Schlechty Center

Monica Solomon Senior Associate

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I love what I do. I see results and I get feedback and encouragement from my colleagues and clients. There is nothing more powerful than listening to the voices of students and teachers. Nothing! That is why after hundreds of hours of conducting focus groups, analyzing reams of paper, identifying trends and patterns, and writing pages and pages of reports, I never tire of this work and always find it valuable and enriching.

But what's most inspiring is designing tools and facilitating the kinds of conversations to encourage school and district leaders to embrace and reflect upon these often disparate voices. Simply by listening carefully, leaders have a better understanding of who their customers are, how to design experiences to increase both staff and student engagement, and how to reallocate precious resources to achieve results for the school system and community at large. It's rewarding and affirming when, after a period of time, our clients see changes in the conversation that confirm that the culture and structure of schools is improving and their hard work and persistence has made a difference.

MONICA SOLOMON brings a wealth of experience to the Schlechty Center in working with states, districts, and schools in the areas of educational policy, public affairs, teacher and parent engagement, and district and school improvement. At the Schlechty Center, she supports and enhances the capacity of districts to launch and sustain reform through the development and refinement of tools, resources, and materials that center around the Schlechty Center's framework and core business. She has been instrumental in the development of the Schlechty Center's online initiatives, designed to enhance the organization's work and to provide quality service to the field. She co-developed the Schlechty Center's schoolhouse strategy, which focuses on partnership commitments, intended outcomes, and results. Prior to joining the Schlechty Center, Monica served as managing director of state and district services for New American Schools. In that capacity, she formed strategic partnerships with school districts, state education agencies, advocacy groups, teacher unions, and parent/community leaders. Her district experience includes serving as director of public affairs for Cincinnati Public Schools (Cincinnati, Ohio) where she was a member of the superintendent's cabinet. She has been a keynote speaker at national conferences and forums, and has worked as consultant for educational organizations throughout the country.