Penn GSE alum leads newly-named National Blue Ribbon School in Philadelphia

One of two School District of Philadelphia schools named 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education is led by a Penn GSE alumnus. This marks the second year in a row that Penn GSE alum have led schools selected for this honor. Last year, the two selected District schools were headed up by Penn GSE alum.

This year, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, led by Principal Ted Domers (Ed.D., 2015) was recognized for excellence. Last year’s winners were the Albert M. Greenfield school, helmed by Principal Dan Lazar (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, 2011), and William M. Meredith school, led by Principal Lauren Overton (M.S.Ed. in School Leadership, 2016).

Each year, the Department of Education names only a few hundred public and private elementary, middle, and high schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools. The award recognizes schools where students achieve at high levels or where the achievement gap is narrowing.

“I want to congratulate Ted on the work he is doing for our community,” said Penn GSE Dean Pam Grossman. “I’m thrilled that three of the recent four Blue Ribbon schools in Philadelphia have been led by GSE alumni – and that they are part of the Penn GSE network of school leaders who are providing leadership in Philadelphia schools.”

Domers has been principal at Carver, a STEM-based magnet school for grades 7-12, for six years. He earned both his master’s in teaching and an Ed.D. in Teaching, Learning, & Leadership from Penn GSE.