The second session of the Signature Series on Education Equity and Transformation of Schools is scheduled for Friday, February 13th, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., in the Campus Center’s Multi-Purpose Room.
This session’s topic is “How to Build a Successful School Culture for Teaching and Learning.” The focus will be on the roles school leaders play in developing and sustaining school cultures that are conducive to academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, how can schools create structures that involve all stakeholders to promote an environment that supports the success of every single student? A panel of experts will lay out their vision and share their experiences in how to best lead meaningful change in teaching and learning practices.
RSVP to this event by e-mailing matthew.closter@rutgers.edu or calling (856) 225-6923.
PANELISTS:
Evelyn Nuñez
Chief Academic Officer for LEAP, Academy University Charter School
Evelyn Nuñez brings to LEAP Academy over 21 years of experience in PreK-12th education, where she has worked in a large public school district as well as with the charter school sector. Under her leadership, Ms. Nuñez was successful in turning around underperforming charter schools and converting district schools that were struggling academically and identified as persistently dangerous schools into safe charter schools offering a quality education. Ms. Nuñez has experience in developing and implementing bilingual (Spanish and English) education programs in PreK-8th grade that resulted in students exiting fully bilingual and performing well academically.
Dr. Kelly Davenport
Head of School, Freire Charter School
Kelly Davenport has led Freire Charter School since its inception 15 years ago, and has built it into the one of the most respected and successful charter schools in Philadelphia. Kelly has a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She also serves as a trainer for the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. There, Kelly trains principals across the state of Pennsylvania to become effective instructional leaders. As the current Head of Freire Charter School, Kelly manages ongoing operations for both of Freire’s existing campuses. Her career is supported by nine years of classroom teaching at the secondary and college levels.
Sean Gallagher
Deputy Superintendent of School Support, Camden Public Schools
Sean Gallagher joined Camden Public Schools in the spring of 2014. Previously, Sean served as the Chief Turnaround Officer for the Education Innovation Laboratory at Harvard University. Sean is not new to Camden—during the 2012-2013 school year, he was the Interim Executive Director at Freedom Academy as it transitioned to becoming Freedom Prep. Sean was a Building Excellent Schools fellow in New Orleans and has 10 years of district and charter teaching experience in Philadelphia. Sean holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degrees in instruction and school administration.