Trailblazing School Leaders: Revolutionizing Equity and Choice in Education

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: M301

Session Type: Panel Discussion

Presenter(s)

Dr. David Timbs

Director of Secondary Education
Johnson City Schools
Johnson City, TN, United States
Heidi Whatley (she/her/hers)

Director of Alternative Programs
City Schools of Decatur - Decatur Virtual Academy
Stone Mountain, GA, United States
Dr. LaTanya White-Springfield

Director of Student Services
Pottstown School District
Pottstown, Pennsylvania, United States
Maribeth Tulenko

District Partnerships Solutions Specialist
Pearson Virtual Schools
Ellicott City, MD, United States
Caitrin Gruchot (she/her/hers)

Director of Student Services
Naperville Community Unit School District 203

Abstract Description : Don't miss this dynamic session where four trailblazing district administrators, Caitrin Gruchot, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 (IL), Heidi Whatley, Decatur Virtual Academy (GA), Dr. David Timbs, Johnson City Schools (TN), and Dr. LaTanya White-Springfield, Pottstown Virtual Academy of Learning (PA), each with unique backgrounds, share their revolutionary approaches to serving a diverse population of students. From urban districts to rural communities, and from traditional schools to innovative virtual academies, these leaders bring a wealth of varied experiences and perspectives. Learn how they are breaking barriers, championing equity, and offering innovative school choice options, including full-time virtual learning programs. This is your chance to gain exclusive insights into strategies that are reshaping education and creating non-traditional pathways for every student to thrive. Be inspired by the leaders who are making a real difference and paving the way for the future of education.

If someone was doing a search for your session in the program what 5 words might they use to search for and find your session.: Alternative education, School choice, equity, education innovation, diverse students

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify innovative strategies for implementing full-time virtual learning programs that effectively serve diverse student populations.
At the end of this session, participants will be able to describe how to apply equity-driven approaches to expand school choice options within urban, suburban, and rural educational settings.