Joan Countryman

Joan Countryman is an educational leader, mathematics educator, and former head of school who has spent her career advancing teaching, learning, and school leadership at the highest levels. She served as Head of Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island for 12 years and was selected as a consultant and Interim Head of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, one of the most high-profile education positions in the world.

A Career Leading the Best Schools in America

Countryman’s leadership career includes Lincoln School, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, and the Atlanta Girls School, as well as 23 years at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia where she taught mathematics and served as Assistant Head for Academic Planning and Director of Studies. She has worked in 49 states and 24 countries. Her deep expertise in mathematics education, academic program design, and school leadership has made her a trusted voice in independent and public school communities.

Leadership That Transforms Schools

Countryman brings decades of firsthand experience leading schools through transformation and building academic programs that prepare students for success. Her keynotes deliver expert insights on school leadership and building strong academic cultures, mathematics education and innovative teaching practices, lessons from leading the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, and the leadership practices that create schools where every student can excel.

Beautiful in the Light of Freedom: Education and Democracy 

Mission, Money, and Moxie: Creating and Supporting Successful Schools 

Who is in the Room: Gender in Math and Science

Writing to Learn Mathematics