education starting in 2013. Before becoming a principal, Derrick served as a middle and high school math teacher (8th-10th grade, Algebra 1), corps member advisory, summer program director, and an assistant principal of instruction. Derrick was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Lansdale, PA.
Melissa Bragg has served as the principal of John Hancock Demonstration School for two years. Under her leadership, staff attendance increased 6%. Hancock’s students scoring at or Above Benchmark in reading and math on the STAR assessment increased by 8%. While at Hancock Melissa, in conjunction with her leadership team, has implemented instructional coaching for all teachers and staff. She has also facilitated a single school culture for both school’s campuses and collaborated with stakeholders to introduce the K-8 mascot, the Hancock Husky. In January of 2024, John Hancock Demonstration School was featured as the Philadelphia Tribune’s School of the Week.
Melissa has been a School District of Philadelphia educator for 18 years. She has had the privilege to teach at LP. Hill Elementary School, GW. Childs Elementary School, and Hill-Freedman World Academy. After deciding to pursue educational leadership, Melissa was accepted into the Philly PLUS program in 2016. Prior to serving as principal at Hancock, Melissa was an Assistant Principal at Baldi Middle School in Northeast Philadelphia for five years.
Melissa is a native Philadelphian and a proud Philadelphia High School for Girls alumna.
Dr. Bailey has served as the principal of The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School since July 2021. Dr. Latoyia Bailey continuously celebrates the achievements of the staff, students, and families. Rush is nationally recognized as the only 2022 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence awarded in the City of Philadelphia. Rush students maintained a graduation rate of 100% fin 2023, and has exceeded the growth standard with 2.44% growth index in PVAAS, which places them in the category of “well above” the growth standard. 95.1% of students are considered On-Track and 62.8% of them are enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement class. This is a steady increase over the past three years, with an additional increase of three AP classes and eight honors classes.
Before Rush, Latoyia learned leadership skills at The Academy at Palumbo High School, which afforded her the courage to become an Assistant Principal at South Philadelphia High School. Her roles as the English Department Chair, Roster Chair, Instructional Reform Facilitator, School-Based Teacher Leader, and Building Committee Member all taught her one of her greatest mantras: One must lead from behind for real leadership to shine. In 2009, she became the South Philadelphia Regional Finalist for the Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre Teacher Award, and in 2010 she became the Winner for Distinguished Teaching and she was awarded the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award.
Doc B or Momma Bailey as she is lovingly called by her students, is an author, educator, public figure, and motivational speaker who uses her platform to work with children, families, and other educators extend beyond Philadelphia into both the national and international areas such as South Africa and India. Hailing from Paterson, New Jersey Latoyia started as a per diem substitute in 1996 and attended Passaic County Technical High School.
