Phyllis Shepherd

Phyllis Shepherd serves as Dean of Students and Dean of Culture in Alexandria City Public Schools, where she works with more than 500 middle school students and operates a district-wide social-emotional learning program. She began her career in education in 2000 as a math teacher in public schools after earning a degree in math, later teaching physical science as well. Over her more than 25 years in the field, she progressed through a charter school system for six years, serving as intervention coordinator and dean of academics, followed by two years as an assistant principal in a pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade school. She is currently enrolled in a doctorate program at Howard University, where her dissertation focuses on education and AI, building on her involvement in AI fellowships and technology integration. Phyllis attributes her success to a willingness to grow, supported by strong administrators such as Dr. Dorothy and Dr. Ann Kakara, as well as her family, particularly her mother. She values understanding one's purpose to drive hard work, integrity, impact on others, and building capacity in those around her, and she advises young women entering education to be open, reflective, and action-oriented.