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Curriculum Associates Launches Year 3 with New Class of Leaders

As the Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative (EELC) enters its third year, Curriculum Associates proudly unveils its 2025 class of distinguished school leaders. This program, aimed at nurturing the professional growth of aspiring principals, now welcomes 20 new members hailing from 13 diverse states. These leaders are recognized for their exceptional leadership skills and their diligent application of i-Ready® programs in their schools.

The EELC is designed to provide enriching professional experiences throughout the school year. Participating principals will engage in monthly, high-quality learning sessions that focus on enhancing leadership capabilities and instructional methods. This collaborative environment allows educators to share insights and develop new strategies, which ultimately drives positive outcomes for their students.

Kelly Sia, the CEO of Curriculum Associates, emphasizes the critical role of effective school leadership in fostering student success: "Strong school leadership is the foundation for student success. 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."

Principals selected for this cohort have generally held their positions for five years or less and are committed to improving student achievement, equity, and innovative teaching methodologies. They have also demonstrated at least two years of experience with Curriculum Associates' i-Ready and/or Ready® programs. Their leadership has directly contributed to measurable growth among students, while fostering an environment that encourages high expectations and active engagement.

The EELC is more than just professional development; it’s an opportunity for participants to engage in a thoughtfully designed framework that combines virtual collaboration with targeted learning. Topics explored include building a positive school culture, leveraging data to enhance instructional practices, forming strong educational partnerships, promoting joy in learning, enhancing educator wellness, and celebrating the achievements of students and teachers alike.

Additionally, members of the EELC will have the chance to showcase their growth and insights at the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, along with other significant professional learning events throughout the year.

For those interested in learning more about the 2025–2026 Extraordinary Educators Leadership Collaborative, more information is available at CurriculumAssociates.com/Extraordinary-Educators.

Meet the 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 organization committed to delivering research-based assessments and instructional materials in mathematics, English language arts, and science. With a strong foundation in research and a focus on innovative solutions, the company empowers educators with actionable data to maximize student learning. Serving over 14 million students and 1 million teachers nationwide, Curriculum Associates remains dedicated to equipping educators and administrators with the tools they need to foster growth in all classrooms. For more details, visit CurriculumAssociates.com.