Elizabeth M. Colbert
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Dr. Colbert is an experienced education executive and adult learning specialist who excels at facilitating Professional Learning Communities and guiding educators through data-driven improvement cycles. She brings a strong background in instructional coaching, collaborative inquiry, and designing high-impact professional development for teachers and school leaders. Her leadership of the North Carolina Virtual Public School gives her deep expertise in virtual engagement and supporting participants effectively in online environments. Recently retired from public education, she is seeking part-time opportunities where she can apply her coaching skills, facilitation experience, and commitment to educator growth.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Learning Officer
Schools that Lead
08.2023 - Current
- Delivered professional development and coaching to educators across NC, enhancing their understanding of improvement science practices
- Developed innovative learning strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Led marketing initiatives showcasing school success stories through blogs and social media, increasing engagement and awareness
Interim Director
Wake Up and Read
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Managed budget and coordinated staff to maximize effectiveness of volunteer efforts.
- Collaborated with stakeholders and board members to enhance literacy initiatives through volunteer programs.
- Organized twenty-four free book fairs in targeted Wake County schools and childcare centers.
Executive Director
North Carolina Virtual Public School
01.2013 - 04.2022
- Lead the nation’s second largest state-led virtual school with over 56,000 student course enrollments from every NC public school district taught by seven hundred teachers annually
- Engaged policy leaders and school leaders to shape state-level system, removing barriers to access for teachers and courses for students in grades 6-12
- Co-authored Rethink Education Federal Grant, securing $17 million to develop standards-aligned digital content for universal access across NC
- Www.ncvps.org
Lead Professional Development Consultant
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
04.2010 - 12.2012
- Led and coached a team of professional development consultants statewide, supporting district and school leaders in meeting Race to the Top grant requirements
- Trained teachers and school leaders on strategies for collaboration and teamwork, focusing on professional learning community development and alignment with the strategic plan
- Collaborated with stakeholders to enhance instructional practices across schools.
Senior Director
Office of Professional Development for Wake County Schools
03.2007 - 03.2010
- Facilitated retreats, summits, and planning sessions for district leaders, engaging diverse stakeholders inside and outside WCPSS to enhance collaboration across teams and departments
- Developed and launched online learning courses for teachers and principals on budget manager certification, SIOP, effective PLCs, and strategies for school-based professional development
- Developed training programs to enhance instructional strategies and classroom management.
Principal
Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School, Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC
06.2004 - 03.2007
Principal
Partnership Elementary School, Raleigh, NC
Raleigh, NC
04.1998 - 06.2004
Assistant Principal
Wake Forest GT Magnet School, Wake Forest, NC
Wake Forest, NC
01.1995 - 03.1998
Teacher
Wake County Public Schools
Cary, NC
08.1986 - 08.1995
Education
Ed.D - Educational Administration
Teachers College, Columbia University
New York, NY05-2001
M. Ed. - Educational Leadership
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC05-1994
M.A.T - Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers College, Columbia University
New York, NY05-1991
B. A. - Early Childhood Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC05-1986
Skills
- PLC facilitation and collaborative inquiry
- Instructional coaching and adult learning
- Virtual learning leadership
- Strategic planning and executive leadership
- Grant writing
Awards
- Excellence in Leadership award, UNC School of Education, 2023
- NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine, 2022
- Retired from the NC Public School System, 2022
Nonprofit Volunteer Experience
- Schools that Lead Board of Directors, 2016-present
- UNC School of Education Alumni Council, 1995-2024
- Wake Up and Read, 2019-present
Timeline
Chief Learning Officer
Schools that Lead
08.2023 - Current
Interim Director
Wake Up and Read
01.2023 - 08.2023
Executive Director
North Carolina Virtual Public School
01.2013 - 04.2022
Lead Professional Development Consultant
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
04.2010 - 12.2012
Senior Director
Office of Professional Development for Wake County Schools
03.2007 - 03.2010
Principal
Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School, Raleigh, NC
06.2004 - 03.2007
Principal
Partnership Elementary School, Raleigh, NC
04.1998 - 06.2004
Assistant Principal
Wake Forest GT Magnet School, Wake Forest, NC
01.1995 - 03.1998
Teacher
Wake County Public Schools
08.1986 - 08.1995
Ed.D - Educational Administration
Teachers College, Columbia University
M. Ed. - Educational Leadership
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
M.A.T - Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers College, Columbia University
B. A. - Early Childhood Education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill