Dr. Michelle Penn: Championing Equity, Excellence, and Empowerment in Public Education
- Joy
- May 14
- 2 min read
Dr. Michelle Penn is a powerhouse in public education—a visionary leader, equity advocate, and transformational principal reshaping the future of NYC schools. We are proud to honor Dr. Penn with the 2025 Impact Award at the JoyTutor Celebrations of Courage Awards for her unwavering dedication to advancing equity, innovation, and student success in public education.
With over 20 years of experience and 15 years as a high school principal, Dr. Penn has built a legacy of impact by turning around underperforming schools and creating pathways that connect students to college, careers, and lifelong success.
Leading with Purpose and Proven Results
Under her leadership, one school’s graduation rate soared from 53% to 95%, a testament to her bold, student-centered approach. As co-founder of the Brooklyn STEAM Center at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, she forged a groundbreaking bridge between education and industry. Her outstanding leadership earned her a Tier 3 NYCDOE Performance Incentive Award—placing her among the top 9% of leaders across the district—and consistent “Highly Effective” ratings for both leadership and student achievement.
Advocating for Equity and Innovation
Dr. Penn’s passion for equity drives everything she does—from developing future school leaders to championing dual-credit programs that prepare underserved students for college. In the wake of COVID-19, she led holistic recovery efforts focused on social-emotional wellness and academic acceleration, proving that healing and learning must go hand in hand.
Honoring a Legacy of Lasting Impact
At the 2025 JoyTutor Celebrations of Courage Awards, we proudly honor Dr. Michelle Penn with the Impact Award for her tireless work in transforming schools, shifting systems, and uplifting communities. Her leadership is a beacon of what’s possible when courage, vision, and justice meet in service of young people.
