Phoebe is an impassioned urban educator with over 27 years of experience advancing outcomes and liberatory practices in public schools. A transformative elementary school principal for a decade in New York City, Phoebe led with vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to student success and family engagement in historically underserved communities.
As the instructional leader, guiding the academic journey for students in grades 3K-5, Phoebe not only administered professional development but also provided job-embedded coaching in vital areas such as fostering a positive school culture, crafting instructional plans, delivering constructive observation-feedback, implementing data-driven teaching strategies, and devising strategic plans for assistant principals and instructional coaches. During her initial two years in this leadership role, Phoebe’s astute guidance led to a remarkable elevation in the school’s accountability status, transitioning it from a “Priority Focus” institution to one standing proudly as a “Good Standing” school. Moreover, her commendable leadership earned the school a distinguished designation as a New York City Respect for All school for two consecutive years. She cultivated a nurturing and inclusive school community, fostering an environment where members felt valued, welcomed, and part of a collaborative, student-centric ethos.
In the course of her tenure as a district administrator, Phoebe spearheaded the implementation of a transformative special education reform, overseeing a diverse portfolio of over 30 schools. Her proactive approach involved providing direct support to school leadership, educators, parents, and community-based organizations, fostering their capacity to enhance school readiness. This initiative aimed to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment, adept at addressing the individual needs of every student within their community.
Phoebe Grant-Robinson received a B.A. in Inclusive Education, an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Ed.L.D.—her doctorate in education leadership—from Syracuse University, Pace University, and Harvard University, respectively. Phoebe is an alumna of the New York City Leadership Academy and Gray Fellowship for Principal Excellence.