Thirty years ago, the charter movement gave parents a new opportunity to get involved in public education. The flexibility afforded charter public schools meant that schools were now able to benefit from the meaningful and unique contributions offered by parents. Parent involvement is an enduring hallmark of the charter movement. Over the last 30 years, […]
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Difference Makers: Parents Kiana Davis, Regina Armstrong, and Claudia Inglesia
At Green Dot Public Schools in Los Angeles, California, parents Kiana Davis, Regina Armstrong, and Claudia Inglesia believed the streets around their childrens’ schools could be safer. In collaboration with Green Dot’s sister organization, United Parents and Students, they advocated for a new signalized crosswalk for two Green Dot schools, Ánimo Watts College Preparatory Academy and Ánimo Mae Jemison […]
Difference Makers: Parents Samantha Alloggio and Heather Rivera
At Keller Saginaw High School in Fort Worth Texas, a charter school operated by International Leadership (IL) Texas, the voice of parents has always been a driving force for the school. Indeed, it was the demand from parents for different options in the local community that led IL Texas to found Keller Saginaw High School in […]
Difference Makers: Parent Angel Cortez
At MESA Charter High School in Brooklyn New York, Angel Cortez didn’t only stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his daughter as she navigated a rigorous college preparatory program at a new school, but also stood together with stakeholders to share the truth about charter schools publicly. Angel helped publish op-eds in local newspapers to correct misinformation and set […]
JANUARY: Celebrating 30 Years of Amazing Charter Teachers
The charter schools movement is known for attracting extraordinary teachers and encouraging them to innovate and create new kinds of instructional approaches for all students, especially our most vulnerable. Over the decades, charter school educators have shown a deep commitment to supporting one another, including during this global pandemic. The result is a lasting impact […]
Amazing Teachers Spotlight: Dacia Toll and Doug McCurry
Dacia Toll and Doug McCurry who founded Amistad Academy Middle in New Haven, Connecticut in 1999, are a dynamic charter teacher duo who exemplify the credo that “behind every extraordinary teacher stands another extraordinary teacher.” Together they built a lasting legacy and one of the nation’s most respected charter management organizations. Years after founding Amistad Academy Middle, […]
Amazing Teachers Spotlight: LaShae Bourgeois and Shane Wood
LaShae Bourgeois and Shane Wood are a dynamic charter teacher duo who exemplify the credo that “behind every extraordinary teacher stands another extraordinary teacher.” Ask Principal Baumer what she thinks about kindergarten teachers LaShae Bourgeois and Shane Wood and she’ll say, “They embody inclusivity, rigor, and deep empathy for scholars. You should have seen their scholars’ work with Guatemalan […]
Amazing Teachers Spotlight: Abigail Grimaldi and Meredith Galloway
Abigail, a long-time teacher at Westlake Charter School (K-8), is known for being as strong of a culture builder and ambassador for “all things Westlake” as anyone within the organization. Meredith, meanwhile, is a newcomer, having recently completed her Ph.D. in education at Sacramento State and having had her doctoral thesis recognized as the most compelling […]
Amazing Teachers Spotlight: Dominique Foster and Jada Chase
Dominique Foster and Jada Chase are a dynamic charter teacher duo who exemplify the credo that “behind every extraordinary teacher stands another extraordinary teacher.” Together, they are bringing learning to life for preschoolers. Ms. Foster, the 2022 Washington DC Teacher of the Year and an early childhood specialist, and assistant teacher to Ms. Chase, started working together at Friendship […]
NOVEMBER: Educators as Trailblazers
Thirty years ago, the chartering movement unleashed the potential of bold educators nationwide, inspiring these trailblazers to create a new era of high-quality and equitable public school opportunities. Here’s a quick look at just a few of the earliest chartering leaders whose lifelong commitment to making a positive impact on public education has generated better outcomes for […]