At ASU Prep Polytechnic, we are excited to unveil our Transformational Teacher Leader (TTL) program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate both teaching and leadership within our school community. This program aims to empower our educators, enabling them to lead beyond their classrooms and drive educational excellence throughout our school.
What is a Transformational Teacher Leader?
Transformational Teacher Leaders embody the mission and core values of ASU Prep. They lead by example, make data and research-based decisions, implement innovative techniques, take risks, and foster collaboration across the entire school community.
“Our transformational teacher leaders are creating an environment where educators not only lead their own classrooms but also extend their leadership across the entire school, fostering a culture of excellence school-wide.”
– Dr. Lori Frazier, Principal at ASU Prep Academy Polytechnic
In their unique roles, TTLs continue to teach while assuming leadership responsibilities, providing an opportunity for those passionate about teaching yet eager for more responsibility to thrive in an advanced career track.
Principal Dr. Lori Frazier emphasizes, “Our transformational teacher leaders are creating an environment where educators not only lead their own classrooms but also extend their leadership across the entire school, fostering a culture of excellence school-wide.”
Meet our Transformational Teacher Leaders
Laura Grunewald
With 24 years of teaching experience, Ms. Grunewald has taught grades 3 through 8, with a significant focus on gifted learners. An Ottawa University undergrad and Northern Arizona University Master’s graduate, she is an experienced educator and coach.
Ms. Grunewald’s superpower is connecting people and fostering cohesive relationships toward shared goals. She is eager to collaborate with teachers to enhance student engagement through Project-Based Learning. Laura resonates with Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn,” which encapsulates her passion for Project-Based Learning and the belief that all kids can learn.
Dr. Holly Cartwright
Dr. Holly Cartwright brings a wealth of leadership experience, having worked as a district curriculum specialist, school principal, and team lead. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Capella University, her research focuses on closing achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates for ninth graders. Dr. Cartwright has implemented Project-Based Learning, standards-based grading, and mastery learning scales to boost student engagement and success.
Excited to be a Transformational Teacher Leader, she aims to cultivate a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Her extensive experience across all K-12 grades gives her a unique perspective on vertical alignment, and she is committed to helping students and teachers learn and grow together. Dr. Cartwright embraces her right-brained creativity (despite being left-handed) and often thinks outside the box.
Commitment to Educational Excellence
The Transformational Teacher Leader program at ASU Prep Polytechnic marks a significant step in our commitment to educational excellence. With leaders like Dr. Cartwright and Ms. Grunewald at the helm, our school is poised for innovative teaching and enriched learning experiences. We are proud of these educators and their contributions to our school community, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students’ educational journeys.
