Engaging Schools Welcomes Edna Olive as Associate Director

Edna brings over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher, school administrator, coach, facilitator, consultant, and entrepreneur, with a focus on positive and restorative approaches, school and district culture and climate, and educational equity.

She knew as a young child that her life path was to be an educator. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, who, as a teacher, “spoke affirming words, offered learning alternatives, gently, but clearly insisted that students try their best, and celebrated successes when students demonstrated their learning.” This shaped Edna’s belief “that all students can learn when adults supporting them are caring AND skilled in their craft.”

Edna began her work in professional learning when she was asked to coach and train teachers and school leaders on supporting students with behavioral and emotional challenges. Since then, she has developed and delivered professional learning activities, written curricula, managed school-based teams, and provided extensive executive coaching in strengthening leadership skills.

One of Edna’s core beliefs in life is that “relationships are the foundation of everything” and work best when rooted in consistency, authenticity, and competency. Edna is a prolific writer and holds an Ed.D. in Adult, Secondary, & Special Education from The George Washington University. She is passionate about the mission of Engaging Schools, and we are delighted to welcome her onto our team.