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Elaine Swafford
School Administrator • Keynote Speaker • Educational Consultant • Public Speaking Coach • School Turnaround Specialist
Elaine Swafford Ed.D. is the Chief Executive Officer of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) and Montessori Elementary at Highland Park.12 She has held this position since July 2012, serving for over 12 years.2
Dr. Swafford has an extensive background in education:
- She graduated from Sale Creek High School in 1977 and attended Austin Peay State University on a basketball scholarship.1
- Her career includes 19 years at Chattanooga State Community College and 11 years with Hamilton County Schools, where she served as executive principal at The Howard School.1
- She holds a Doctoral degree from the University of Sarasota.1
Under Dr. Swafford's leadership, CGLA transformed from a struggling school slated for closure to a high-performing charter school.1 She implemented changes that significantly improved student performance, such as increasing Algebra proficiency from 6% to 72% in one year.1
Professional Achievements and Roles
- Turned around CGLA's performance, saving it from closure1
- Specializes in 6-12 school reform and college enrollment/retention4
- President of Airo Educational Consulting4
- Recognized as CharterFolk Extraordinaire in 20203
Dr. Swafford is known for her dedication to helping young people grow and her focus on restoring people through education.1 She emphasizes the importance of high expectations, accountability, and pursuing excellence in education.1
