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New BCP President
Laura Doherty |
Baltimore, MD - 6/22/12 - The Board of Directors of the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) announced today that Laura Doherty will become the organization's next President.
Doherty succeeds the organization's President and Founder Dr. Muriel Berkeley, who is stepping down after 17 years. Berkeley will remain actively involved with BCP during the 2012/2013 school year.
"We are delighted to have found a successor to Muriel who knows the Baltimore Curriculum Project inside and out and who shares our goals and vision," said BCP Board Chair George Hess.
"Laura is one of the nation's leading experts on effective instruction and has demonstrated her commitment to BCP's mission through years of dedicated service."
Doherty became interested in teaching at an early age. Her mother was a special education teacher and Doherty grew up hearing and adopting the philosophy that anyone can be taught to read. In 1994 she began teaching, and eventually consulting, in the Chicago Public Schools.
From 1996-1997, Doherty served as Headmaster and teacher at the Baraka School, an innovative boarding school in Kenya, Africa, for at-risk boys from Baltimore City. Coincidentally, one of her students and mentees from that school now serves as a paraeducator at City Springs Elementary/Middle School, where Doherty serves as a consultant.
Since 1998 Doherty has worked as a trainer for the Association for Direct Instruction (ADI) and has been invited to speak at the ADI national conference every year. She has trained both new and experienced Direct Instruction teachers around the country in reading, math, comprehension, and writing.
As a National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI) consultant working with the Baltimore Curriculum Project since 1997, Doherty has led and managed all aspects of the Direct Instruction implementation for reading, math, writing, spelling, and US History in three BCP neighborhood charter schools. She has supported BCP's successful efforts to improve education for Baltimore City students through curriculum implementation, teacher training, in-class coaching, and data analysis.
"Having worked closely with Muriel for 15 years, I am honored and excited to be able to carry on her great work with Baltimore City schools," said Doherty.
Dr. Muriel Berkeley founded BCP in 1996 to provide Baltimore City schools with effective curriculum, teacher training, and management support. Under her leadership the organization has grown from a technical assistance provider into one of the largest charter management organizations in Maryland.
The Baltimore Curriculum Project Board of Directors' Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Anne S. Perkins, selected Doherty after a comprehensive, 3-month national search. Doherty was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
"I am confident that Laura has the passion, drive, and expertise to carry out our vital work to provide all children with the tools they need for success," said Berkeley.
