Michele Pellam
Brookline,MA
Summary
Strategic Education Leader | EdTech & AI Enthusiast | Program & Partnership Innovator
Knowledgeable school leader with a strong track record of driving academic excellence and leading at every level—from classroom to district. Designed and scaled inclusive Pathways in STEM, Arts, and Humanities while building high-performing, cross-functional teams. Passionate about harnessing EdTech, AI, and innovative practices to improve outcomes for students, empower educators, and bring joy to learning.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
40
40
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Head of School
Another Course to College (ACC)
Boston, MA
07.2015 - Current
- Lead strategic and instructional vision for an inclusive, college-preparatory high school with 97% culturally and linguistically diverse students, 38% with IEPs, and 80% from low-income backgrounds
- Manage a $4.2M budget and co-chair the school’s governing board
- Supervise and evaluate 40+ staff and guide schoolwide planning aligned to district and state goals
- Expanded STEM and creative pathways through strategic partnerships: SoftBank Robotics (AI + Pepper Robots), Harvard Medical School (labs & healthcare pipeline), NSF/EcoLens (immersive science modules), FIRST Robotics (state-ranked team)
- Developed Game Design Lab, Maker Space, and BUILD Entrepreneurship Pathway
- Serve on district-level advisory bodies to advance innovation in EdTech procurement, teacher evaluation platforms, and inclusive grading practices
- Spearheaded partnerships with MIT, SoftBank Robotics, and the NSF to integrate emerging technologies into teaching and learning, including Pepper Robots for AI and coding
- Scaled Computer Science, Robotics, and AP STEM pathways, supporting student access to advanced technology-based learning regardless of academic track
- Represented schools on key policy teams including the Inclusion Advisory Council, EdTech Procurement, Teacher Evaluation Systems, and High School Redesign
- Led implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and therapeutic inclusion programming to improve academic and social-emotional outcomes
- Managed $7.5M capital project for successful school relocation and renovation
- Coached aspiring principals through Harvard and state leadership licensure programs
- Designed and led DataWise-driven professional development aligned with equity-centered literacy and instructional improvement
- Developed and implemented teacher recruitment and support systems to onboard diverse, dual/triple-certified educators
- Created a teacher licensure support program to retain top talent during a statewide shortage
- Facilitated districtwide workshops on using data for equity-focused decision-making
- Created Therapeutic Learning Community (TLC) for emotional impairment and mental health integration
- Launched pioneering AP African American Studies course and HBCU Program
- Partnered with Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and local arts organizations to expand K-12 visual and performing arts
- Guided strategic planning efforts for long-term visioning and goal-setting within the school community.
- Successfully managed crises situations on campus while maintaining transparency among stakeholders.
- Boosted standardized test scores for English Language Learners with comprehensive assessment analysis followed by individualized intervention plans for struggling students.
- Diversified hiring practices to create a more inclusive faculty that better reflects the diversity of the student population.
- Championed integration of social-emotional learning into curriculum leading to enhanced emotional intelligence in students.
- Maintained student enrollment, in a district with an overall decline in high school enrollment, by effectively marketing the school's unique programs and extracurricular offerings.
- Ensured fiscal responsibility through careful budget management and resource allocation.
- Collaborated with community partners to bring valuable resources and services to support student success.
- Established effective communication channels between administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students.
- Improved staff retention rates by fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and ongoing professional development.
- Enhanced teacher professional development through targeted workshops, coaching sessions, and collaborative planning time.
- Developed a positive school culture by fostering strong relationships among faculty, staff, students, and parents.
- Strengthened relationships with local businesses for internships or sponsorships resulting in increased hands-on experience opportunities for students, namely with the Boston Private Industry Council.
- Promoted a safe learning environment by establishing clear behavioral expectations and implementing consistent disciplinary procedures.
- Encouraged student leadership opportunities through clubs, committees, and other extracurricular activities.
- Managed assemblies to recognize student achievement.
- Coordinated smooth mealtimes and student transitions.
- Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to promote a safe and welcoming environment.
- Held staff accountable for implementing airtight school-wide systems and processes.
- Coordinated outreach events to bring in parents, family members and community at large to support students.
- Led efforts to boost student attendance and on-time arrivals with ambitious parent relations initiatives.
- Helped teachers develop and diversify instruction to better serve students of different skill levels and backgrounds.
- Developed strategies to improve student behavior school-wide and help teachers better manage classroom environments.
Humanities Teacher
Modern English School
Cairo, Egypt
07.2014 - 06.2015
- Taught Grade 7 Pre-IB Ancient Civilizations and founded the school’s first competitive debate team
- Led field-based instruction and developed interdisciplinary curriculum connecting modern revolutions with U.S
- History
- Awarded Fund for Teachers Grant to deepen Arabic language and cultural studies
- Inspired a love of learning in students by sharing personal passion for humanities subjects and creating engaging lessons that sparked curiosity.
- Provided targeted support for struggling students through individualized tutoring sessions or small group instruction, increasing overall class performance levels.
- Attended professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on best practices in humanities education, incorporating new ideas into classroom instruction.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in faculty meetings, serving on committees, and collaborating with other staff members on school-wide initiatives.
- Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
- Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.
History Teacher & Debate Coach
Brighton High School
Boston, MA
09.2007 - 06.2013
- Taught across general education, inclusion, and ESL in a range of humanities and science subjects
- Founded and grew debate team from 6 to 60 students; led team to two state championships and national tournaments
- Co-led NEASC accreditation renewal and schoolwide instructional PD on evidence-based argumentation
- Participated in school district meetings and parent-teacher conferences to give insight into student progress and curriculum plans.
- Designed creative projects that allowed students to demonstrate their understanding of course material in various ways, catering to different learning preferences.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies for a diverse classroom environment ensuring all learners had equal opportunities for success.
- Mentored new teachers in history department, sharing best practices and resources for effective teaching.
- Elevated students' academic performance through personalized feedback and targeted tutoring sessions.
- Supported struggling students with targeted interventions, resulting in improved academic performance and confidence.
- Integrated critical thinking exercises into curriculum, enabling students to analyze historical events from multiple perspectives.
- Led professional development workshops for fellow teachers on innovative teaching strategies in history education.
- Facilitated class discussions and debates on historical events and themes, encouraging critical thinking and analysis.
- Improved overall team ranking at competitions by refining practices based on competitor analysis and strategic planning.
- Coordinated travel arrangements and accommodations for tournaments to ensure seamless experiences for students.
Economic Analyst
Charles River Associates International
Boston, MA
09.2005 - 08.2007
- Conducted risk analyses on large-scale capital projects, including the Big Dig and Saudi Landbridge
- Supported economic modeling and contract structuring for federal and international design-build initiatives
- Conducted sensitivity analyses on proposed projects or initiatives, assessing the potential impact of various scenarios on financial performance outcomes.
- Contributed improvement strategies to provide financial analysis support to projects and programs.
- Conducted cost-benefit analyses for various proposed initiatives, enabling informed decision-making on resource allocation priorities.
- Streamlined data collection methods for improved efficiency in generating economic reports and recommendations.
- Disseminated research projects with written reports, articles and presentations.
Education
Ed.M. - School Administration
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Cambridge, MA 08.2013 - 06.2025
B.A. - Economics, Political Science, Internat'l Relations
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 09.1997 - 06.2025
Skills
Strategic leadership
Educational technology
Staff development
Visionary thinking
Diversity and inclusion
Curriculum design
Teamwork and collaboration
Organizational leadership
Public speaking
Relationship building
Presentation skills
Performance evaluation
Certification
Principal (MA Secondary Professional License)
Additional Professional Experience
- Principal Practicum Supervisor, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Featured in Education Week: 'Personalizing Adult Learning'
- Co-Author, Collaborative Leadership for Thriving Teams (Teacher-Powered Schools)
- TEDxHGSE Leadership Team | HGSE Case Collaborator: Technology & Social Justice
- Co-Creator, Intrepid Academy at Hale (semester-long outdoor experiential education)
- Seminar Co-Leader: Egypt as a Teachable Moment (Harvard CMES)
- Co-Author, Coach Responsibility Handbook (Boston Debate League)
Timeline
Head of School
Another Course to College (ACC)
07.2015 - Current
Humanities Teacher
Modern English School
07.2014 - 06.2015
Ed.M. - School Administration
Harvard Graduate School of Education
08.2013 - 06.2025
History Teacher & Debate Coach
Brighton High School
09.2007 - 06.2013
Economic Analyst
Charles River Associates International
09.2005 - 08.2007
B.A. - Economics, Political Science, Internat'l Relations
Northeastern University
09.1997 - 06.2025
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