Meet Innovators

Meet an Innovator: Joe Peel
The mayor of Elizabeth City set out to solve a growing economic problem for his city and found himself working with partners to launch a regional charter school.

Meet an Innovator: Tonya Head
This assistant superintendent for Bladen County Schools is helping lead a different type of effort in school transformation –- one that builds on educators’ talent and strengths.

Meet an Innovator: Judy Schindler
Under GSK’s PULSE volunteer program, Judy Schindler joined NC New Schools as a marketing and communications fellow, helping the organization think more strategically to deliver on its mission.
Meet an Innovator: John Heilmann
John Heilmann's enthusiasm for his career brings engineering to life for high school students whose contact with physics is often confined to the classroom.

Meet an Innovator: Kelly Leovic
Leovic serves as director of EPA's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach Program in Research Triangle Park, where more than 10 percent of employees now participate in outreach as mentors, speakers and other volunteers. The program reached more than 31,000 people in eight counties last year, with more than 170 school-based events.
Meet Innovators: Barbara Tansey and Don Phipps
The Beaufort Community College president and schools superintendent are committed to bringing new opportunities to students through a powerful partnership and sheer determination.
Meet an Innovator: Early/Middle College at GTCC Jamestown
Geoff Barham, Tonya Bodie, Dramaine Freeman and Susan Kimbrough have spent the past decade working together at the Early/Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown.
Meet an Innovator: Mary Linda Andrews
A partner for more than 10 years, GSK has seen a lot change in bringing STEM education to public schools.
Meet an Innovator: Jane Burke
She may be petite, but this leadership coach packs a big punch when it comes to ensuring powerful teaching, learning and leading.
Meet an Innovator: Burley Mitchell
A high school dropout rises to lead the state's highest court and becomes a champion for innovation in public education in North Carolina.























