Courtney Peckham

Liberty Elementary School
South Riding, Virginia
courtney.peckham@lcps.org

Best Practices

1) Assistant Principal’s Role as Instructional Leader: Courtney Peckham’s leadership as an instructional leader at Liberty Elementary School exemplifies her commitment to improving teaching practices and student learning outcomes. From the moment  she stepped into this role, Courtney prioritized building a strong foundation of professional growth for teachers. She organizes and facilitates targeted professional development opportunities, ensuring they are not only aligned with school improvement goals but also responsive to individual teacher needs. Her attention to detail and organizational prowess, evidenced by her color-coded resources and streamlined tools, demonstrates her commitment to efficiency and accessibility. Teachers benefit from her proactive approach to equipping them with the knowledge and materials necessary for effective classroom instruction. Courtney regularly engages in classroom observations, using them as opportunities to provide constructive, individualized feedback. Her goal is not merely to evaluate but to collaborate with teachers in refining their instructional strategies. She fosters a culture of reflection and continuous improvement by guiding educators through data analysis and helping them connect assessment results with actionable strategies. Her work with Collaborative Learning Teams has been particularly impactful, as she brings teachers together to examine student data, identify gaps, and share best practices. What sets Courtney apart is her dedication to ensuring that instructional leadership leads to equitable outcomes for students. She pays special attention to supporting teachers who work with high-need students, guiding them in differentiating instruction to close achievement gaps. By cultivating a culture of high expectations and providing the tools necessary to meet them, Courtney ensures that Liberty Elementary is a place where both teachers and students thrive. Her efforts are further bolstered by her empathetic and approachable demeanor, which makes staff feel valued and supported in their work. The result is a school environment that embraces innovation and collaboration, ensuring every student receives a quality education.

2) Parent and Community Relations: Courtney Peckham’s focus on parent and community relations has strengthened Liberty Elementary’s connection to the families it serves, making it a cornerstone of her leadership. She recognizes that parent engagement  essential to a thriving school community and has developed numerous initiatives to foster stronger partnerships between families and the school. From hosting inclusive events to maintaining open and transparent communication channels, Courtney ensures parents feel both welcomed and valued. Her ability to connect with families on a personal level has increased their trust and involvement in school activities. One of Courtney’s most effective strategies has been her work in organizing parent engagement events that go beyond traditional conferences. She has championed interactive workshops and forums where parents can learn about the school’s instructional strategies, enabling them to better support their children’s learning at home. Additionally, Courtney excels in addressing parents’ concerns promptly and with empathy, ensuring they feel heard and respected. Her ability to navigate sensitive conversations while maintaining a positive and solutions-focused approach has built strong relationships across the community. Courtney’s work also extends to creating partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, aligning community resources with school needs. This has enriched the educational experience for students by providing opportunities such as mentorship programs, guest speakers, and hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to the real world. Her advocacy for inclusivity and social justice resonates deeply with Liberty’s families, making the school a hub for collaboration and shared purpose. Through her dedication to community building, Courtney has enhanced Liberty Elementary’s reputation as a school that prioritizes relationships and fosters a spirit of partnership among all stakeholders. By cultivating these connections, she has created an environment where students, parents, and staff work together toward a shared vision of success.