As Eva Dwight joins the Board of Positive Discipline, she leaves us as Program Director. She has been an amazing director and we wish her all the best in her new adventure. As of this month, Dr. Glynetta Fletcher takes over as Program Director.

Dr. Gurian first met Dr. Fletcher (“Fletch”) five years ago at a Gurian Summer Training Institute where Fletch told him that the Gurian work had confirmed what she had felt for decades at a gut level in schools: GI work provided practical tools, helped her not only help girls and boys but also address racial equity issues positively, and as she put it, “This work needs to be everywhere.”

Fletch became a Gurian Trainer and then became Master Trainer to make that happen!   She is in demand to provide boys and girls learn differently training/PD around the country, as well as training on helping children of color from the brain-based lens.  With Eva Dwight, Michael Gurian, Marion Hill, Natalie Alvarez, and our team in Phoenix, Fletch co-led our three year Pilot program for Head Start of Phoenix and the Greater Phoenix Urban League in 2019 – 2022.  Fletch has also keynoted at our Summer Training Institutes as well as numerous other conferences around the country.

As our new Program Director, Fletch will continue to provide one day PD and co-direct, with Dr. Gurian, our yearlong and multi-year programs.   She will also work with the Gurian Center for Educational Excellence at Crespi Carmelite High School (Fletch and the Center/Crespi are both located in Los Angeles).  Please reach out to Dr. Fletcher via drfletcher@gurianinstitute.com and/or info@gurianinstitute.com.  She is a dynamo who can help you positively transform your school culture.

Now here’s more from Fletch:

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new GI Program Director.  I bring with me over 20 years of experience in the field of education, working passionately to support and uplift students, teachers, and schools.  Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving as both a classroom educator and a school site leader, including assistant principal and principal, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of educational practices. I have taught High School English and provided secondary methods training to new teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the classroom.

In addition to my classroom and leadership roles, I have served as a Gurian Master Trainer for four years, empowering educators with effective instructional strategies and fostering a collaborative learning environment. One of my key areas of focus has been improving academic outcomes for boys, from early education to high school, and I firmly believe that teaching to the brain is an essential equity issue.  Another key area of focus has been helping girls and girls of color.  My journey in brain science began over a decade ago, and my passion for brain science and its impact on educational outcomes culminated in my dissertation. Understanding the intricacies of how the brain learns has been instrumental in shaping my mission to shift the narrative for boys and promote equitable practices in education.

As I step into the role of Program Director, I am excited to continue fostering discussions and implementing professional development initiatives that promote equity in education. I am committed to providing unwavering support to schools, ensuring that they have access to relevant and impactful professional development opportunities. Through leadership support and collaborative efforts, I aim to create a thriving educational environment that caters to the unique needs of all students.

I am truly honored to be a part of the Gurian Institute and look forward to working closely with the entire team to further our shared vision of excellence in education. Together, let us make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and empower them to reach their full potential.

Thank you for this incredible opportunity, and I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead. Sincerely,

Dr. Glynetta Fletcher, Program Director