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Thaly Germain
Chief Executive Officer & Founder at Onward
Professional Background
Thaly Germain is an inspiring leader and innovator in educational leadership development as the founder and chief executive officer of Onward. In her pivotal role, she expertly oversees program strategy, development, and implementation, guiding teams to create impactful educational experiences for both students and educators alike. Thaly's dedication to enhancing the education sector has propelled her into various leadership roles, most notably as the executive director of the Lynch Leadership Academy, where she focused on cultivating exceptional leaders in education.
Prior to her role at the Lynch Leadership Academy, Thaly served as the executive director of aligned staff at New Leaders for New Schools. During her time there, she was instrumental in overhauling the organization's program designs. Her extraordinary vision and dedication resulted in the successful redesign of recruitment, selection, training, and principal support programs, which were implemented across ten partner cities, dynamically impacting local educational landscapes.
Thaly's previous experience as the national director of charter school strategy at New Leaders further showcases her expertise. In this capacity, she developed a groundbreaking strategic plan tailored specifically for the charter school sector in Washington, DC. Her strategic insight into the recruitment, placement, and support of charter school leaders facilitated notable academic improvements, indeed reflecting her commitment to student success.
Thaly's dynamic career path didn't start at the executive level. She initially gained firsthand experience in educational leadership while serving as both a principal and assistant principal in Washington, DC. Her skillful approach to education and leadership translated into remarkable academic growth; her DC charter school received the Effective Practice Incentive Community (EPIC) "Silver Gain" award, showcasing a substantial gain of 40 points in both reading and math during her distinguished tenure.
Education and Achievements
Thaly Germain's academic journey has played a significant role in shaping her successful career. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in cultural anthropology from Bryn Mawr College, which laid the foundation for her understanding of diverse learning cultures and social contexts. Pursuing her passion for educational leadership, she later completed a Master's degree in Education Leadership from Trinity University in Washington, DC. Further refining her knowledge, she obtained another Master's degree in Teaching from Fordham University. This rich educational background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of teaching and learning processes, enabling her to make informed decisions as a leader in education.
Throughout her professional journey, Thaly has achieved several milestones that underscore her passion for educational equity and leadership. Notably, while at Harry S. Truman High School in New York City, she was part of the initiative to establish the Peace and Diversity Academy. Her forward-thinking mindset and collaborative approach contributed to the growth of an enriching educational environment that focused on peace and cultural diversity.
Achievements
Thaly Germain's career is marked by numerous accomplishments that testify to her commitment to education and leadership excellence. As the founder and CEO of Onward, she continues to drive positive changes in educational practices and leadership development. Her strategic foresight and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on educational institutions, helping shape future leaders and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Under her guidance, Onward has developed an array of programs aimed at supporting educational leaders by enhancing their skills, fostering community collaboration, and improving student outcomes. Thaly’s contributions to the education sector have not only provided tangible improvements to academic performance but have also served to inspire upcoming leaders in the field.
In summary, Thaly Germain is a trailblazer in the field of educational leadership and a strong advocate for innovative teaching methods. Her extensive experience as an educator and leader, combined with her rich academic background, uniquely positions her to enact meaningful change within the education sector, making her a notable voice and mentor for aspiring leaders.
Achievements:
Thaly Germain has achieved many milestones in her career, including:
- Successfully overseeing the redesign and implementation of recruiting and support programs across ten partner cities at New Leaders for New Schools.
- Developing a first-of-its-kind strategic plan for charter schools in Washington, DC.
- Leading her charter school to receive the Effective Practice Incentive Community (EPIC) "Silver Gain" award for significant academic gains.
- Establishing the Peace and Diversity Academy in New York City, promoting peace and cultural understanding among students.
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