Neubauer Fellows Community

Dr. Lauren Overton

Principal, Penn Alexander School
School District of Philadelphia
2018 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
K - 8th
Student Enrollment
577
School/Org Neighborhood
West Philadelphia
Education
Ed.D., Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, University of Pennsylvania
M.S.Ed., Educational Leadership, Administrative Certification, University of Pennsylvania
M.S.Ed., Instruction, Drexel University
B.A., Theatre/Communications, Temple University
"I became a principal because I believe that school leaders have the responsibility to ensure that the learning in their school is joyful and challenging for ALL students. I became a Neubauer Fellow in order to find new thought partners to push my understanding of education and best practices."

Dr. Lauren Overton has served as the principal of Penn Alexander School since 2020. Previously, Dr. Overton served at William M. Meredith School since 2016. Meredith received the 2018 National Blue Ribbon for School Excellence, a distinguished award for schools where students achieve high learning standards or make notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. During 2017-2018, Meredith saw growth in students scoring proficient/advanced on the PSSA and students attending 95% or more of the school year. In addition, the Philadelphia Inquirer recognized Meredith for the school’s unwavering support for LGBTQ students.

Dr. Overton has been an educator since 2009. Prior to becoming a principal, she served as a middle school ELA teacher and social studies teacher, intervention coordinator, and theatre director. In 2017, Dr. Overton was recognized by Billy Penn’s Who’s Next in Education: Top 14 Educators under 40 in Philadelphia. She grew up in Allentown and Royersford, Pennsylvania and Clinton, Maryland.

Fellow Listing