About Educational Epiphany
Educational Epiphany is a highly sought-after consulting and publishing company with a proven track record. Our talented team and consultants are experts in curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and administration of schools. Our ideas for closing the achievement gap and accelerating achievement for highly able and gifted students are used in schools across the nation, making the goals of college and career readiness attainable for hundreds of thousands of children. Our professional development workshop series and next-generation instructional materials support schools in becoming high-performing exemplars, boasting double-digit gains in reading and mathematics for all student groups and ability levels.
Our Mission
With an emphasis on building teacher capacity and instructional leadership, Educational Epiphany offerings aggressively mitigate the disparity of performance between and among student groups in urban, rural, and suburban schools pre-K–12, regardless of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, or special needs. We are proud to be a purpose-driven organization focused on promoting student achievement and school improvement through a finite set of actionable, measurable, and replicable ideas.
Our Vision
- Expert knowledge of the curriculum
- Dynamic instructional leadership
- Common instructional knowledge, language, and tools
- Purposeful planning and delivery of daily instruction
- Universal teacher expectations
- Systematic assessment of student progress
Meet the Executive Team
Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Educational Epiphany is led by Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D., a nationally renowned authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and district improvement.
Dr. Dickey has redefined what is possible for student achievement and school improvement, earning an enduring reputation as one of the nation’s most dynamic and results-driven educational leaders.
A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Loyola University Maryland, and The George Washington University—where he earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy—Dr. Dickey has held leadership roles at virtually every level of public education. Following a decade of exceptional school-based leadership, he advanced to serve as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for The School District of Philadelphia, one of the nation’s largest systems, and later as Chief Schools Officer and Chief Academic Officer for Atlanta Public Schools. Under his stewardship, each system experienced historic gains in student outcomes and transformative improvements in organizational performance.
Today, as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Educational Epiphany, a preeminent (Pre-K–12) think tank, Dr. Dickey leads a national team that partners with urban, suburban, and rural districts in more than 40 states. Under his direction, Educational Epiphany has become a definitive source for standards-informed instructional materials for early and continuing literacy and the core content areas, as well as a national leader in professional learning, empowering teachers, school and district leaders, superintendents, state departments of education, and professional associations to deliver on the promise of high-quality education for every student.
Richard Bourque, II
Chief Marketing Officer
Richard Bourque, II has been a marketing leader in the publishing industry for over 20 years, with a career spanning art, fashion, music, B2C, B2B, and most recently education. He started his career at Andy Warhol’s iconic Interview Magazine in the advertising department. He then moved to Complex Networks, where his passion for marketing and branding grew to new heights. For 13 years, he worked his way up to Vice President of Product Marketing at Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, where he successfully launched a multitude of K–6 core and supplemental programs across print and digital platforms. He is the proud recipient of the 2017 Scholastic Chairman’s Award, given to him by the late Chairman of Scholastic, Richard Robinson, Jr.
Most recently, Richard joined Educational Epiphany as Chief Marketing Officer, partnering with founder and CEO Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D., to lead the organization’s marketing and branding efforts in support of its mission to expand equity and access to high‑quality education for all students.
Bourque graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, is an active member of the Pace Alumni community, and was recently featured in the Pace Alumni Magazine.
Jerry D. Richardson II, M.Ed.
Chief Operations Officer
Jerry D. Richardson, II has 15 years of cutting-edge elementary education and program operations experience. His wide breadth and depth of experience includes organizational effectiveness, instructional leadership, professional development, data analysis, curriculum development, and many other areas of discipline in education.
Recruited by YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, Richardson started his professional life as a Youth Program Director. He then transitioned to the classroom as a third to sixth grade classroom teacher. He worked on building the capacity of students from all different walks of life, including SPED, ESOL, Gifted and Talented, and various SES students.
Carrying over his classroom experiences and successes, he worked as an academic coach for kindergarten to sixth grade educators domestically and internationally. His primary focus was increasing rigor for all instructional staff, which led to a significant increase in students’ growth in science, social studies, language arts, and math.
Currently, Richardson is the Chief Operations Officer for Educational Epiphany, a consulting and publishing company with worldwide partnerships that provide high-quality professional development and resources that maximize student growth and teacher capacity.
Over the years, he has volunteered in various organizations, including Young Men in Motion, a mentoring program for young boys learning life-coping skills through the physical exercise of running. Richardson regularly volunteers for a local college success program that educates ninth to twelfth grade students about the financial, emotional, and academic costs of college. He resides happily in Washington, DC, with his family.
Tennille Epps
Director of Operations and Strategic Partnerships
Tennille D. Epps, M.Ed., has spent her 27-year career in education supporting students, teachers, principals, and district-level personnel. In various roles, she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, principal (at both the elementary and secondary levels), and director of instruction/effectiveness.
Meet the Ambassadors
Educational Epiphany Ambassadors are certified through a multiyear, rigorous practicum and are highly skilled and effective in supporting schools and districts in the implementation of our ideas for improving student achievement and schools.
The Epiphany Ambassadors can support schools and districts with their expert knowledge of:
Bridget Darden
Epiphany Ambassador
Bridget Darden, M.Ed. is a retired educator and instructional leader with more than 31 years of experience serving students, teachers, and school leaders in two Maryland school systems. Throughout her career, she has been committed to improving student achievement through literacy, instructional leadership, curriculum implementation, and targeted academic intervention.
Bridget has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, BRIDGES After-School Program Coordinator, Summer Enrichment Program Coordinator, and Coordinator of Compensatory Services, where she led efforts to address learning loss and improve outcomes for students receiving special education services following the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also mentored numerous pre-service educators, helping prepare the next generation of teachers for success in the classroom.
A graduate of Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree in English Arts/Early Childhood Education and Towson University with a master’s degree in Supervision and Administration, Bridget is passionate about equipping educators with practical, research-based strategies that strengthen literacy instruction, cultivate effective leadership, enhance curriculum implementation, and improve student outcomes.
Pamela Ehnle, M.Ed.,
Epiphany Ambassador
Pamela Ehnle is a site-based Instructional Specialist serving teachers in the areas of curriculum development and instructional support. As an instructional coach, she strives to support staff by providing models of proven best practices aimed at content mastery for all students. Ehnle is a graduate of Western Illinois University and Olivet Nazarene University, where she earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She continued her educational journey by earning a certification in English as a Second Language and a National Board certification.
Katie Garcia, M.Ed., Ed.D.,
Epiphany Ambassador
After graduating from St. John Fisher College with a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education, Katie Garcia went on to earn a master’s degree in Early Literacy Education. In states from New York to Maryland to Virginia and Hawaii, she has served students in self-contained, inclusion, and Response to Intervention settings in grades from kindergarten to high school. This variety of experience has deepened her knowledge of learner needs and best practice, as well as content and curriculum. In addition to traditional classroom work, she has worked as a private tutor as well as an independent contractor for Educational Epiphany since 2011.
Devin Lee James
Epiphany Ambassador
A proud native of Baltimore, Maryland, Devin L. James brings over a decade of experience in education, driven by a deep commitment to equity, excellence, and the empowerment of Black and Brown students. Devin began his career as a middle school English teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. He also served as a national implementation specialist and professional development facilitator for Great Minds, where he trained educators across the country in implementing the Wit & Wisdom curriculum.
For the past five years, Devin has served as a dedicated instructional leader at Center City Public Charter Schools, as assistant principal and current principal of the Petworth campus. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University and a certificate in writing instruction from Columbia University. He also holds a Masters of Science in Education from Bank Street Graduate College of Education.
Devin is passionate about cultivating high-performing, culturally responsive learning environments where all students, staff, and families can thrive. He lives his faith out loud and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His leadership is grounded in high expectations, instructional excellence, and a joyful school culture.
Napoleon Knight
Epiphany Ambassador
Napoleon Knight is a dedicated educator who integrates literary skills and mathematical analysis to build students’ scientific literacy and understanding of real‑world phenomena. As Science Department Lead, he ensures teachers are equipped to teach standards in ways that provide all scholars access to diverse content and boost proficiency. Napoleon also designs and delivers professional learning beyond his district through the Math for America fellowship, supporting math and science teachers in driving student growth across NYC. He is committed to making learning relevant by connecting classroom instruction to real‑world applications.
James Patterson, Ed.D.,
Epiphany Ambassador
Dr. Jason Patterson is an educator, instructional leader, and former mathematics teacher with nearly two decades of experience supporting schools, teachers, and district leaders. He has served in roles including teacher, instructional coach, school improvement coordinator, district mathematics coordinator, and curriculum and instruction executive. Throughout his career, Dr. Patterson has focused on helping educators translate research into practical classroom practices that improve teaching and learning. His work emphasizes instructional design, teacher development, collaborative professional learning, and building systems that create lasting student success. As an Educational Epiphany Ambassador, he is committed to sharing ideas, resources, and strategies that empower educators to strengthen their practice and expand opportunities for every learner.
Lynn Patton, M.Ed.,
Epiphany Ambassador
Lynn Patton is a distinguished educator recognized with several Teacher of the Year honors at the district, regional, and county levels over the course of 20+ years of categorically impacting student achievement and performance levels as an educational leader. Patton graduated from Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo, where she earned a master’s degree in Education. She believes when respect and student-teacher relationships are paired with high expectations and access to proven instructional practices, students will engage to achieve while the acquisition of higher-level skills provides them with a lifelong advantage.
Michelle Sizemore, Ed.D.,
Epiphany Ambassador
Dr. Michelle Sizemore is a district leader in science instruction and literacy integration. Improved student achievement and curriculum development in secondary science exemplifies Dr. Sizemore’s 20+ years in public education. Dr. Sizemore obtained degrees in middle school education from several Georgia universities including Albany State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, and Columbus State University where she earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
Ronetta Wards, Ed.D.,
Epiphany Ambassador
Dr. Ronetta Wards has served in a variety of leadership roles dedicated to improving educational outcomes for students and strengthening the organizations that serve them. Her professional experience includes serving as a high school science teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of school improvement and support, district Chief Information Officer, and executive leader across school systems, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic institutions. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Attenor Collaborative.
Dr. Wards earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Education in Secondary Science Education from the University of North Florida, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Ashland University, and a Ph.D. in K–12 Educational Administration with a concentration in Urban Education from Michigan State University.
In addition to her professional work, Dr. Wards serves on the City of Jacksonville Mayor’s African American Advisory Board, is a board member for Brown Girls in the Boardroom, and is a member of Societas Docta, Inc. Her work focuses on helping education systems, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and executive leaders translate bold vision into measurable impact through strategic foresight, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and research-informed decision making.
Roadmap to School Improvement
There are 50 million school-aged children in the United States being educated in 100,000 school systems with more than 65% of the population reading below the proficiency threshold; but there is a solution—high-quality, initial instruction and strategic remediation characterized by an integrated approach to infusing literacy in all grades and disciplines.
That is exactly what Educational Epiphany helps schools and districts to do nationwide.
Framework for Unparalleled Student Achievement
This innovative framework has been meticulously designed to usher in a new era of teaching and learning, where student success is not just an aspiration but a reality. Seamlessly blending groundbreaking instructional practices with practical classroom application, the Educational Epiphany Framework empowers educators to create an engaging and student-centric environment that fosters
unparalleled student achievement.
3-Tiered Instructional Ecosystem
Tier 1
Instruction
(Whole Group)
Tier 2
Instruction
(In-Class Small group)
Tier 3
Instruction
(Intervention or Acceleration)
Classroom Key
Teacher-Directed Center
Whiteboard
Student Desk
Student-Directed Center
Library
Flexible Seating
Educational Epiphany’s Four High-Impact Instructional Practices
Addressing the most significant barriers to improvements in student outcomes/student achievement.
At Educational Epiphany, our work is steeped in four High-Impact Instructional Practices that are directly embedded and aligned with our professional development workshops and our Pre-K–12 instructional resources.
A performance-based instructional objective accessible to students, teachers, and observers linked to the content (something students must know) and a higher-order thinking opportunity (what students will do with what they now know).
ELA: Students will be able to (SWBAT) identify key details in order to (IOT) determine main idea.
Mathematics: SWBAT complete a function table IOT graph and describe the relationship between the dependent and independent variable.
Social Studies: SWBAT analyze the achievements of key historical figures IOT evaluate their impact on modern society.
Science: SWBAT identify elements on the periodic table IOT analyze their atomic mass and structure.
Curriculum-driven opportunities for students to determine the meaning of general and domain-specific words and phrases (before and during reading), including, but not limited to, the following Major Strategies (K–12):
- Point-of-Use Annotation of Performance-Based Objective
- Universal Language of Literacy
- Word-and-Definition Word Walls
- Word Parts
- Context Clues
- Point-of-Use Annotation of the Texts (in Real Time)
- Sight Words/High-Frequency Words (Pre-K–9)
Instruction characterized by the gradual release of responsibility
Practice 3A
For English/Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, Mathematics, and Technical Subjects (Electives) Only: Instruction characterized by gradual release of responsibility designed to transition students from teacher dependence to independent critical thinking/problem solving, speaking, and writing.
Practice 3B
For Science Only: Science instruction characterized by the inquiry-based model for teaching and assessing students’ understanding of phenomena and their relationship to crosscutting concepts and science and engineering practices with attention to Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation.
Composition from Sources
Practice 4A
Curriculum-Driven Opportunities: Students compose original texts characterized by the use of information from multiple sources with attention to text types, text structures, and thesis statements.
Practice 4B
For Mathematics Only:
Curriculum-driven opportunities for students to use manipulatives to understand abstract mathematical concepts.