Her Story
About Lynn
Lynn Prentiss serves as Executive Director of the UCAP school in Providence, Rhode Island. She began her association with the school 23 years ago working for the founding director and later returned to the role five years ago after gaining extensive leadership experience. Prentiss started her teaching career as a mathematics instructor at a small charter school in Providence following her undergraduate degree in mathematics with a concentration in education and middle-level endorsement from URI. She earned a Master's of Teaching and Learning from Johnson and Wales and pursued leadership training through the Aspiring Turnaround Leaders Program, which awarded her principal and administration certificates. Additional credentials include a Director of Curriculum and Instruction credential, a superintendent's certificate from Lamar University, and completion of the National Institute of School Leadership program. Her path included serving as an elementary school principal in Woonsocket, five years in Warwick, and a brief stint as director of curriculum at a Woonsocket charter school before returning to UCAP. Under her leadership, the school has improved from a one-star to a two-star accountability rating, strengthened staff culture focused on instruction, and achieved high ninth-grade pass rates while serving students with histories of academic challenges. Prentiss attributes her success to support from coaches and colleagues along with personal grit, and she emphasizes values of equity, inclusion, staff care, and student-centered decision making.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lynn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say two things. Help from a lot of people including coaches and fellow teachers who give honest feedback, and straight up grit. Especially as a female leader, I just don't give up. I feel strongly that kids and staff deserve leaders who show up for them, treat them with dignity and respect, hold them accountable, and push them. That takes resilience, patience, reflection, and hard conversations.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In order to take care of students, you've got to take care of your staff. The happiness and joy factor for adults matters. Always keep students first in making decisions. What you give a shit about can be seen in your schedule, so make sure values like collaboration, social emotional learning, and reasonable breaks are reflected there.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is kids being locked into technology, losing skills in body language, thoughtful conversations, patience with learning, and seeing education as a way out. There's opportunity for schools of all backgrounds to learn from one another through more collaboration across different types of schools.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Equity and inclusion are really important. The ability to grow a culture that is kind, respectful, and inclusive by bringing together people from different backgrounds. Just be a good human. Be kind to people, it doesn't cost you anything.
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