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Allison Pell
Allison Gaines Pell is the Head of School at The Wheeler School in Providence, Rhode Island, a position she has held since July 2017. She has made significant contributions to the school during her tenure, including the creation of its first strategic design and a new mission statement emphasizing the importance of accountability in education: "to learn our powers and be answerable for their use" .23
Educational Background and Career::
- Education: Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Master of Education from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
- Previous Roles: Before her role at Wheeler, she was the Head of Blue School in New York City for five years, where she expanded the school from early childhood through middle school. Additionally, she founded an innovative public school in Brooklyn, New York, serving as its principal from 2005 to 2012 .24
Leadership and Achievements:: Under her leadership, Wheeler has seen growth in enrollment and diversity, as well as the establishment of new educational programs that enhance both student experiences and community engagement. She has been recognized for her ability to navigate challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, positioning Wheeler as a model for independent schools .34
Allison has announced that the 2024-25 school year will be her last at Wheeler, as she plans to relocate closer to her aging parents in Brooklyn. This decision comes after eight years of dedicated service to the school community, where she has fostered strong relationships with faculty, students, and families .32
Allison's commitment to education is deeply rooted in her belief in the transformative power of learning and community engagement, which she aims to continue promoting throughout her final year at Wheeler .12
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