Neubauer Fellows Celebrate Outstanding 24-25 Academic Growth
The Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders joyfully welcomed Neubauer Fellows, system leaders, and partners on March 5, 2026, for a heartfelt celebration of academic excellence at the Achievement Lunch. Hosted at Positano Coast, the gathering honored the extraordinary dedication, resilience, and instructional leadership that propelled meaningful gains for students across Philadelphia. The room buzzed with pride, gratitude, and renewed inspiration as Fellows reflected on their journeys and the collective impact of their work.
This year, 12 Neubauer Fellow‑led schools achieved five‑percentage‑point or greater increases in PSSA and Keystone proficiency from 2023–24 to 2024–25. These results are a testament to the Fellows’ deep commitment to leading with both excellence and heart, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
The luncheon featured a rich best‑practice exchange, during which Fellows shared insights on building cultures of celebration, strengthening teacher development, fostering innovation in assessment preparation, and leading with clarity, compassion, and courage. Themes such as data‑driven decision-making, authentic teacher voice, strong family engagement, and relentless focus on student work emerged as common drivers of success. Many leaders spoke to the importance of being visible, listening deeply, and nurturing staff well‑being—reminders that great schools are built through intentional relationship‑centered leadership.
Across stories, strategies, and reflections, one message resonated:
When leaders are supported, inspired, and equipped, school communities flourish.
Honored Fellows for 2024–25 Academic Achievement:
LeAndrea Baltimore-Hagan, Joseph M. Patterson School – 2020 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 6
Joanne Beaver, Girard Academic Music Program — 2019 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 5
Stacey Burnley, Edwin M. Stanton School — 2017 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 3
Dr. Nimet Eren, Kensington Health Sciences Academy — 2022 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 7
Kimberly Ellerbee, Samuel Powel School — 2015 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 1
Dr. Darryl Johnson, Carver Engineering & Science — 2024 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 8
Rodney Johnson, John Moffet School — 2023 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 7
Michael Lowe, Cook‑Wissahickon School — 2017 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 3
Andrew Lukov, Southwark School — 2020 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 6
Margaux Munnelly, Mastery Charter School at Pickett — 2019 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 5
Lisa Wilmer, Joseph W. Catharine School — 2017 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 3
Christopher Ziemba, Mastery Charter School at Lenfest — 2020 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 6
The following photos feature Fellows who were able to attend the event.
As the afternoon closed, the energy in the room remained high—filled with celebration, gratitude, emotion and shared purpose. These leaders’ achievements are not only a reflection of their schools’ hard work, but also an inspiring reminder of what is possible when visionary leadership and community partnership come together.
To our Fellows: many congratulations and thank you! Your leadership brings hope, momentum, and possibility to thousands of Philadelphia students. We are proud to celebrate you—and even prouder to walk alongside you in this work.
