Extraordinary Educators: Class of 2026
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Extraordinary Educators
Join us in celebrating these Extraordinary Educators! Check out the information below to learn about these amazing educators and what they're doing to impact student learning.
What makes an Extraordinary Educator?
Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educators in the teacher program:
- Have taught for at least two years
- Have experience using i-Ready® and/or Ready® in their classrooms
- Illustrate growth and achievement via formal assessment(s)
- Demonstrate classroom innovation and engagement practices for students
- Are evangelists for high standards and student achievement
- Are champions of strong outcomes for all students
Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educators in the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative:
- Are principals or vice principals in their first through fifth years in the role
- Have experience using i-Ready and/or Ready
- Illustrate growth and achievement via formal assessment(s)
- Demonstrate schoolwide innovation and engagement practices for students
- Are evangelists for high standards and student achievement
- Are champions of strong outcomes for all students
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Leadership Collaborative Class of 2026
Nicki Bryant, Principal, Childersburg Elementary School, AL
Describe your school culture in three words.
Vibrant, Perseverant, Risk Takers
Kelia Browder, Principal, Union Springs Elementary School, AL
Describe your school culture in three words.
Thriving, Inclusive, Supportive
Thelma Metcalf-Forte, Head Principal, Arkansas Middle School, AR
Describe your school culture in three words.
Improving, Electric, Inclusive
Candace Anselmi, Principal, H.L. Lubker Elementary School, AR
Describe your school culture in three words.
Positive, Intentional, Student Centered
Caroline Apgar, Assistant Principal, Augusta Lewis Troup School, CT
Describe your school culture in three words.
Transforming, Collaborative, Growth Mindset
Dillon Williams, Principal, South Hialeah Elementary School, FL
Describe your school culture in three words.
Empowering, United, Exceptional
At South Hialeah Elementary, our school culture is rooted in empowerment—students feel inspired to learn, teachers are motivated to teach, and families are proud to be part of our community. We operate as one united team with a shared commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Kelly Forehand, Principal, University Academy, FL
Describe your school culture in three words.
Engaging, Innovative, Collaborative
Nicole Neunie, Principal, Walker Elementary School, FL
Describe your school culture in three words.
Empowering—because we give both students and teachers the tools, voice, and ownership to grow. Purposeful—because everything we do, from instruction to incentives, is aligned with a clear goal and meaningful impact. Joyful—because we believe learning should be celebrated, and we work hard to make success feel exciting, shared, and motivating for everyone in the building.
Eric Alston, Principal, Unity Elementary School, GA
Describe your school culture in three words.
Above the Line
Lisa Harris, Principal, North Elementary School, IL
Describe your school culture in three words.
Growth Mindset, Data Driven, Empowering
John Brandean Kenealy, Principal, Nicholasville Elementary School, KY
Describe your school culture in three words.
Relentless, Loving, High Expectations
Derick Marr, Principal, Rich Pond Elementary School, KY
Describe your school culture in three words.
Positive, Engaging, Collaborative
LaTanya Dunbar, Assistant Principal, Ferriday Junior High School, LA
Describe your school culture in three words.
Together, We Can
Latoya Shamai Wright, Assistant Principal, Paw Creek Elementary School, NC
Describe your school culture in three words.
Engaging, Collaborative, Innovative
Andrea M. Thomas, Principal, Denzel Washington School of the Arts, NY
Describe your school culture in three words.
High Expectations, Artistic Excellence, Academic Rigor
Kaitlyn Reilley, Principal, Cross Hill Academy, NY
Describe your school culture in three words.
Innovative, Collaborative, Student Centered
Matt Edwards, Principal, Gwyn-Nor Elementary School, PA
Describe your school culture in three words.
Family, Supportive, Hard-Working
Blanca Ibarra, Assistant Principal (Special Populations Administrator), Senator Judith Zaffirini Elementary School, TX
Describe your school culture in three words.
Inclusive, Collaborative, Empowering
Erika Saldana, Principal, Kennedy-Zapata Elementary School, TX
Describe your school culture in three words.
Supportive, Inclusive, Driven
Those three words capture the heart of our school community where every student feels uplifted, every voice matters, and there's a shared commitment to continuous growth and high expectations.
Lauren Werthammer, Principal, Martha Elementary School, WV
Describe your school culture in three words.
Inspiring, Focused, Warm