Bobby Riley
School Principal @Burlington School District
Signup · Get unlimited contacts
WORK HISTORY
School Principal @Burlington School District
Burlington, VT, US
Led the successful merger of two legacy alternative high schools into Eagle Bay Academy, creating a unified vision focused on trauma-informed, student-centered learning.• Developed and implemented a fully proficiency-based graduation system aligned with Vermont Act 77 and the Portrait of a Graduate.• Partnered with over 30 local organizations to expand real-world, project-based learning and internships.• Spearheaded professional development in trauma-informed practices, restorative justice, and culturally responsive education.• Secured and managed grants to build a therapeutic school environment with embedded mental health supports.
EDUCATION
University of the Cumberlands
Master of Education - MEd, Educational Leadership and Administration, General
Southern Connecticut State University
Master's degree, Library and Information Science
Trinity College of Vermont
Bachelor's degree, History & Secondary Education
Champlain College
Associate's degree, Business Administration and Management, General
ABOUT BOBBY RILEY
I’m Bobby Riley, a lifelong educator and principal passionate about reimagining schools as compassionate, creative, and student-centered communities. My path began in Vermont, where I earned degrees in Business Administration, History and Education, Library Science, and Educational Leadership. These foundations shaped my belief that schools must respond to the full humanity of students and educators.I started my career as a Library Media Specialist and Technology Coordinator, working in both alternative and traditional public schools. I quickly found myself drawn to leadership roles where I could support collaboration, innovation, and equity. From curriculum design to family partnerships, I became known for helping schools move from compliance-based models to ones rooted in connection and meaning.In 2011, I became principal of the Integrated Arts Academy, a Title I public magnet school. Over the next eight years, I led our transformation into a nationally recognized model for arts integration, restorative practice, and equity. We were featured in the documentary The Creative Brain, and I was honored as Vermont Principal of the Year, a National Distinguished Principal, and Magnet Schools of America Principal of the Year. Our success was built on shared leadership, strong community partnerships, and a belief that learning should be joyful and deeply human.Since 2019, I’ve led Burlington’s Alternative Education Programs, serving students often pushed to the margins. I’ve focused on trauma-informed systems, therapeutic learning environments, and project-based approaches that reconnect students to purpose. I support staff through professional learning in restorative practices, diversity, and student-centered learning while also managing school-based budgeting, grants, and program development.Beyond my school sites, I contribute as a national presenter, published author, and mentor. Whether I’m facilitating a restorative circle, building a flexible pathways model, or leading a staff retreat, I bring a relational approach grounded in equity, creativity, and care. I believe in holding space—for healing, for growth, and for the possibility that school can be a place where everyone belongs and thrives.
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.