Pamela Dwyer brought over a decade of dedicated leadership experience to her role as Principal at Oakland Avenue Charter School in Oakland, Florida, where she spent 11 years in that pivotal position.

Pamela is a distinguished academic, having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Portland State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Education Leadership from Stetson University. Her educational journey has spanned diverse settings, including public, private, and charter institutions, where she served in various capacities, such as Assistant Principal, ELA and Writing Coach, elementary Creative Writing Teacher, intermediate grades teacher, and Adult Career Development education specialist.

Early in her career, Pamela had the privilege of attending the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, an institution founded and directed by Lucy Calkins, The Robinson Professor of Children’s Literature at Teachers College. This experience ignited Pamela’s passion for nurturing the voices of young learners and reinforced her belief that education should be a student-directed exploration of curiosity anchored in relevance and meaning.

Pamela was unwavering in her commitment to Authentic Leadership, consistently engaging in self-reflection, forging enduring relationships, and actively seeking input from the entire school community. She went above and beyond by personally connecting with each of the 525 students under her care, a testament to her dedication to the individual growth and development of each young mind.

During her tenure, Pamela served as the President of Florida ASCD, and she played an integral role on the Board of Directors for the Oakland Nature Preserve, where she chaired the Education Committee. The partnership between Oakland Avenue Charter School and Oakland Nature Preserve fostered invaluable learning opportunities on nature, the environment, and the intricacies of Florida’s ecosystems.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Pamela shines as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, displaying a deep affection for her family. In addition to her roles at home, she channels her passion for education into her personal life.

This dream of enhancing educational opportunities soared to new heights when her previous school became intertwined with NASA’s storied past. Serving as the Assistant Principal, Pamela played a pivotal role in orchestrating a historic event. Under her guidance, students engaged with astronauts aboard the International Space Station using Amateur Radio, creating a momentous experience that undoubtedly inspired a new generation of budding scientists and engineers. Six years ago, she spearheaded the creation of a STEM lab at her school, a testament to her unwavering commitment to innovative learning.