Shanta Smith appointed Associate Professor of Clinical Education at USC Rossier School of Education
Shanta Smith will be faculty in the Master of Arts in Teaching Program at USC Rossier. Prior to her appointment at USC Rossier, she served as a public school educator for over 21 years and a school administrator since 2010.
Stacy Bobo named Upper School Division Head at Fieldston School
Stacy Bobo joined the Ethical Culture Fieldston School community in July as Fieldston Upper Principal. Prior to joining ECFS, Stacey served as the Executive Director of the Hawaii Technology academy in Waipahu, Hawaii.
Khalid Mumin named Pennsylvania Secretary of Education
Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro named Khalid Mumin as the state’s Secretary of Education. Mumin will leave his role as superintendent of the Lower Merion School district as he heads to Harrisburg. He said to the Lower Merion Community, “ I will take the experiences I have gained here with me to Harrisburg with the hope of inspiring all children, scholars and academicians to infinite possibilities of success.”
Read More Mid-Career News
Carol Kelley named Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools
Kelley has been selected to lead Princeton Public Schools. She will be the second African American named to the top post in the district.
Brendan McGrail joins Portsmouth Abbey School
Following a national search, McGrail becomes the school’s first Director of Enrollment Management.
Tony Alleyne is a Black Voice for Black Justice awardee
Alleyne is the founder and executive director of the Delaware College Scholars program, a black-created nonprofit focused on ensuring that first-generation public high school students are prepared for and can succeed in competitive four-year colleges.
Raymond Yu selected as Head of School at Bertschi School
The trustees of Bertschi School announced the appointment of Raymond Yu, Ed.D., as their next head of school, effective July 1, 2022.
Mid-Career students, alumni present at NAIS Annual Conference
The Mid-Career Doctoral Program was well represented at the NAIS Annual conference: Melinda Bihn co-presented on “Soft Landings and Successful Launches: Effective Leadership Transitions in Turbulent Times;” Kate Windsor co-presented “Taking Steps to be an Anti-Racist Institution;” and Steve Brown, Marta Filip-Fouser, Carla Haith, Sara Johnson, Nima Rouhanifard, Clare Sisisky, and David Weiner presented “Making Sense of Meaningful Disruption-Driven Change: A New Framework for Independent School Leaders.”
Josephine Diemond New Head of Winston School in Short Hills, NJ
Prior to joining The Winston School in 2021, Dr. Diemond was the Head of the Upper School at McLean School for 15 years.
Cristina Meléndez named to NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ education transition team
Cristina Meléndez is among the leads to join NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ education transition team. A bilingual educational leader, she brings extensive experience in delivering transformational solutions to the local and district levels. Meléndez will advise the mayor on education
Delvin M. Dinkins appointed Head of School for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Delvin M. Dinkins has been named Head of School for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, effective July 2022. A Mid-Career alum, he received unanimous endorsement from the Academy’s Board of Trustees for his appointment.
John W. Spencer to join Lincoln University as Adjunct Instructor
John W. Spencer has been appointed Adjunct Instructor at Lincoln University’s Master of Education degree program in Educational Leadership/Principal Certification Program. In his new role, Dr. Spencer will prepare K-12 school administrators and instructional leaders to effect positive change throughout their school communities based on research, assessment, and best practices.
Gary W. Abbamont develops PDE course for all newly hired principals
Gary W. Abbamont, facilitator for the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Program, develops a new course in instructional leadership for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Abington Heights School District appoints Christopher L. Shaffer as Superintendent
“Dr. Shaffer stood out from the group with his exceptional vision, relationship building skills, experience, energy, and leadership abilities…” stated board president Louise Brzuchalski.
William Thomas IV, accepts position as professional lecturer at American University School of Education.
Thomas will teach Antiracism, Equity, and Inclusion in Education, a course in the Ed.D. program in education policy and leadership.
Christine Mahady named Co-Director of Education Leadership
Mid-Career alum Christine Mahady has been named Co-Director of Education Leadership at Loyola University Maryland.
Khalid Mumin selected as the Lower Merion School District Superintendent
The Lower Merion School District selected Khalid Mumin, the 2021 Pennsylvania superintendent of the year, as its next superintendent. A Mid-Career alum, Dr. Mumin comes to Lower Merion from the Reading School District where he has served as Superintendent of Schools since 2014.
Denny Barr named founding director
Denny Barr was recently named the founding director of the Arlington and Arlene Seymour Center for Rural Education Advocacy, Policy, and Research, established at Western Illinois University. The new center is the first in the state of Illinois and one of only a few in the United States.
Wagner Marseille appointed Superintendent
Wagner Marseille has been appointed the Superintendent of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. The School Board Directors believe that Dr. Marseille’s strong skills, vision, energy, and wide breadth of experience are an excellent match for Wallingford-Swarthmore’s current goals and for the future success of the district.
Christina Grant appointed next State Superintendent of Education
Christina Grant has been appointed the next State Superintendent of Education in Washington, DC. In her new role, Dr. Grant will lead the office in charge of administering grants as well as overseeing standards, assessments, and accountability for D.C.’s elementary and secondary schools.
Marc Gosselin appointed Superintendent
Marc Gosselin has been appointed the Superintendent of the Lenox Public School District in Massachusetts. On Dr. Gosselin’s appointment, one committee member commented, “He’s very savvy and resourceful, with depth of thought, an active seeker of information on how we can grow and change. That’s a great quality for a superintendent.”
Tennant joins board of Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders
Noah Tennant has been named to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders. Dr. Tennant currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia.
Matthew Suzuki named to new position with NYSAIS
Matthew Suzuki has been named the Associate Director for Professional Learning and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives for the New York State Association of Independent Schools. The association represents, supports, and accredits 200 schools enrolling approximately 80,000 students.
Gene Batiste to serve as Assistant Head
Gene Batiste has been appointed the Assistant Head of School for Engagement at the Dwight-Englewood School, in Englewood, New Jersey.
Hannah Bahn to join Evergreen School
Mid-career’s Hannah Bahn has been named the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Evergreen School. She previously served on the Social Sciences faculty and as the Director of Studies at Thaden School in Benton, Arkansas.
Ryan Kimmet named Head of School at Elmwood Franklin School
Ryan Kimmet was named Head of School at Elmwood Franklin School, and will begin his tenure July 1, 2021. Kimmet brings nearly 20 years of independent school experience as a teacher, division head, assistant director of admissions, and associate Head of School.
Jean-Marc Juhel elected President of NYSAIS Board of Trustees
Mid-Career alum Jean-Marc Juhel, Head of Buckley Country Day School, has been elected President of the Board of Trustees of the New York State Association of Independent Schools. NYSAIS represents, supports, and accredits 200 schools enrolling approximately 80,000 students.
Khalid Mumin selected as 2021 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year
Mid-Career alum Khalid Mumin is selected the 2021 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA).
John Tupponce is appointed the next Chief Operating Officer of City Year
City Year announced that Dr. John Tupponce will serve as the organization’s new chief operating officer. In this role, Dr. Tupponce will be a key leader in the implementation of systems, processes, and organizational design, and will work to align impact, fundraising, and district engagement operations with City Year’s vision and goals for the future.
Oxbridge Academy appoints Courtney Portlock as Assistant Head of School
Courtney Portlock is the new Assistant Head of School at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, FL. Mrs. Portlock assumed her role July 1, 2020 and brings more than 10 years of administrative experience in independent schools.
Courtney Portlock featured in the Palm Beach Illustrated
Courtney Portlock, Assistant Head of School at Oxbridge Academy, was featured in an interview in Palm Beach Illustrated, where she discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of understanding your own identity.
Cannon School names Regina Nixon next Head of Lower School
Cannon School named Regina Nixon the next Head of the Lower School effective July 1, 2020. Nixon is an experienced teacher and independent school administrator, with 13 years of experience working in a broad range of positions. Head of School, Christopher Jones, said, “Regina distinguished herself in the search not only for her leadership and independent school background, but also for her inviting personality, wide and rich expertise, and clear commitment to excellent educational experiences for children.”
Dr. John Barnhardt selected as the fourth President and CEO in Bishop McNamara High School
John Barnhardt, a May 2020 graduate of the Mid-Career program has been selected as the 4th president of Bishop McNamara High School effective June 1, 2020. Barnhardt’s leadership has been motivated by the relationships he has with students, parents, alumni, and faculty and staff communities.
Thu-Nga Morris named Lower School Director at Pingry School
Thu-Nga Morris, a May 2020 graduate of the program, was named Lower School Director at Pingry School in Short Hills and Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Head of School Matt Levinson remarked, "Thu-Nga has a proven track record of outstanding academic leadership, community building with a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, and tireless dedication to faculty growth and development.
Phil McAdoo appointed Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Earthjustice
Phil joins Earthjustice, a premier nonprofit public environmental law organization, where he will continue to share his perspective on equity and inclusion as developed in his book Independent Queers.
Jennifer Stimpson selected as an Albert Einstein Fellow by U.S. Department of Energy
Jennifer Stimpson is one of fifteen K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers from across the United States to be named a 2020-2021 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. The fellows will spend 11 months serving in a federal agency or in U.S. Congressional offices in Washington, D.C., engaged in the national STEM education arena.
Nina Gilbert to head Morehouse College Center for Excellence in Education
Dr. Nina Gilbert has been appointed to lead Morehouse College’s new Center for Excellence in Education. A Mid-Career alum, Dr. Gilbert brings her experience in advocacy and innovation to the new role, having served as the Senior Advisor on Education Reform for the Morehouse Research Institute and as adjunct professor at Morehouse College.
Taryn Johnson appointed as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Mid-Career alum Taryn Johnson has been appointed as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Sewanhaka Central High School District in Long Island, NY. Dr. Johnson previously served as principal of Merrick Avenue Middle School and assistant principal of Oyster Bay High School.
Jennifer Stimpson selected as AAAS IF/THEN® ambassador in STEM education
Mid-Career student Jennifer Stimpson was selected as one of 125 STEM innovators by the American Association for Advancement in Science to serve as a high-profile role model for girls. As an AAAS IF/THEN® ambassador, Ms. Stimpson is considered to be a top influencer in the field of STEM and will help to advance education and opportunities for girls in STEM.
Mid-Career Alum presented at the College Board - A Dream Deferred Conference in Los Angeles, CA
Monday, August 5, 2019
Mid-Career alum Marion Wilson was selected to present in the Administration, Advocacy and Policy, Instruction and Assessment track. Her workshop was titled Wise and Critical Feedback as a Stimulus for Achieving the College Dream. Her work was titled, Wise and Critical Feedback as a Stimulus for Achieving the College Dream. Workshop participants engaged in a critical analysis of key college and career readiness standards. Participants left with a toolkit of strategies to support positive academic behaviors that will impaction the instructional outcomes for African American students.
Mid-Career alum promoted to Deputy Superintendent in NYC
Monday, August 5, 2019
Marion Wilson is promoted to the Deputy Superintendent in Staten Island, District 31. Dr. Wilson’s 20 year career in education has been in both public and charter school systems in New York and New Jersey.
Dr. Wilson brings an extensive knowledge and expertise in curricula, pedagogical, and assessment designs, conducting PPOs, school reform practice, turnaround leadership, data analysis, and adult learning theories.
Congratulations to Dr. Wilson as she continues to serve and support school leaders, teachers parents and students in the Staten Island community.
Mid-Career Alum presents at Power School EDGE Conference
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Mid-Career alumni Stephen Bournés presented at the Power School EDGE Conference “Bringing Together the Brightest Minds in K-12 Education,” February 25–27, 2019, in Orlando, Florida. His presentation was entitled “Repurposing Central Office to Support School Turnaround,” and he also served on the conference’s Transformational Leadership panel.
Mid-Career Alumni Bihn, Brown, and Batiste present at the 2019 NAIS Annual Conference
Friday, March 8, 2019
The conference, "Reimagining Independent Schools; Tearing Down Wall, Building Capacity, and Designing our Future," was held February 27-March 1, 2019 in Long Beach, California.
Mid-Career Alumni present at AASA National Conference on Education
Friday, March 8, 2019
The conference, “Effective Leadership Creates Success," was held February 14-16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Mid-Career alumni Carol Kelley, Randy Ziegenfuss, and Bolgen Vargas were selected to present in the Focus Zone-Administration and Leadership with Repositioning Educational Leadership: Inquiry-Based Approaches to District Leadership.
Mid-Career Alum named Superintendent of Jackson, MS Public Schools
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
The Jackson, MS School Board recently named Mid-Career alum Errick Greene as their next Superintendent. WAPT News Jackson reported: “Dr. Greene comes to Jackson Public School District with a wealth of experience providing leadership on some of the most challenging urban education reform assignments in the United States over the last decade” said Dr. Jeanne M. Hairston, President of the Jackson Public School Board of Trustees.
Mid-Career Alum presents at the National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE)
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Mid-Career alum Stephen Bournes presented his research at the 2018 National NABSE Conference in Baltimore, MD. Mr. Bournes’s topic was Transforming the Underperforming: Principal Perceptions of Support in Turnaround Schools.
Mid-Career Faculty & Alums Share Ideas in New Book
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Repositioning Educational Leadership encourages today’s educational leaders to reposition the way they think about leadership and its challenges. Experienced school and district leaders reveal how they conceptualize their roles; how they learn by posing and solving problems of practice; and how they cope with increasing expectations and complexity in their work.
Mid-Career Alum receives NDEO’s Outstanding Leadership Award
Friday, October 5, 2018
Dale Schmid will be honored at the 2018 National Dance Education Organization National Conference in San Diego, CAThis award is presented to individuals who have made vital contributions to the dance education field.
Storbeck/Pimentel selects Mid-Career Alum as Partner
Monday, September 24, 2018
Mid-Career Alum Sherry Coleman was selected as a partner for Storbeck/Pimentel.
Dr. Coleman will expand the independent focus at Storbeck/Pimentel.
Mid-Career Director Michael Johanek on Edcamps for School Leaders
Monday, June 11, 2018
Mid-Career Director Michael Johanek spoke with The New York Times about Edcamps, a form of teacher professional development that is run by the teachers themselves, in contrast to mandatory packaged professional development delivered by outside experts.
Mid-Career alum Dennis O’Hara receives AASA’s prestigious Dr. Effie Jones Humanitarian Award
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Mid-Career alum Dennis O’Hara was awarded the prestigious Dr. Effie Jones Humanitarian Award at the AASA’s National Conference on Education, Feb 15-17 in Nashville, TN. O’Hara is the superintendent of Hauppage Public Schools in Hauppauge, NY.
Mid-Career alum Brandon Wiley presents at ASCD Empower 18 Conference in Boston, MA
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Mid-career alum Brandon Wiley presented two workshops at ASCD Empower 18: The Conference for Every Educator, held March 24-26 in Boston, MA.
Mid-Career alumni present at annual NAIS Conference in Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Mid-Career alums Gene Batiste, Raymond Yu, Ira Brown, and T. J. Locke presented at the annual conference of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), March 7-9 in Atlanta, GA.
Mid-Career alum Sam Fragomeni appointed Head of School
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Mid-Career alum Sam Fragomeni was appointed Head of School of Annunciation Orthodox School in Houston, TX. He brings experience as chief academic officer of Explore Schools in Brooklyn, NY.
Several Mid-Career students to present at 2018 NAIS Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Several Mid-Career students will present at the upcoming annual conference of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), March 7-9 in Atlanta, GA. The theme of this year’s conference is The Leadership Journey: Guides, Pathways, and Possibilities.
Two Mid-Career alumni present at AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville, TN
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Khalid Mumim, Superintendent of Reading School District (Reading, PA) and Carol Kelley, Superintendent of Oak Park Elementary District 97 (Oak Park, IL), both presented at the AASA’s National Conference on Education, held February 15-17 in Nashville. The theme of this year’s conference was Education in the Digital Age.
Mid-Career alum Cheryl Logan appointed Superintendent of Omaha Public Schools
Monday, February 5, 2018
By unanimous vote Omaha Public Schools’ Board of Education selected Dr. Cheryl Logan to lead the district.
Mid-Career doctoral student leads the comeback of Philadelphia's LINC High School
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Bridget Bujak, a third year Mid-Career doctoral student and principal at LINC High School in Philadelphia, is featured in the December 12 issue of the Notebook in an article entitled "Making a Comeback."
Mid-Career Alumni present at UCEA 2017 Annual Convention
Friday, December 8, 2017
Several Mid-Career alumni presented at the 2017 University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Annual Convention, held November 15-19 in Denver, Colorado.
New Appointments for Mid-Career Alums
Friday, December 8, 2017
Congratulations to Mid-Career alums Caryn Cooper, Theo Cramer, Brenda Champion, and Kimberly Field-Marvin on their recent appointments to leadership positions.
Mid-Career alum Tony Alleyne named 2017 “40 Under 40” by Delaware Business Times
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Recent graduate Dr. Tony Alleyne has been honored by the Delaware Business Times. The “40 Under 40“ list recognizes “the region’s best and brightest young professionals…who are making a difference with their intelligence, initiative, and innovations.”
Mid-Career Alum Cristina Alvarez is appointed Executive Director of Norris Square Community Alliance
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Mid-Career Alum Noni Thomas Lopez appointed Head of School at Gordon School in Rhode Island
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Mid-Career alum Ann DeRosa, principal of Whitehouse Elementary, celebrates her school’s national character award
Monday, July 3, 2017
Principal Ann DeRosa is proud of her students and staff at Whitehouse School in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Whitehouse School has officially been designated as a National School of Character by the nonprofit organization Character.org.
Mid-Career Alum Patricia Willis named Interim Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools
Monday, July 3, 2017
This May, Mid-Career alumna Patricia Willis was unanimously voted in as Interim Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools in Florida, becoming the first Black woman to lead the district. Willis had previously served as a deputy superintendent in the district.
Kim and Alvarez speak at the 2017 National Charter Schools Conference
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Two Mid-Career alums spoke at the National Charter Schools Conference, June 9-11 in Washington, D.C.
Mid-Career alum Barbara Russell appointed as superintendent of Perkiomen Valley School District
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Congratulations to Mid-Career alum Barbara Russell. Dr. Russell has been appointed superintendent of the Perkiomen Valley School District in Montgomery County, PA, where she has served as assistant superintendent since 2011. Her new position will begin July 1.
Ziegenfuss, Austin, and Kelley present at 2017 National Conference on Education
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Three Mid-Career alums spoke at the National Conference on Education, presented by the AASA March 2-4 in New Orleans. Leah Austin, vice-president and director of the Racial Equity Leadership Network, Southern Education Foundation in Atlanta, presented “Build a Culture of Equity in Your District.” Randy Ziegenfuss,superintendent of Salisbury Township School District (PA), delivered the presentations “Using Social Media to Effectively Engage Your Community” and "Using Social Media to Track Goal Progress." Carol Kelley, superintendent of Oak Park Elementary School District (IL), discussed “Social Media: Telling Your District's Story.”
Penn GSE Educator of the Year Award goes to Mid-Career alum Noah Tennant
Thursday, May 11, 2017
This spring, Mid-Career alum Noah Tennant received the 2017 Penn GSE Educator of the Year Award, an award that recognizes an outstanding graduate who demonstrates unusual involvement in and commitment to identifying and helping to resolve school problems and current issues in education. The recipient of this award must be a dedicated educator who is an inspiration, risk-taker, innovator, and role model and who demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of GSE.
Mid-Career Alum Jan Pullen announces a Global Initiative at the St. Stephens Episcopal School
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Click here to read the article and watch the video.
Mid-Career Alum Wagner Marseille Superintendent of the Cheltenham School District Receives $350,000 grant from Avalon Foundation For project based learning.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Read the article on Philly.com
Mid-Career alum appointed to Philadelphia School Reform Commission
Monday, January 23, 2017
Chris McGinley has been appointed by Mayor Jim Kenney to serve on the SRC. Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement. "Dr. McGinley's passion for public education and reducing the achievement gap, coupled with his background as an administrator for various school districts, will also help the district prepare for a smooth transition to greater local control."
Mid-Career Alum Wins XQ Super School Project Funding
Friday, January 20, 2017
Cristina Alvarez, co-founder and CEO of Design-Lab Schools was awarded a $10 million grant. View a description of their success at Penn GSE's newsroom and WHYY's NewsWorks.
Mid-Career Alum Published in Peabody Journal of Education
Thursday, January 19, 2017
We are happy to announce that four Mid-Career alum, Jean-Marc Juhel, Ara Carlos Brown, Joan Hill, and Kai Bynum have articles published in the Peabody Journal of Education, Volume 91, 2016, Issue 5.
Dr. Sharon Ravitch: The Transformative Power an Inquiry Stance on Practice
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
A core program faculty member in the Mid-Career Doctoral Program explains the transformative power of practitioner research for educational professionals. See her essay in Penn GSE’s journal, Perspectives in Urban Education.
Mid-Career alum shares success with community
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Recent graduate Dr. Brandon Cooley, Principal at Penn Wood High School, shares his thinking about the school’s success and culture of determination in a recent TV profile. Click here to watch the video.
Bynum to Head Hopkins School
Monday, December 14, 2015
Congratulations to Kai Bynum (Cohort 10), who was just named the Head of School at Hopkins School in New Haven, CT. He currently serves as the Director of Studies and Director of Academic and Strategic Initiatives at the Roxbury Latin School in Massachusetts, and will begin at Hopkins July 1, 2016.
Marseille Appointed Cheltenham Supt
Friday, December 11, 2015
Wagner Marseille (Cohort 5) was appointed as the new Superintendent of Cheltenham Township Schools, just outside of Philadelphia. Wagner came to Cheltenham after eight years in Lower Merion, where he had served as Director of Secondary Education, Assistant Superintendent and Acting Superintendent.
Ross Research Impact Spreads
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
This summer’s Jesuit Magazine featured recent graduate and Loyola School’s first female principal Kristin Ross (Cohort 10). She shares her research and work on the role of women in women in Jesuit education leadership.
Catch Podcast Series in Second Season
Sunday, December 6, 2015
The second season of the popular BackchannelEDU podcast series has now begun. These scenario-based leadership podcasts, modeled on This American’s Life’s Serial, can be found via iTunes, Sticher or SoundCloud, as well as directly on the MC Innovations Lab.