Lisa Oleski is a Ford NGL Community Coach and serves as the organization’s K-12 Lead. She earned her Education Specialist Degree in Administration from Oakland University and holds both a Master’s Degree with a focus in curriculum and leadership, and a Bachelor’s Degree with majors in mathematics and social sciences from the University of Michigan–Dearborn.
Lisa spent 30 years in Center Line Public Schools including 16 years as a multi-age teacher for at-risk students at the elementary level, creating a supportive atmosphere for students to meet high expectations through competency-based learning. In addition, Lisa trained under Susan Kovalic’s Integrated Thematic Instruction Model and with the International Baccalaureate programme, becoming a certified IB Primary Years Programme Coordinator and building administrator before joining the central office team.
In her 11 years as the Assistant Superintendent, she used her experience in curriculum development around real-world inquiry learning to lead the district transformation to a career academy model, earning the community a Ford Next Generation Learning designation in 2021. Having driven along the Ford NGL Roadmap as a district leader, Lisa gives insight to how communities may consider their approach to the work, providing practical experience in developing a cohesive plan across elementary, middle and high school. Lisa is thrilled to be a member of the Ford NGL team to use her systems thinking and support communities in their personalized journey to ensure every child and adult finds their purpose and passion in life.
