Chief Academic Officer

Penny Nixon

Penny Nixon, Chief Academic Officer of the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), prides herself in promoting an environment of academic excellence and positive school culture. She supports the design, implementation, and coordination of instructional leadership and curriculum-related initiatives. Mrs. Nixon is responsible for ensuring instructional leadership is being implemented in all Philadelphia public schools, as well as reporting matters related to operations and budget to the Chief Recover Officer and Acting Superintendent.

Prior to her position as Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. Nixon served as Associate Superintendent of Schools, Regional Superintendent, servicing 32 schools in the Northwest Region, Assistant Regional Superintendent, Principal, Academic Coach, and teacher. For six years, she was the principal at Wagner Middle School, which is currently a Vanguard School in the SDP. In all of her respective roles, she has been a reflective practitioner, researcher, and agent for change.

Mrs. Nixon is currently a participant in the University of Pennsylvania Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. She received her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her undergraduate studies at Temple University. She also holds a principal certification and a Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility.