Iris is an experienced educator, leader, and wellness practitioner passionate about seeing adults and children live, learn, and lead well. Iris is a proud alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned a BA in public policy with a concentration in education policy. Upon graduating, Iris was accepted into the Nashville Teaching Fellows program, where served as a  4th grade teacher in Metro Nashville Public Schools, while earning her MAT from Belmont University.

After her time in Nashville, Iris decided to move back to her home state of Georgia, where she spent the next 11 years at KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. During her time at KIPP,  Iris was privileged to serve in a variety of capacities including 5th-8th grade math teacher, instructional coach, student support team coordinator, school testing coordinator, and assistant principal.  While at KIPP Iris also completed the KIPP School Leadership Program where she expanded her toolkit on her equitable practices and instructional coaching. 

Iris is a lifelong learner who cares deeply about holistic learning and well-being and is also a certified trainer and yoga teacher. Iris works to incorporate wellness and mindfulness practices in her everyday life and spread these practices among adults and children alike and is the founder of Iris Elle Wellness, LLC. Iris is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and serves as the Director of Wellness for Close Ties Leadership Program.

In her free time, Iris enjoys hiking, attending live music events, traveling, and learning new ways to live well. 

Why are you passionate about transforming education?

I imagine a world where education is centered around exposure, nurture, and healing. I envision schools that give students more autonomy to choose what and how they are learning. I believe that there is an inherent genius in all humans and that the best educational experience has the power to unlock this. When we transform education, we transform humans and thus transform the world.

In your opinion, how can learner-centered classrooms set students up for success?

Learner-centered classrooms are like buffets, options are plentiful and diverse, and in the end, everyone leaves full. When students have access to the right material, in the way that is just right for them, they are able to apply and transfer their learning in a way that is meaningful. When learning has meaning, it has power.