R. Michelle Torres

R. Michelle Torres has served as principal of Isaac A. Sheppard School since 2023, bringing 19 years of experience in the educational and clinical sectors to her leadership. Under her leadership, Sheppard achieved a 16.3 percentage point increase in reading proficiency and a 5.3 percentage point increase in math proficiency. Notably, teacher attendance reached 100% during the 2024–2025 school year, a 36.8 percentage point increase since her arrival.

Michelle secured a grant to fund the Fiesta Schoolyard, a major enhancement to the school’s physical environment.  Michelle served as founder of the district-wide Latino/e School Leaders Think Tank, which she established during her principal residency, and recently served on the School Leaders Facilities Advisory Committee to inform the district’s Facilities Master Plan.

Michelle brings a “whole-child” lens to executive leadership. Her career is defined by a nearly two-decade commitment to the School District of Philadelphia, where she has intentionally chosen to serve the same community that shaped her. Her professional foundation includes early career work as a school-based clinician providing students with intensive mental health support, followed by a decade as a school counselor across all K-12 grade bands.

Michelle grew up in North Philadelphia and is a graduate of Central High School.