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Ryan given national award by National Science Education Leadership Association
Dr. Darlene Ryan has won the Outstanding Administrative Support Award from the National Science Education Leadership Association for demonstrated exemplary support for science education at the school, district, higher education, and/or county level. This award honors an administrator whose primary responsibility is outside the area of science instruction.
Dr. Ryan serves as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools for Durham Public Schools. She has been a teacher leader, STEM coach, district-level science/math coordinator, principal, and executive director for curriculum/instruction. She was previously recognized as North Chatham School Teacher of the Year; Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching, UNC at Chapel Hill; NCSLA Herman Gatling Award for Outstanding Science Education Leadership; and Principal of the Year in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
“Dr. Ryan is an excellent leader, colleague, communicator, and collaborator,” said Dr. Nakia Hardy, DPS’s Deputy Superintendent, and Dr. Ryan’s supervisor. “Her effective communication skills allow her to facilitate principal meetings involving district staff while providing strategies to build instructional leadership. She also empowers school leaders to reimagine science education through STEAM initiatives that have resulted in positive outcomes for students.”
Dr. Ryan will receive a $1,000 award and be recognized at the NSELA Leadership Summit in May and its Summer Leadership Institute in July.