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Crystal is the Chief Learning Officer for Universal Charter School. Prior to this, she served as the principal of Universal Bluford Charter School since 2013. Under her leadership, Bluford met or exceeded the state growth standard in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math since 2016. Additionally, Universal Bluford Charter School was awarded a Keystone Award for Academic Excellence in 2016 and was recognized as a School District of Philadelphia Peer Leader school in 2017.
Crystal has been an educator since 1996. Prior to becoming a principal, Crystal served as a teacher, school-based teacher leader and assistant principal. Crystal was recognized for her dedication to children, schools and communities with the Enos Andrews Award in 2009. And in 2017, Crystal was given the School District of Philadelphia’s Superintendent Award for Exemplary Leadership. She has also been given the Universal Family of Schools School Improvement Award in recognition of her exemplary leadership. Crystal grew up in Philadelphia, PA and attended Olney High School.
Kelly has served as the principal of Fanny Jackson Coppin School since 2017. Under her leadership, Jackson has achieved a 14% increase in the Overall School Progress Report (SPR) score and a 14% increase in independent reading levels. Additionally, Jackson has achieved a 3.3% increase in proficient/advanced English Language Arts (ELA) Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores, a 9.8% increase in proficient/advanced Math PSSA scores and an 18% increase in proficient/advanced Science PSSA scores.
Kelly has been an educator since 2010. Prior to becoming a principal, Kelly served as a teacher and instructional coach. Kelly was also a curriculum writer supporting the opening of Executive Education Academy Charter School. Kelly grew up in Silverdale, PA.
Alexa is the founder and lead educational consultant/coach with North Star Collaborative, LLC. In this role, with a commitment to equity-based practices, she seeks to empower leaders to be the best authentic versions of themselves, to hold students at the center, and to effect positive change in their schools. She is an ACC-certified coach with the International Coaching Federation and has experience coaching leaders across the country and in Philadelphia. Additionally, she is a Fieldwork Coach and Instructor in the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.
Previously, Alexa served as the principal of Walter B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, a Career and Technical Education school in the School District of Philadelphia (2018-2022). Under her leadership, Saul achieved a 17% increase in students attending 95% or more of scheduled time, along with an 11% decrease in truancy and lateness. Students also achieved a 65% increase in proficient and a 75% increase in advanced Biology Benchmark scores. From 2021 to 2022, Saul began a dual enrollment program with West Chester University and doubled student participation in two years. Saul also became an Agriculture and Youth Organization Grant Recipient, Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Recipient, and winner of the Philadelphia Insectarium’s Eco-Sculpture Contest. From 2018-2022, Saul was awarded Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals at the PHS Flower Show for its Horticulture program’s exhibit.
Over Alexa’s four-year tenure, Walter B. Saul High School decreased suspensions for fighting by 50%, and overall suspensions went from 40 to 15. Additionally, between 2018 and 2022, Saul’s 9th Grade On Track rate rose to 79%, up 40%. Alexa attributes these dramatic changes to a focus on strategic goal-setting, socio-emotional wellbeing, advisory programming, professional learning communities, relationship building, and restorative practices.
Alexa has been an educator since 2000. Prior to becoming a principal, Alexa served as a teacher, founding faculty member of Science Leadership Academy (SLA), academic coach, professional learning specialist, and adjunct faculty at University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education’s Urban Teaching Program. Alexa grew up in Philadelphia and attended Germantown Friends School.
Katharine began as principal of Central High School in 2022. Prior to that, she served as the principal of Charles W. Henry School (2019-2022). Under her leadership at Charles W. Henry School, K-5 students meeting their minimum growth goal, as measured by aimswebPlus, increased 17.1% and students attending 95% or more days increased 8.0% in one year. Additionally, Charles W. Henry School was awarded the Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) School Award through 2022. Prior to serving at Henry, Katharine served at Warren G. Harding Middle School increasing the overall School Progress Report (SPR) score by 15%.
Katharine has been an educator since 2009. Prior to becoming a principal, she served as a co-principal, principal fellow, assistant principal, 2nd and 4th grade teacher, and City Year Corps Member. Katharine grew up in Philadelphia and attended Central High School.
Peter served as the principal of Father Judge High School from 2018 through 2022. Under his leadership, Father Judge High School benefited from grants totaling nearly $2 million. Grant partners include the Connelly Foundation, ArchEd and the PA State Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). Grants support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming.
Peter has been an educator since 1994. Prior to becoming a principal, Peter served as a teacher, assistant principal, public school principal and an assistant superintendent. Peter also served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer and is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. Peter was named the 2010 Educator of the Year by his American Legion Post and he currently serves on the Philadelphia Catholic League Board of Directors. Peter grew up all over the United States in a Marine Corps family but calls Mount Vernon, VA his hometown.
Dr. David Brown is the principal at William W. Bodine High School, a role he started in March 2025. Most recently he served as the principal of Ad Prima Charter School – Overbrook Campus from 2018 to 2025. Under his leadership, Ad Prima Charter School – Overbrook Campus achieved a 4% increase on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in English Language Arts (ELA) and a 10% increase in Science scores. Additionally, Ad Prima Charter School achieved a 6% increase in Math PSSA scores and all 8th grade students were accepted and are attending a Philadelphia magnet high school or competitive private school.
Dr. Brown has been an educator since 2007. Prior to becoming a principal, Dr. Brown served as a teacher, special education teacher, special education coordinator, director of specialized services and assistant principal. Dr. Brown was a Philadelphia Teaching Fellow and Philly PLUS Fellow. Dr. Brown grew up in Philadelphia, PA and Kuwait City, Kuwait.
April serves as principal of Thomas K. Finletter School, a role she took on in 2022. Prior to that, she served as principal-director of Talent Partner Specialty for the School District of Philadelphia where she worked with principals and talent partners to support talent acquisition and retention with the belief and foundation that principals are the Chief Talent Officer of a school. Previously, April served as the principal of Laura Wheeler Waring Elementary School since 2016. Under her leadership, Waring Elementary School’s K-5th grades achieved an 18.9% increase in the year-over-year AIMSweb Assessment reading scores and a 17% increase of students reading on grade level. Additionally, the school has been recognized for three years of positive growth on the School Progress Report (SPR) for improvements in attendance and climate.
April has been an educator since 2001. Prior to becoming a principal, April served as teacher, professional development specialist, adjunct professor and assistant principal. In 2018-2019 April was a participant in the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders’ Performance Partner program. In 2019, April was a recipient of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership. April grew up in Philadelphia, PA and attended Bodine High School for International Affairs.
In 2022, LeAndrea began in her role as Principal at John M. Patterson Elementary School. She previously served as Principal of Rudolph Blankenburg Elementary School (2017-2022). Under her leadership, Rudolph Blankenburg Elementary School Kindergarten exceeded school district early literacy targets, increased overall attendance by 10% and achieved 17% growth on the School Progress Report (SPR).
LeAndrea has been an educator since 2003. Prior to becoming a principal, LeAndrea served in a wide range of roles including as a teacher, instructional reform facilitator, school based teacher teader, Teach for America learning teams leader, extended day coordinator, educational testing service rater supervisor and assistant principal. LeAndrea is passionate about the MicroSociety school model and has been recognized by MicroSociety and Teach for America as a leader. LeAndrea grew up in Louisville, KY.
Wendy has served as the principal of Universal Creighton Charter School since 2014. Under her leadership, Universal Creighton Charter School achieved a 20% increase in Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) English Language Arts scores, a 9% increase in Math PSSA scores and was twice recognized by the School Progress Report (SPR) as a Peer Leader.
Wendy has been an educator since 2000. Prior to becoming a principal, Wendy served as a special education teacher, 8th trade teacher, and teacher coach. Wendy grew up in Philadelphia, PA and attended Philadelphia High School for Girls.
Sherri has served as the principal of John Webster School since 2015. Under her leadership, John Webster School increased their AIMSweb Assessment score by 9.2%. Students meeting minimum growth in reading increased 16.7% and students reading on grade level increased 10.6%. Additionally, the school’s School Progress Report (SPR) increased 12% overall. This includes a 5% increase in achievement, a 24% increase in progress and a 7% improvement in climate.
Sherri has been an educator since 1992. Prior to becoming a principal, Sherri served as a teacher, a school growth teacher and an assistant principal. Under Sherri’s leadership Webster has received a School District of Philadelphia Modernization Grant, a Teacher-Leader Collaborative Grant (Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders) and a Good to Great Grant. In addition, Webster is now a designated Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Education Community School. Sherri grew up Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Little Flower High School.
Leigh has served as the principal of George W. Sharswood Elementary School since 2019. Under her leadership, George W. Sharswood Elementary School decreased out of school suspensions in 6th grade by 1%, in 7th grade by 7.9% and in 8th grade by 1.2% through the creation of a climate and social emotional team to support student behaviors.
Leigh has been an educator since 1999. Prior to becoming a principal, Leigh served as a 6th grade teacher, kindergarten literacy intern, 6-8 learning & emotional support teacher, 2nd/4th/5th grade learning support teacher, school growth teacher, reading curriculum lead, special education liaison, and assistant principal. Leigh grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Shoshana has served as the principal of Global Leadership Academy Charter School West since 2016. Under her leadership, Global Leadership Academy achieved a 28% increase in their School Progress Report (SPR) overall score and a 63% increase in their progress score. Global Leadership Academy’s academic growth scores increased 40% in ELA and 70.5% in Math according to Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment (PVAAS).
During Shoshana’s tenure as principal, Global Leadership Academy has received a $10,000 MTSS grant through Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN) to improve early literacy and received a $10,000 STEM grant to strengthen science and technology courses. Shoshana has also implemented cultural immersion programs at Global Leadership Academy that have students as passport-holding citizens traveling to other countries by 7th grade.
Shoshana has been an educator since 2007. Prior to becoming a principal, Shoshana served as an assistant principal, academy leader (K-2), literacy coordinator, and 4-6th grade teacher. Shoshana was a recipient of Global Leadership Academy’s Teacher of the Year in 2007 and was nominated for the Sue Lehmann Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009. Shoshana grew up in Brooklyn, NY.
Wendy has served as the principal of Franklin S. Edmonds School since 2021. Under her leadership, Franklin S. Edmonds School increased in overall STAR Assessment data. Students scoring At/Above increased 10% in English Language Arts and increased 12% in math. Franklin S. Edmonds School has received a $500 grant from the Mount Airy Homeowners Association and was accepted to the Peer Group Connection (PGC), where middle school 7th grade students will receive year-long training to become mentors to 6th grade students.
Wendy has been an educator since 1986. Prior to becoming a principal, Wendy served as a small learning community coordinator, dean of students, PFT building representative, and assistant principal. Wendy has also served as a Title One coordinator, roster chairperson, grade chair, School Advisory Committee (SAC) Member, Century 21 Liaison, and school-based teacher leader and science fair chairperson. In 1995, Wendy was Nominated Teacher of the Year. Wendy grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Naeemah is a Regional Schools Officer with Mastery Charter Schools. Prior to this, Naeemah served as the principal of Hardy Williams High since 2017. Under her leadership, the percentage of students passing the biology Keystone Exam increased by 20%. In the 2018-2019 school year, Hardy Williams met end of course Keystone goals in literature, algebra, and biology. In 2020 and 2021, Hardy Williams earned the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young female access to Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (CSP).
Naeemah has been an educator since 2004. Prior to becoming a principal, Naeemah served as a math and technology teacher for grades K-11 and an assistant principal of math and science. Naeemah received the MACCS Award of Excellence in 2014. Naeemah grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Heather is a Regional Schools Officer for Mastery Charter Schools. Prior to this, she served as the principal of Clymer Elementary from 2018-2025. Under her leadership, Clymer’s grade 3-6 math and English Language Arts achievement growth is in the top 75th percentile of network. Clymer’s Instructional Culture Index and Learning Environment scores on the National Insight Survey are also in the top quartile of all schools.
Heather has been an educator since 2003. Prior to becoming a principal, Heather served as a middle and high school math teacher (6th, 7th, 8th, Algebra I, Algebra II, Financial Literacy), achievement coordinator for math, and assistant principal of instruction. Heather has been part of the recognition for USA Top High School in 2017 and 2018, for the EPIC award in 2011, and as a Spotlight Principal. Heather grew up in Lebanon, PA.
Nichole has served as the principal of Potter-Thomas School since 2019. Under her leadership, Potter-Thomas School’s STAR Assessment At/Above Reading scores increased 6.1%, On Watch scores increased 2.4%, Strategic Intervention scores increased 4.6%, and Intensive Intervention scores decreased 13.2%.
Nichole has been an educator since 2001. Prior to becoming a principal, Nichole served as Literacy Intern Teacher, 2nd Grade Teacher, 3rd Grade Teacher, K-6 Writing Prep Teacher, School-Based Teacher Leader (SBTL), and Assistant Principal. Nichole serves on the Acceleration Network Advisory Board. She grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Christie has served as the principal of Jay Cooke Elementary School since 2020. Under her leadership, Jay Cooke’s percentage of students scoring At/Above on the STAR Assessment has increased 5.8% in English Language Arts and 3.3% in Math. Jay Cooke has also seen an increase in the percent of students attending 90% or more days of school. Jay Cooke received the School District of Philadelphia’s Family and Community Engagement Office’s “School Spotlight” and was recognized by the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network for excellence in school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports. Jay Cooke has also received recognition as the Philadelphia Tribune’s School of the Week
Christie has been an educator since 2010. Prior to becoming a principal, Christie served as a 9th and 10th grade biology teacher, 11th grade chemistry teacher, dean of students, and assistant principal. In 2016, Christie received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers. Christie grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Brian Meadows became the principal of Legacy Traditional School – North Valley in 2025. Prior to this, he served as a deputy chief in the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Meadows also served as principal of Thurgood Marshall School, a role he took on in 2019. Under his leadership, Thurgood Marshall’s kindergarten proficiency levels increased by 21%. Thurgood Marshall was recognized as a model school in Positive Behavioral Interventions Support (PBIS).
Dr. Meadows has been an educator since 2005. Prior to becoming a principal at Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Meadows served as the principal at Boys’ Latin Middle School, where each year they earned recognition as being a “high growth” school by Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment (PVAAS). Dr. Meadows also served as a 6-12 math teacher, K-12 instructional coach, education consultant, and assistant principal. Before becoming an educator, Dr. Meadows served as a sociologist for American Red Cross of NYC. Dr. Meadows grew up in Raleigh, NC, and Atlanta, GA.
Dave is the Managing Director of the ESF Dream Camp Foundation. Prior to this, Dave served as the principal of St. James School from 2016-2025. Under his leadership, St. James School has increased MAP Reading scores by 22 points. Dave also supports the strong sense of student leadership at St. James by encouraging student participation in the 30 school affiliated enrichment programs. In 2019, St. James School received the “Zones of Peace” award from Interfaith Philadelphia.
Dave has been an educator since 1991. Prior to becoming a principal at St. James School, Dave served as principal at Pastorius Elementary—Mastery Charter from 2013-2016. Under his leadership, Pastorius Elementary was named a “turnaround” Mastery school, PSSA scores increased in ELA and Math, and Pastorius achieved a top rating from School Progress Reports. Prior to becoming a principal, Dave served as a regional director, assistant dean of students, 9th grade religion teacher, 7th grade ELA/social studies/science teacher, varsity soccer coach, and varsity baseball coach. Dave was an Effective Practice Incentive Community (EPIC) award winner for school-wide academic growth. Dave grew up in Brooklyn, NY.
Tangela serves as the principal of Guion S. Bluford Elementary School. Before that, she was the principal of Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus School fr om 2014-2023.Under her leadership, Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus had an 84% increase in the Progress category of School Progress Reports from 2015 to 2018. Academics Plus has also received state recognition for Positive Behavior Interventions and Support implementation.
Tangela has been an educator since 2000. Prior to becoming a principal, Tangela served as a 1st-grade literacy intern teacher, 5th-grade self-contained teacher, 7th and 8th grade math teacher, K-8 dean, teacher coach, and afterschool coordinator. Tangela completed the RELAY Admin Track. Tangela serves on the School District of Philadelphia Equity Coalition. Tangela grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
David has served as the principal of Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocational School since 2019. Under his leadership, Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS has seen four-year Keystone growth of 8.6% in Literature and 10.7% in Biology. Over the same four-year span, the percentage of students on-track-graduate has increased by 13% in 9th grade and 9.7% in 10th grade. Finally, serious incidents have decreased by 7.2% per 100 students, and the number of students with zero suspensions has improved by 7.8%.
David has been an educator since 2001. Prior to becoming a principal, David served as an assistant principal, English department chair, English teacher for grades 9-12, and Advanced Placement English teacher. David received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2008, as well as commendation from the Lieutenant Governor for Top Public School Teachers. In 2011, David received the Harry Gaffney Distinguished Teacher Award. David grew up in Philadelphia, PA and attended School District of Philadelphia schools.
Dr. Mary Libby is a student-centered educational leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to advancing equity and social justice in K-12 education. Currently she serves as the Deputy Chief of Diverse Learners for the School District of Philadelphia. Previously Dr. Libby was an Assistant Superintendent with the Governor Mifflin School District and served in various leadership roles within the School District of Philadelphia.
As a school principal, Dr. Libby led the Chester A. Arthur School through a transformative period, including a successful student-led initiative to rename the school Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, honoring the civil rights icon. She led the school to significant improvements in student achievement, with increases across all District Board Goal Leading Indicators in reading and math (up to 13%). Under her leadership, Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy received multiple awards, including recognition from the Office of Educational Technology, the Office of Family and Community Engagement, and WHYY. The school was also shortlisted for the prestigious T4 Education’s World’s Best School Prizes in the Supporting Healthy Lives category for its commitment to equity, academic excellence, and community engagement.
While Dr. Libby’s experience driving systems-level change extends internationally, her deep roots and commitment are in Philadelphia schools. Her commitment to fostering inclusive environments that value diversity and ensure each learner is empowered to exceed their limitless potential is informed by this diverse experience and the various roles she has served, including teacher, department and curricular lead, teacher and leadership coach, lecturer, researcher, professional learning specialist, principal, and assistant superintendent.
Originally from the Portland, ME area, Dr. Libby is dedicated to improving outcomes for Philadelphia students.
Amanda has served as the principal of Luis Muñoz Marín Elementary School since 2020. Under her leadership, Muñoz Marín’s Star Assessment scores increased in the 2021-2022 school year and the average Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) increased by 7.2% in English Language Arts and 8.8% in Math. Muñoz Marín also saw a decrease in intensive interventions.
In 2022 Muñoz Marín was recognized by former President Joe Biden for using American Relief Funds to support literacy and after-school arts programs for students. Amanda also created a school-wide diversity and equity coalition that birthed Muñoz Marín’s first annual Hispanic Heritage celebration and Black Lives Matter week.
Amanda has been an educator since 2015. Prior to becoming a principal, Amanda served as a first-grade teacher, third grade teacher, Catapult learning site supervisor, reading intervention coach for grades K-3, and assistant principal. Amanda grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Dollette Johns-Smith has served as the principal of Morton McMichael School since 2019. Under her leadership, Morton McMichael exited the Acceleration Network model as a result of a 21% increase in School Progress Report (SPR) scores. In the 2019-2020 school year, Morton McMichael was recognized for Accelerating School Improvement.
Dr. Johns-Smith has been an educator since 1997. Prior to becoming a principal, Dr. Johns-Smith served as a teacher, climate and culture coach, observation and feedback coach, assistant principal, and principal fellow. Dr. Johns-Smith grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
Rodney has served as the principal of John Moffet School since 2019. Under his leadership, John Moffet’s K-5 Math Aimsweb Data increased 8%. In addition to seeing growth in overall school data, there has been a 19% increase in math for English Language Learner students at Moffet. In 2020, John Moffet received recognition as a National Elementary Honor Society School.
Rodney has been an educator since 2007. Prior to becoming a principal, Rodney served as a pre-kindergarten teacher, kindergarten teacher, 1st grade teacher, 3rd grade teacher, academic literacy coach, director of early literacy, and professional learning specialist. Rodney grew up in West Palm Beach, FL.
