Last fall, we launched our second Integrity Icon contest, to identify the most principled, hardworking, service-oriented city workers in Philadelphia. After vetting the nominations, we sent a shortlist to our group of judges, who picked five incredible winners to be Philadelphia’s 2022 Integrity Icons.
One of those is Lauren Young, director of K-12 mathematics at the School District of Philadelphia.
In her role creating math curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia, Young has set high standards for herself and her team around educating students during Covid, and in a way that is culturally respectful of all students in the District.
She was the lead content developer for math during the pandemic, putting the neediest children at the forefront of this work; she supported the Office of Family and Community Engagement FACT program by providing training for parents, caregivers, and community members to learn the skills and tools needed to support their children’s academic endeavors—including dealing with stress.
As a manager, she asks her team what they need from her, not the other way around, listening to all viewpoints and making decisions based on extensive research, and what is best for families and students.
“Very often people say integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching,” Young says. “But if you’re living in your truth and you’re following in your passion every day, then there’s no need to second guess the decisions that you make and the words that you choose, and how you engage with people. If people’s feelings matter to you, and that’s your passion, then every single time you engage with someone, you’re going to lead with that first, and for me, that’s integrity.”
Cast your vote for Lauren Young
MEET THE OTHER INTEGRITY ICON 2022 WINNERS
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