Dr. Daniella Phillips is honored to serve the Executive Leadership Institute as coach, consultant, and mentor. For thirty years, she worked in New York schools as a social studies teacher, principal of the Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy (10X141), and community superintendent in District 1 (Manhattan). Additionally, she led global education visits to Poland, India, Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Japan and collaborated with educators on civics education curricula and resources.
As superintendent from 2007-2017, Dr. Phillips engaged with parents, teachers, students, elected officials, and community leaders to develop the first district-wide socio-economic integration plan in NYC. District 1 removed all geographic enrollment zones for students, which meant that all families chose which school to enroll their child based not on zip code, but by matching interest, pedagogic approach, and prioritizing ELL (English language learners), STH (students in temporary housing), and FRL (free & reduced lunch) qualifying students. This innovative, choice-based student assignment plan has resulted in improved voluntary integration across District 1 schools.