Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson (aka Dr. Ny)

Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson, also known as Dr. Ny is a compassionate, visionary, and influential leader. She serves as the Chief of Curriculum and Instruction in the School District of Philadelphia, where she leads a vision of Rigorous, Inclusive, Meaningful, and Engaging (RIME) curriculum and instruction. She is an accomplished Educational Leader with an extensive background in Evidence Based Reading Instruction, Curriculum, Special Education, and Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Instruction. Dr. Ny has a track record of leading academic improvement initiatives in large urban school systems, resulting in remarkable outcomes. ​

 

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Coppin State University, and her Master of Science degree in Urban Education, with a Special Education certification from Temple University.  She later completed her Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership with a Principal, Curriculum Supervisory, and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility certifications at Saint Joseph’s University.  ​

 

Dr. Ny was awarded the Overall Excellence award in the Interdisciplinary Doctorate of Educational Leadership program at SJU. Her research covered the intersection of change theory and social capital theory in an international school system’s implementation of a large-scale educational reform effort. She was also awarded Teacher of the Year, Leader of the Year, and Social Justice Activist through her leadership and community service work. ​

 

As part of Dr. Ny’s goal of developing future educators and educational leaders, she serves as an adjunct Professor in Saint Joseph’s University Doctoral program where she co-developed and teaches a course on “Critical Conversations in Social Justice”.

 

She is a member and held leadership positions in prominent organizations such as the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Phi Beta Omega Chapter, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, PA Chapter, and Black Women’s Education Alliance. Dr. Ny’s record of achievements underscores her unwavering commitment to shaping the future of public education.