Learn how to REACH!
Take A Look At Our Video Presentations and
Learn The REACH University (RU) Way!
The RU video learning series is intended to short videos of our professional development sessions to our REACH clients. We are also invite you to our professional discussions focused on areas and topics aligned to school improvement theory and practice. Check this page often to view new videos.
Dr. Monica George-Fields is the President and Chief Education Officer of Reimagine Excellence and Achievement Consulting House (REACH). REACH is dedicated to increasing student achievement by coaching school communities through their school improvement and sustaining efforts. REACH, has provided educational services to districts throughout New York State, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Most recently, Monica was appointed by New York State Education Department Commissioner to Education Monitor for East Ramapo School District. As the NYSED Education Monitor, Monica assisted the district with developing a strategic plan that addressed grade configuration, use of funded programs, and quality of instruction. Immediately preceding that assignment, Monica served as the Senior Fellow for School Innovation for the Regents Research Fund, a privately funded non-profit organization that provided direct services to the NYSED Commissioner and Board of Regents. As a direct report to Commissioner John King, Jr., now United States Education Secretary, George-Fields created New York State’s Diagnostic Tool for School and District Effectiveness (DTSDE), a school and district review tool used to evaluate the practices of all federally identified schools and districts. She also led the charge to convert required annual School Comprehensive Education Plans to 3-year strategic plans, which resulted in the adoption and implementation of the Strategic Plan for School Excellence for all 700 Focus and Priority Schools. Prior to becoming a senior fellow, she held positions at the New York City Department of Education, including Deputy Senior Supervising Superintendent, Deputy Chief Education Officer for Cluster Three, Senior Director of Policy and Strategic Planning for the Division of School Support, and Director of Curriculum for Empowerment Schools.
Dr. Monica George-Fields discusses poverty in public schools during the 2017 Whole School Reform conference.
Dr. Monica George-Fields discusses methods for applying Adult Development Theory to teacher and student supports, during a Brooklyn Support Field Center Aspiring Leaders Institute.
Dr. Peter L. McFarlane is currently the Senior Program Director of School Innovation for the New York State Education’s Department Regents Research Fund. As the Senior Program Director he works in collaboration with the Senior Fellow of School Innovation as a thought partner who reports directly to the New York State Commissioner of Education and the New York State Board of Regents. His work encompasses a number of key policy and statewide initiatives which include: NYS Expanded Learning Time, the NYS Rewards School Grant Initiative, NYS Certification Program, NYS Professional Learning Community Initiative, and The Strategic Plan for School Excellence. His primary work is centered on supporting Focus and Priority Schools and Districts around their school improvement efforts. In 2012, he was also a Think Tank working Group Facilitator during the creation of the Diagnostic Tool For School and District Effectiveness. (DTSDE) This tool is presently being used by all schools and districts identified by the New York State Department of Education as Focus or Priority.
In the video watch a group of teachers solve the marshmallow challenged being facilitator by our very own Dr. Peter L. McFarlane. Teacher leaders are given supplies that they must use to create the highest free-standing structure possible.
Dr. Karren Dunkley is a certified coach who specializes in intercultural competency, teacher-effectiveness and leadership coaching. Dr. Dunkley has enjoyed a life of service in education as an urban district leader, principal, teacher and coach. Her vision is to ensure equity, access and excellence for all scholars and their families. Dr. Dunkley currently serves as the principal of Parkway Center City High School in The School District of Philadelphia. During her tenure as principal, she has expanded Advanced Placement course offerings, developed an early college high school program with Arcadia University and increased community partnerships. Dr. Dunkley was recently honored with a Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership from the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation.
Prior to taking the helm of Parkway Center City, Dr. Dunkley served as deputy chief academic officer and deputy chief of the Office of Parent, Family, Community Engagement and Faith-Based Partnerships. She spearheaded the formation of Parent Family Resource Centers and Parent University, which offers classes in parenting skills, family literacy, financial literacy and other topics. Dunkley, a native of Jamaica, holds bachelor’s and masters degrees from St. John’s University, and an advanced master’s degree and doctorate in education from Columbia University, Teachers College.
She is also the recipient of the Tuskegee University Education Advocacy Award and the Omega Psi Phi Educational Achievement Award.
In this video, Dr. Dunkley discusses developmental frames with 2017 Whole School Reform participants.