Extraordinary Educators™ Leadership Collaborative Enters Year 3 with a New Class of Leaders

Twenty principals and vice principals from 13 states selected for their exemplary leadership and use of i-Ready^® programs

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curriculum Associates is proud to announce the 2025 class of the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative (EELC), marking the third year of this national effort to support the professional growth of rising school principals. The new cohort includes 20 principals from 13 states who will participate in monthly, high-quality professional learning experiences designed to strengthen leadership and instructional practices.

Throughout the year, the collaborative offers principals time and space to learn new leadership skills through cohort-based learning. They will work together to analyze data, strategically plan for the academic year ahead, and learn how to build school communities where educators are empowered and students excel.

"Strong school leadership is the foundation for student success," said Kelly Sia, chief executive officer at Curriculum Associates. "When we invest in principals, we're investing in the teachers they support, the students they serve, and the families they partner with every day. This collaborative gives leaders the tools, time, and connection with peers they need to grow, and that growth benefits entire school communities."

Eligible principals have been in their current roles for five years or fewer. Each has at least two years of experience using Curriculum Associates' i-Ready and/or Ready^® programs and demonstrates a commitment to student achievement, equity, and instructional innovation. They lead schools at which students show measurable growth and are known for fostering engagement and high standards.

As part of the program, principals participate in a classroom design that combines virtual collaboration and targeted professional learning. Topics include building school culture, using data to drive instruction, forming learning partnerships, cultivating joy, supporting educator wellness, and celebrating student and teacher success.

Members of the EELC will also be invited to present at the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit and other professional learning events throughout the year.

To learn more about the 2025–2026 Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/Extraordinary-Educators.

2025 Cohort Members

• Nicki Bryant, Childersburg Elementary School, Talladega Co., AL
• Kelia Browder, Union Springs Elementary School, Bullock Co., AL
• Thelma Metcalf Forte, Arkansas Middle School, Texarkana School District, AR
• Candace Anselmi, H.L. Lubker Elementary School, Bald Knob Public Schools, AR
• Caroline Apgar, Augusta Lewis Troup School, New Haven Public Schools, CT
• Dillon Williams, South Hialeah Elementary School, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
• Kelly Forehand, University Academy, Bay District Schools, FL
• Nicole Neunie, Walker Elementary, Broward County Public Schools, FL
• Eric Alston, Unity Elementary School, Meriwether County School District, GA
• Lisa Harris, North Elementary School, Alton CUSD 11, IL
• John Brandean Kenealy, Nicholasville Elementary School, Jessamine County Schools, KY
• Derick Marr, Rich Pond Elementary School, Warren County Public Schools, KY
• LaTanya Dunbar, Ferriday Junior High School, Concordia Parish School Board, LA
• LaToya Wright, Paw Creek Elementary School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, NC
• Andrea M. Thomas, Denzel Washington School of the Arts, Mount Vernon City School District, NY
• Kaitlyn Reilly, Cross Hill Academy, Yonkers Public Schools, NY
• Matt Edwards, Gwyn-Nor Elementary School, North Penn School District, PA
• Dr. Blanca Ibarra, Senator Judith Zaffirini Elementary School, United ISD, TX
• Erika Saldana, Kennedy-Zapata Elementary School, United ISD, TX
• Lauren Werthammer, Martha Elementary School, Cabell County Schools, WV

About Curriculum Associates
Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates is a mission-driven company that develops research-based assessments and core and supplemental instructional materials in mathematics, English language arts, and science. With deep roots in research and a focus on innovation, Curriculum Associates designs solutions to provide actionable data educators need to inform instruction and meet student needs. The company's commitment to service is foundational, equipping teachers and administrators with the knowledge, support, and tools they need to foster growth in all classrooms. Curriculum Associates supports more than 14 million students and one million teachers across the US. Learn more at CurriculumAssociates.com.

Media contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC