Rhonda Lauer has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer since 1997, guiding Foundations’ rapid growth from a regional program provider to an organization that has earned national and international recognition for its success in transforming the world of teaching and learning by strengthening the skills of educators.
Lauer is a lifelong Philadelphian who has worn many hats for the School District of Philadelphia: teacher, principal, administrator, management negotiator, and associate superintendent. Lauer also served as Superintendent of Schools in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and currently sits on several boards of directors, including the Urban Affairs Coalition and Say Yes to Education. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Temple University and holds a Pennsylvania Principal’s Certification and Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from the University of Pennsylvania.
Despite her many professional accomplishments and awards, Lauer remains proudest of the fact that every single one of her students left her classroom able to read, write, and do math. Lauer believes that all children can learn, that relationships matter, that those who choose to be educators can be great teachers and afterschool professionals, and that strong, shared and mindful leadership is essential to all organizations that serve children, families and communities. She believes in ‘action’ and is passionate about ensuring quality education for every child – every day!
Lauer is a proud mother to her children David, Rachel, Jessica, and Seth, and is an adoring grandmother (known as “Rah-Rah”) to grandchildren Alexandra, Liam, Miles, and Daniel, and grand-dogs Kipper and Juno. In her free time, she loves to sing, dance, read, and cook – some even say she makes the best mac and cheese this side of the Mississippi!