READY Announces the 2024 READY School Incubator Changemakers
[August 8, 2024] – READY is a nonprofit with a mission to increase access to quality education for Rochester’s K-12 public school students. In addition to creating and improving schools, the organization is working to build a robust ecosystem of support around schools with informed and engaged families, diverse and effective talent, and supportive policy.
In partnership with Moonshot edVentures – a leader in pioneering solutions that invests deeply in the capacity building of diverse groups of education leaders – READY proudly announces the participants of the inaugural cohort of Design Studio, the first program of the READY School Incubator. Moonshot has supported more than 100 educators in designing and leading district turnaround schools, charter schools, micro-schools, and other educational programs around the country.
The READY School Incubator is an initiative designed to propel forward-thinking school ideas toward success. The Incubator was created in direct response to READY’s pledge to continuously engage communities to advance educational outcomes for Rochester's children.
The Incubator offers comprehensive support for innovative, equity-driven educators to develop the school models that Rochester families want and need. It will feature two programs – Design Studio, a part-time program for early-stage entrepreneurs to design and launch pilots for a new school model launching September 2024; and Launch, a full-time opportunity for leaders ready to start a promising new school beginning Fall 2025.
After a rigorous selection process, READY identified five exceptional changemakers for Design Studio who responded to a shared, community-driven vision for education while showcasing creativity, impact, and potential for scalability. This cohort represents a diverse array of experiences and approaches to creating new learning environments.
The 2024 READY School Incubator Changemakers are:
1. Jeremy Smith – Executive Director, Freedom Scholars and former RCSD educator
2. Amber Powers – Co-Director, City Roots Land Trust and former RCSD educator
3. Jasmine Whaley-Mathis – Assistant Principal at West Genesee School District and former Dean of School, Science Academies of New York Charter Schools
4. Katie Trepanier – Principal, Exploration Charter School and former Principal, Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School No. 12
5. Yaimara Wheaton – Director of Expansion, REACH Academy Charter School
"The READY School Incubator is not just a program; it's a crucial initiative born from the urgent need to reimagine education in Rochester," said Dr. Shanai Lee, Executive Director of READY. "By investing in bold and innovative educators, we are laying the foundation for schools that truly reflect the aspirations and needs of our community. This incubator is a testament to our commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders who will transform the educational landscape for our children."
The READY School Incubator will culminate in a pipeline of local educators equipped with innovative and detailed school designs, ready to be implemented in existing schools as new programs or adopted as new district or charter schools. These new schools and education programs will align with READY’s community-driven vision for quality education. Upon launching, each school or program is expected to serve up to 500 students, significantly expanding educational opportunities and impacting the lives of Rochester's youth.
For more information about the READY School Incubator and to follow the progress of our changemakers, please visit www.ready4schools.org.
Comments