As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator, Korri Cunningham is a role model to colleagues and students alike at John Herbert Phillips Academy (JHPA). A former English language arts teacher, Cunningham draws from her classroom experience to further student success at JHPA. She frequently assisted other teachers in her time as an instructional coach through lesson modeling, observation, mentorship, and demonstrations on best practices. Cunningham has taken extra steps to further her own instructional knowledge by becoming a trained teacher consultant through the Red Mountain Writing Project as well as completing IB curriculum training and spearheading IB coordination at JHPA. Her implementation of the IB curriculum portfolio project empowers students to explore a range of cultures and principles through their analysis of classic novels and short stories. This project played a key role in securing JHPA’s IB World School renewal. Cunningham’s support both inside and outside of the classroom has contributed to JHPA’s state A rating, while her use of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) process has been instrumental to building schoolwide climate and culture.
Cunningham provides her colleagues with a variety of resources to support implementation of state curriculum standards. She has amplified her knowledge by leading professional development on literacy instructional strategies, motivating educators districtwide to further their teaching practices. Other notable school and district leadership roles include Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) IB coordinator, district reading curriculum review team member, and advisor to JHPA’s National Junior Honor Society. Cunningham also assists the JHPA administration team with curriculum and operational preparations, ensuring a smooth back-to-school transition for students and staff.
Cunningham earned an Associate of Art in English from Lawson State Community College in 2011, a Bachelor of Science in secondary education-English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2015, and a Master of Education in instructional leadership from the University of West Alabama in 2021.
Press release: Surprise $25,000 Milken Educator Award Brings National Recognition to Birmingham Educator
