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Dr. Cheung has served as the principal of Francis Scott Key School since 2016. Under her leadership, Key exhibited substantial double-digit improvements in the 2022-2023 Pennsylvania State Standardized Assessment (PSSA) results, achieving a noteworthy increase of +10.7% in English Language Arts (ELA) and +10.85% in Math. Additionally, Cheung recorded a commendable year-over-year growth of 6.9% in 4th-grade Science PSSA data. This adds to a long history of growth, Key having increased its School Progress Report (SPR) Overall scores from 31% in 2016-17 (Watch category) to 61% in 2017-18 (Reinforce category). In 2018-19, the SPR Overall score increased again to 64% and the Progress category also increased, moving from 16% (Intervene) up two categories to 75% (Model). For the 2019-20 school year, Key increased progress by another 8% for a score of 83%. The 2019-20 Climate category score was 91% and has been consistently in the Model category. Additionally, Kindergarten-2nd grade students who are reading on grade level increased by 7% moving from 32% to 39%. In 2018 Key achieved a 21.4% decrease in students scoring Below Basic and a 22.4% increase in students scoring Proficient or Advanced on the 6th grade English Language Arts Pennsylvania System of State Assessment (PSSA). For For the 2017-2018 school year Key received a Certificate of Excellence for Highest School Progress Report Score and Growth in Learning Network 12 from the School District of Philadelphia. Under Dr. Cheung’s leadership, Key implemented a breakfast program in the 2017-2018 school year that resulted in increased attendance and breakfast participation. Key has also received the Lang Lang Key of Inspiration Grant that resulted in a Piano Lab for Key students.
Dr. Cheung is a 2021 Lindback Award for Distinguished Leadership Honoree. Recently, Key served as a host school for a site visit for the 2023 National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference, highlighting the school’s work on student and family wellness, bridging classroom and community, family engagement, and outdoor environment.
Dr. Cheung has been an educator since 2002. Prior to becoming a principal, Dr. Cheung served as Multilingual Manager for the Office of Multilingual Curriculum and Programs (School District of Philadelphia), ESOL teacher for grades K-6, itinerant ESOL teacher for grades K-12, 6th grade teacher, English language learner school growth specialist, and English teacher for primary grades (K-6) in Hong Kong, China. Dr. Cheung grew up in Philadelphia and attended George Washington High School
Aliya has served as the principal of Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School since 2018. Under her leadership, Bethune’s Kindergarten through 2nd grade students increased the number of students reading on grade level by 12%. To support her mission of giving students access and agency, Aliya has formed partnerships and fortified others. Under her leadership Bethune has become a pilot school for the Middle School Career and Technical Education programming in Urban Agriculture and Health Related Services. Bethune is a Blended Learning, Trauma Informed (in partnership with Temple University), Community focused (with Lenfest/North10) school. Bethune has also received the Eastern Region Usher’s Association Reading Award.
Aliya has been an educator since 1999. Prior to becoming a principal, Aliya served as an assistant principal, an adjunct professor, middle school teacher, content specialist and Gear Up Instructional Support Officer and Literacy Specialist, and curriculum writer for the School District of Philadelphia. Aliya received the Distinguished Administrator’s Award from Read to Succeed, Inc and received the Administrator of Year Award in 2018 from Community and Schools (South Philadelphia High School). She currently serves as a Board Member for the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, CUA 1 & 7.
Aliya grew up in Philadelphia and attended William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs.
Jason has served as the principal of Cayuga Elementary School since 2014. Under his leadership, Cayuga was the first school to successfully exit the “Turnaround” network after the 2015-2016 school year and was recognized by the Pennsylvania Positive Behavioral Support (PAPBS) Implementers Forum for sustained implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports at Universal (Tier 1) with fidelity after the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years.
Jason has been an educator since 2004. Prior to becoming a principal, Jason served as a high school mathematics teacher, ninth grade academy team leader and roster chair. Jason is a 2012 recipient of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching, and the 2016 EDDY AWARD Star Commitment to Education given by The Philadelphia Education Fund. Jason grew up in Philadelphia and attended Carver High School of Engineering and Science.
Dr. Robert Berretta is the interim Chief Financial Officer for Somerville Public Schools, a role he began in spring 2025. After 18 years as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Berretta returned full-time to the classroom–as a student! He earned his Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Prior to pursuing his doctorate, Dr. Berretta served as the principal of William H. Ziegler Elementary (2016-2022). In collaboration with his amazing staff, Ziegler achieved some of the highest benchmark growth in the district (top 20 in reading and math) in 2018. Additionally, since 2018, Ziegler has achieved Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment Scores (PVAAS) in the top quartile in the state and district. From 2016-17 to 2018-19 the Ziegler School Progress Report (SPR) score improved from 14% to 51%, moving the school from Intervene to Reinforce. Under Dr. Berretta’s leadership, Ziegler received a $50,000 Good to Great Grant to improve the K-3 literacy program, a Blended Learning grant, a WHYY Media Lab grant, a Climate Transition Award, and the Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports grant. Despite all these accomplishments, Dr. Berretta still believes Ziegler has a lot of work to do to become the Blue Ribbon school its students and families deserve.
An educator since 2004, Dr. Berretta served as a 2nd- and 5th-grade bilingual teacher, a 6th- and 7th-grade English/Language Arts teacher, and a literacy director, and in 2019, he started serving on the Principal Advisory Board. Dr. Berretta grew up in Philadelphia and attended Hatboro-Horsham High School.
Joanne serves as the principal of Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP). Previously, she was the principal at Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) from 2015 – 2023. Under her leadership, CAPA decreased serious incidents and drastically reduced out of school suspensions. As a result, CAPA received the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Award for improving student achievement.
Joanne began her career as an educator since 1988. Prior to becoming a principal, Joanne served as school-based teacher-leader, and principal resident in the Academy of Leadership for Philadelphia Schools (ALPS). Joanne is a recipient of the Rose Lindenbaum Excellence in School Improvement Award, the Lindback Award for excellence in education, and the Commonwealth Association of School Administrators Beyond the Call of Duty Award. Joanne was inducted into the Northeast High School Hall of Fame. Joanne grew up in Philadelphia and attended Northeast High School.
Latanya leads the Neubauer Fellowship and Senior Fellow (alumni) programming at the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders. Latanya previously served as the principal of Mastery Charter Harrity Elementary School. Under her leadership, Harrity’s kindergarten through second grade reading proficiency increased by 18%. Harrity was also recognized by the School District of Philadelphia for two tiers of growth on the School Progress Report (SPR). In 2018-19 all student groups exceeded the standard demonstrating growth for English Language Arts (ELA) & Math as measured by the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS), and in the 2021-2022 school year, Elevate215 named Harrity a Top 36 K-8 school.
Latanya has over 17 years of experience as an educator and leader whose purpose is to ensure that all students have access to excellent schools and equitable opportunities to pursue their dreams. She believes whole-heartedly in developing the whole child and is deeply invested in social emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and initiatives that affirm, empower, and promote the identity of all students.
Latanya grew up in South Jersey and has a passion for traveling all over the world.
Christopher Ziemba serves at the Regional Schools Officer at Mastery Charter Schools serving schools in the Southeast Region. For the last nine years, Chris had the privilege of serving as the Principal at Mastery Charter Lenfest Campus. He led double-digit gains in all state testing areas (PSSA and Keystone) and student attendance rates post-pandemic, and achieved the highest post-graduation direct enrollment rate in the Mastery network (81%).
Christopher has been an educator since 2003. Prior to becoming a principal, Christopher served as a teacher, a special education teacher, a special education case manager and an assistant principal. Christopher has also served as a mentor school leader at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Christopher grew up in Tipp City, OH.
In her role as Partnership and Implementation Manager at Children’s Literacy Initiative, Nicole works with 13 Philadelphia schools and 3 suburban schools to drive an instructional vision that aligns early literacy instruction and practice with culturally and linguistically relevant pedagogy, identity affirmation, and antiracist literacy instruction.
Prior to this role, Nicole served as the principal of New Foundations Charter School (2020-2022) and, prior to that, at St. Thomas Aquinas School, which achieved 65% of students at or above the 50th percentile on the Terra Nova test in math and 75% of students in reading. Additionally, in 2020, St. Thomas Aquinas moved 2 points up to a score of 6 (out of 10) on the Great Philly Schools overall rating reflecting growth in academics, attendance and school climate
Nicole has been an educator since 2002. Prior to becoming a principal, Nicole served as a teacher and assistant principal. Nicole is a Leading Systems Fellow and a member of the INITIATIVE network, a group of African American educators dedicated to support and leadership in urban schools.
Dr. Tom Szczesny served as the principal of James Dobson Elementary School in the School District of Philadelphia from 2018 – 2021. In July of 2021, he accepted the role of Principal at Powderhorn Elementary School in Jefferson County, CO. In 2022, Powderhorn earned the Governor’s Distinguished Award from the state of CO for its academic growth scores. During the 2023-24 school year, he led Powderhorn as it successfully welcomed and integrated over 100 students and their families, an expanded staff, and multiple regional programs from a neighboring school closed through Jeffco’s school consolidation process. The experience reinforced the importance of connection and belonging as central to his leadership practice.
Dr. Szczesny has been an educator since 2009. Prior to becoming a principal, Dr. Szczesny served as a teacher, teacher mentor, teaching assistant and graduate research assistant, contextual learning coordinator and assistant principal. Well-being and mental fitness are pillars of the professional and personal life that he enjoys with his wife and two daughters in Colorado. Dr. Szczesny grew up in Bloomfield, MI.
Angikindslows began serving as the principal of Edward T. Steel Elementary School in 2019. Prior to that, Angikindslows was the Assistant Principal at Hon. Luis Muñoz Marín Elementary School where he demonstrated consistent progress in the areas of academic achievement, climate and attendance as reflected by an Overall School Progress Report (SPR) of 51%.
Angikindslows has been an educator since 2005. Prior to becoming a principal, Angikindslows served as a teacher, a special education teacher, director of climate and restorative practices and a high school headmaster. Angikindslows has been recognized by the School District of Philadelphia for Accelerated School Improvement since 2017. Angikindslows grew up in Uniondale, NY.
Crystle formerly served as the principal of Thomas Holme Elementary School from 2011-2023. Under her leadership, Holme saw an increase of 3.6% on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) English Language Arts (ELA) scores and an increase of 3.4% on Math scores. Scores for 4th grade ELA students increased 21.4% and Science scores increased 22.8%. Additionally, the Overall School Progress Report (SPR) increased 14%.
Crystle has been an educator since 1994. Prior to becoming a principal, Crystle served as a teacher coach, special education liaison and dean of students. Crystle was recognized in 2017 as a Lindback Distinguished Principal. Crystle grew up in West Philadelphia, PA and attended West Philadelphia High School.
Heather has served as the principal of William H. Hunter Elementary School since 2017. Under her leadership, Hunter achieved a 37.6% increase in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students scoring in Tier 1 on the AIMSweb Assessments. Hunter K-5 students also experienced an increase of 18.9% in students that met their reading growth goals (from 55.6% to 74.5%), and an 27 point increase from 18% to 45% on the Overall School Progress Report (SPR) score. Additionally, after implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and restorative practices suspensions decreased by 10%. In 2020, 98% of students had zero suspensions.
Heather has been an educator since 2005. Prior to becoming a principal, Heather served as a teacher and School Based Teacher Leader. Heather sits on the School District of Philadelphia’s Opioid Task Force. Heather grew up in Lancaster, PA.
Charlotte has served as the principal of Lewis Elkin Elementary School since 2017. Under her leadership, Lewis Elkin Elementary School achieved an 18% increase of K-1st grade students on target on the AIMSweb Assessment, a 52% increase on standardized assessments on the 2018 School Progress Report (SPR) and a 10% increase in the number of students attending school 95% or better of scheduled time.
Charlotte has been an educator since 2000. Prior to becoming a principal, Charlotte served in social work, transitioning into education as a literacy intern, then as a teacher, and a dean. Charlotte sits on the School District of Philadelphia’s Opioid Task Force. Charlotte grew up in the Bronx, NY.
Andrew has served as the principal of Southwark School since 2013. Under his leadership, Southwark School achieved an increase of 16.5% in the percentage of students at Proficient/Advanced levels on the English Language Arts (ELA) Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and a 12.2% increase in Math PSSA. Southwark School achieved three consecutive years of improvement on the Overall School Progress Report (SPR) and was designated as a Model School for Climate in 2017 and in 2018.
Andrew has been an educator since 1999. Prior to becoming a principal, Andrew served as an English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher, ESOL manager and high school assistant principal. Andrew graduated, with distinction as a Principal Fellow, from RELAY’s National Principals Academy Fellowship and in 2017, Andrew received the Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership. In 2019-2020, Andrew was a participant in the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders Aspiring Assistant Superintendent Academy. Andrew grew up in Philadelphia, PA.
As Director of Teacher Effectiveness (DTE) for Mastery Charter Schools, Meaghann works closely with school leadership teams and the NST Academic & Talent Teams to drive network strategy for teacher effectiveness. With a data-driven approach, Meaghann spearheads the development of instructional leaders and aspiring leaders on technical competencies that drive teacher development and student outcomes such as observational feedback and evaluation.
Prior to her role as Director of Teacher Effectiveness, Meaghann served as the principal of Mastery Shoemaker Campus (2019-2022). Under her leadership, all Mastery Shoemaker 7th and 8th grade students exceeded expectations by achieving a 4 or 5 in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, and environmental science on the Mastery Value-Added System (MVAS). Prior to transitioning to Shoemaker, Meaghann served as principal of Mastery East Camden Middle School. During her tenure, she secured grant funding from the State of New Jersey to start a makerspace and built partnerships with numerous community organizations, including The Policing Project and Delaware River Port Authority.
Meaghann has been an educator since 2010. Prior to becoming a principal, she served as a teacher and an assistant principal of instruction. Meaghann grew up in Baltimore, Maryland.
William has served as the principal of John Marshall Elementary School since 2017. Under his leadership, John Marshall Elementary School achieved a 15% increase in the Overall School Progress Report (SPR) score, a 10% increase in the number of students attending 95% or more of scheduled time, a 20% improvement in overall attendance and a 18.9% increase of students reading on grade level.
William has been an educator since 2002. Prior to becoming a principal, William served as a climate and culture committee chair, Success For All Literacy Lead, and assistant principal. William grew up in West Philadelphia and attended the Parkway Program.
Christine currently serves as the Director of Coaching and Development with Belmont Charter Network. Prior to this, she served as the principal of Belmont Charter Middle School from 2018 to 2022. Under her leadership, Belmont Charter Middle School had annual gains in ELA and Math as measured by the 2018-19 Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA). 7th and 8th graders from Belmont Middle met/exceeded their growth goals in Math and English/Language Arts according to PVAAS (in 2018 and over a 3-year period). Belmont Charter School (K-12) earned an SPR Score of 43 which ranks them #5 in their peer group (serving the highest percentage of students living in poverty). In spring 2022, Belmont Charter School was identified as one of the top 36 Philadelphia public and public charter schools (K-8) “Beating the Odds” in academic growth while serving low-income, Black and brown student communities, according to a longitudinal study on student outcomes commissioned by Philadelphia School Partnership (PSP).
Christine has been an educator since 2005. Prior to becoming a principal in Philadelphia, Christine served as a teacher and assistant principal in New York City. Christine grew up in Wynnewood, PA.
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.
