With a boots-on-ground style, Heather Singer found her place in the classroom, a place of progress and purpose. It’s a key piece that led her on a prolific 20-year journey to her new role as Superintendent of Summit Academy Schools.
Fresh out of college in 2004, Singer accepted her first full-time teaching position at Summit Academy Akron Elementary School. There, she discovered her knack for guiding students with behavioral needs. Four students whom she taught her first year went from trouble tweens to celebrated citizens.
“They received an award for citizenship from the city. They made so much progress. That’s what has kept me here, the impact our services have on students with special needs. Summit Academy has always stayed true to its mission,” says Singer, who continued working at Akron Elementary as a primary kindergarten and first-grade teacher until 2010.
In July 2010, Singer transitioned from the classroom to the SAM administrative office as a curriculum administrator. In this role she maximized her skills in qualitative research and her Master’s degree in Evaluation and Measurement. Singer applied her know-how toward analyzing district-wide data on student performance and seeking evidence-based avenues toward student academic growth and school improvement.
“This was the beginning of pursuing competitive grant opportunities for Summit Academy for adopting state-standardized curriculum, introducing instructional coaches to the classroom and bringing in other resources for school advancement,” Singer explains.
Singer’s work in supporting school staff with relevant PD opportunities, leading District Leadership Teams and implementing grant initiatives led to her promotion as a curriculum director in 2015. Her steady leadership and strategic approach to school improvement and firsthand understanding as a former classroom teacher paved her promotion to executive curriculum director in 2020. In this role she continued to dedicate her all to Summit Academy educators and students.
“I never wanted to leave the kids. Moving to administration was one of the hardest decisions. School principals and their staff need consistency and someone to be there for them. This has been my way of making an impact to help teachers and students,” she says, referencing her understanding from a teacher’s perspective.
As Superintendent, Singer will provide visionary leadership to promote the mission, goals and objectives of Summit Academy Schools. She will work collaboratively with newly named Assistant Superintendent Rebeca Tyner, Executive Director of Special Education Erica Richley Duda, and Executive Director of School Operations Chris Wheeler using a “care team” approach to serve our schools in a tailored, one-on-one fashion.
“We really want to focus on collaboration and efficiency, enhancing support to students and staff, refining our systems and processes, and improving communication and customer service,” Singer says, adding that from a curriculum standpoint, “We will continue to focus on the implementation of the Science of Reading across all grade levels.”
One step toward that end will come through applicable professional development opportunities for teachers so they implement the curriculum with fidelity. Singer says that Summit Academy is on the right track and anticipates the new structure will enrich its services already in place.
“We have the right components, the appropriate curriculum and an amazing team,” she says. “I think we have such dedicated, compassionate and mission-driven staff members across the state,” says Singer, describing how any impromptu visit in a Summit Academy classroom or conversation with a parent or child validates the positive impact the schools and their staffs have on children with special needs.
“We want to continue to see this growth in the whole child, academically, socially and emotionally. I’m committed to helping Summit Academy continue to make a difference,” she says.
Singer says her sense of commitment streams through all aspects of her life, touching upon her 19-year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Travis. The couple enjoys family life with their children, Regan, 16, a skilled dancer, and Logan, 12, a budding soccer player.
“We spend a lot of time with family and friends, any bit of time we can,” she says. “I feel that same connection with Summit Academy. I grew up here and want the very best for our Summit community.”