Framingham, MA — The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) announced that it has selected Glennis Matthews as its new Superintendent. The process was led by a search committee of staff, board members, and administration which was co-chaired by Isidore Niyongabo, TLC Chief People Officer, and Shira Grabelsky, TLC Director of Education Initiatives. The finalist process involved a meet and greet between each finalist and Marie Philip School and Walden School students, teachers, board, principals, and parent representatives. The consulting firm that guided the search process was Innivee Strategies, Inc., a Deaf-owned and led organizational and leadership development company.
A Historic Moment
Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith, CEO of The Learning Center, formally offered the position to Ms. Matthews, who enthusiastically accepted the role. Ms. Matthews’ acceptance makes her the first Black Deaf woman and first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) graduate to become a Superintendent of a Deaf School throughout the history of Deaf Education, joining the league consisting of a few Deaf BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Deaf School Superintendents in the United States. “Glennis’ vision, enthusiasm, and student-centered beliefs and values inspired us all,” said Dr. Glenn-Smith. “I am ecstatic to welcome Glennis to the TLC community. In addition to her extensive experience in foundational literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Glennis shares our vision for a campus that embodies anti-bias, anti-racist practices and pedagogy while continuing our proud, continued legacy as the founder and leader of ASL/English bilingual education.”
About Glennis Matthews
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Saginaw, Michigan to a Grenadian mother and a Trinidadian father, Ms. Matthews’ educational journey took her to Georgia to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston, and a Master of Arts degree in Middle Grade Math and Science from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. She is a professional science educator and the Science Department Chairperson at Atlanta Area School for the Deaf in Clarkston, Georgia.
Ms. Matthews has returned to Clark Atlanta University and is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership. She passionately believes in the foundation of literacy and has focused her studies on early literacy intervention strategies for deaf and hard of hearing children with a career goal to advocate and implement an early literacy curriculum for deaf and hard of hearing children. Out of the lab and onto the stage, Ms. Matthews is the only Deaf member of Giwayen Mata – an award-winning soul-stirring, all-sistah, dance, percussion, and vocal ensemble based in Atlanta. As an advocate, Ms. Matthews dedicates her time as a tutor and mentor for interpreters who are working towards national certification.
“An Honor to Join The Learning Center”
“It is an honor to join The Learning Center,” said Glennis Matthews. “After meeting the search committee members and student, staff, parent, and Board representatives, I am excited to work closely with the TLC team in continuing to lead the way in bilingual Deaf education.”
Dr. Glenn-Smith wishes to thank Innivee Strategies, Inc. for their commitment and expertise in guiding the organization in building trust among staff members, students, parents, and other stakeholders. Innivee Strategies CEO, Shane Feldman, said, “We are extremely grateful for the trust that TLC placed in our consulting services and to those in the community who dedicated their time, involvement, support, which led to a successful search process. Through our consulting services, we learned about TLC’s bold vision for the future! We are excited about seeing the vision come to fruition with Glennis Matthews’ leadership as the new TLC Superintendent.”
Glennis Matthews is expected to begin her role in late August 2021. The Learning Center for the Deaf and Innivee Strategies, Inc. wish to extend their appreciation to all individuals who applied for the role and to the TLC community members who contributed to the search process.
About The Learning Center for the Deaf
The 2020 Metrowest Nonprofit Partner of the Year, 2019 Outstanding Organization of the Year by MCDHH, and two-year winner as Best Audiologist in Metrowest, The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) is a nationally-recognized leader in educational, therapeutic, and community services for deaf and hard of hearing children and adults and one of the largest private employers of Deaf individuals in the Massachusetts. The organization honors and celebrates Deaf culture through bilingual-bicultural education; linguistically accessible and culturally-responsive service provision; audiology and hearing aid services; public school consultation; professional consultation and training; Deaf community events; interpreting services and more. For more information visit www.tlcdeaf.org.
About Innivee Strategies, Inc.
Innivee Strategies provides a systemic framework for organizations to facilitate a strong strategic direction toward the desired vision. Our services include Executive Search & Transition, Governance Training & Consulting, Strategic Planning, Executive Support Systems, Leadership Development, and Guided Facilitation. Please visit our website at www.innivee.com to learn about our clients and their testimonies about how our services have benefited their organizations.
