As an experienced educational leader with a versatile background in various district types - urban, suburban, charter - and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Lori McEwen brings a depth of knowledge and a breadth of perspective to every educational challenge. Known for asking deep, probing questions and offering direct, insightful feedback, Lori helps educational leaders see their challenges and opportunities in new and different ways.
Lori's work transcends traditional approaches to education. With a passion for driving instructional change and a commitment to deep and joyful learning for all students, she inspires educators to rethink and redesign teaching and learning processes. Her hands-on experience in creating schools from scratch and leading significant changes in district approaches provides her with the unique ability to guide and support meaningful transformation in education.
Working with Lori means engaging in a partnership that brings:
- Analytical and Innovative Thinking: Lori’s ability to think differently and analytically equips her to diagnose opportunity areas accurately and propose fresh, informed solutions.
- A Track Record of Real Change: From starting new schools to enhancing professional collegiality and teacher leadership, Lori's leadership has consistently led to substantial improvements in educational environments.
- Purpose, Power, and Partnership: Lori's belief in these three pillars drives her approach to make schools places of empowerment and collaboration, where every student loves to learn.
- A Wealth of Diverse Experience: Lori's rich professional journey across various educational settings enables her to offer various insights and strategies, tailored to any educational context.
- Professional Growth and Development: Testimonials from peers and clients alike highlight Lori’s knack for facilitating professional growth experiences that are informative and transformative
McEwen Educational Consulting: Where vision, experience, and passion converge to create classrooms and communities of deep, joyful, and inclusive learning.
Who Should Work with Lori?
You are an ideal partner if you are:
- Seeking Change: Dissatisfied with the status quo in educational settings and eager for transformative change.
- Committed to Deep Learning: Convinced that there is a pathway for EVERY student to engage deeply and joyfully in their learning journey.
- Valuing Professionalism: Believing in the power and professionalism of teachers, and looking to cultivate an environment where collective efficacy thrives under supportive leadership.
- Visionary: Continuously looking for innovative ways to envision and actualize new possibilities for your learning community.
Together, we will:
- Identify Needs: Collaboratively determine the specific challenges and opportunities within your context
- Tailor Services: Select and customize the services that best meet your needs, drawing from a comprehensive suite of offerings.
- Drive Transformation: Embark on a partnership aimed at realizing the full potential of your students, teachers, and wider educational community.
You are not alone in wanting more for your students and educators. Join forces with Lori to transform your educational landscape into one where every individual can thrive and excel.
Background
Lori’s career, spanning three decades, traces a dynamic journey from her beginnings as a dedicated middle and high school English teacher to influential positions in school and district leadership. Throughout her career, Lori has been committed to acting as a catalyst for meaningful educational transformation.
As an innovative young educator, Lori motivated the faculty at an underperforming urban middle school to adopt heterogeneous grouping and differentiated instruction, strategies aimed at bridging learning gaps and expanding opportunities for all students.
In her leadership capacities, Lori spearheaded the establishment of three small, mastery-based high schools, launched a development pipeline for principals specializing in school turnaround efforts, and advanced teacher leadership by introducing new roles and stipends. Notably, she skillfully coordinated district initiatives, integrating them into a coherent and strategic framework that enhanced the overall educational approach.
Lori's previous appointments have positioned her as a key figure in educational leadership:
- Assistant Superintendent, North Attleborough, MA Public Schools
- Chief of Instruction, Leadership, and Equity, Providence, RI Public Schools
- Director of Academics, Blackstone Valley Mayoral Academy (RI)
Beyond her consulting endeavors, Lori is deeply engaged in educational research and imparts her expertise through teaching master’s and doctoral level courses in instructional leadership at Boston College.
Academic Qualifications
- Ph.D., Educational Administration, Boston College
- Certified Executive Coach, Center for Executive Coaching
See my full resume here _McEwen CV
"I was fortunate to collaborate with Lori in cross-district professional development planning in regional assistant superintendent networks. I valued her enthusiasm and expertise for all things teaching and learning, especially in the realm of making real changes in redesigning school systems to better meet the needs of her students. She is a wealth of information and has a passion for sharing and collaborating with like-minded colleagues."
Maureen Cohen, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Mendon-Upton Regional School District (Massachusetts)
"Just wanted to express my gratitude for your leadership and facilitation the past couple of days. I've been involved in lots of different PD and observations, but only a few times have I felt like I was part of something that was really leading to change. It was inspiring to watch how you led our groups and drove conversations and were able to get everyone to really consider and think about what they are doing. I am so glad you are coming back again in a month. I felt like I had one of the best professional and personal growth experiences of my career the past couple days and am looking forward to the next one."
Jared Fawson
Proficiency and Comptency Based Learning Supervisor
Teaching and Learning Department
Davis (UT) School District