Megan Wapner

Megan Wapner has served as principal of James Rhoads Elementary School in Philadelphia since 2020. Under her leadership, the school has demonstrated measurable gains in student achievement, engagement, and school climate. Over the past four years, students performing at or above benchmark on the STAR Reading assessment increased by 11%, while those in intensive intervention decreased by 16%. In mathematics, students at or above benchmark on STAR Math increased by 7.6%, and those requiring intensive intervention decreased by 13%. These improvements have been accompanied by gains in student attendance and overall school climate.

Megan is a National Board-Certified Teacher in English Language Arts. Megan has led significant school-based partnerships, including securing $75,000 in funding and support for the Eagles Playground Rebuild, enhancing outdoor learning and recreational spaces for students.

Megan’s career in education began in 1999 in the Chester Upland School District as a sixth grade reading and social studies teacher. She joined Penn Alexander School in Philadelphia in 2002, where she taught English language arts for ten years. She transitioned into leadership as dean of students in 2012, became assistant principal in 2018, and served as interim principal in 2019.

Megan grew up in Media, Pennsylvania and attended Agnes Irwin High School.