When asked to oversee the pilot of The Framework for Teaching for the School District of Philadelphia, Shirley leveraged her experience as an elementary teacher, teacher of the blind and visually impaired, elementary principal, and central office administrator. Up for the challenge, her work resulted in the training of more than 200 principals and peer observers. 

Her understanding of and effective use of the Framework has continued as she trains educators in the United States and abroad, specializing in teacher practice, school leadership and formative assessment of student learning. 

Shirley’s leadership extends through her family, with one of her four children also trained as a skilled facilitator of the Framework.

Shirley holds a BS in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Temple University; MA in Elementary Education from Antioch University; Masters of Education in Education of the Blind and Visually Impaired from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry; and a Certification in Elementary Educational Administration from Pennsylvania State University.