Alicia Harper —Leading Achievement First and Redefining Joy in Schools

Our Guest, Alicia Harper, is a Superintendent at Achievement First. She is a turnaround strategist, and LinkedIn content creator known for her exceptional leadership in school transformation.  As a former principal, she led a turnaround school where math and reading proficiency rose from ~30% to over 90%, and staff favorability jumped from 47% to 95%, ranking #1 on Org Health Surveys during her tenure. More importantly, together with her team, she built a school where students felt happy and empowered, and their identities are affirmed because joy and rigor co-exist in every classroom.  With 15+ years in urban education, she’s celebrated for her innovative strategies and commitment to positive learning environments.  Alicia holds degrees from Columbia University and completed the Relay National Principal Fellowship. Trained in emotionally intelligent leadership by The Noble Story Group, she inspires change across her network.  Outside of work, she enjoys Brooklyn life with her husband and three sons. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The Experience Greeting: Eric Almonte Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY