Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Partners,
As we celebrate Teaching Matters’ 30th anniversary, I’ve been reflecting with deep pride and gratitude on the progress we’ve made together. We began as a small team with a big idea: that every student deserves great teaching no matter their zip code, and that great teaching can be learned, supported, and sustained. Since then, we have grown into New York City’s most requested professional learning partner, expanded into new regions, and helped many thousands of educators strengthen instruction and build more equitable, impactful classrooms. Over these past three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many of you to advance equity through great teaching — and today, I’m writing to share the next phase of that mission.
After nearly 28 years leading this extraordinary organization, I am transitioning out of my role as Chief Executive Officer, and I’m thrilled to officially welcome Carolyne Quintana as our new CEO, effective immediately.
This is a time of real momentum at Teaching Matters. We have reached new heights and are in the midst of a bold five-year strategic plan to reach an additional 750,000 students across the country. Our leadership team is strong and stable, our partnerships are thriving, and our mission has never been more relevant. As I pass the baton, I’m filled with confidence in our future — and in the remarkable leader who is stepping in.
Carolyne brings over 20 years of experience across every level of public education, as a teacher, principal, coach, and, most recently, as Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at NYC Public Schools. She has led citywide instructional reforms, launched NYC Reads, expanded inclusive literacy practices, and now advises national leaders on equity-centered leadership, AI integration, and student-centered system design. Carolyne’s approach is grounded in values that feel deeply familiar to all of us at Teaching Matters: belief in teachers, commitment to coherence, and a clear-eyed focus on impact and equity.
Carolyne’s career reflects a rare blend of instructional expertise, systems thinking, and equity-driven leadership — qualities that make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead Teaching Matters into its next chapter.
Carolyne shared, “Every child deserves a high-quality academic experience that leads to deeper learning and prepares them for the world beyond school — and that requires strong, caring, capable teachers. Teaching Matters has always stood for this belief, and I’m excited to build on its remarkable legacy by helping educators bring equity, coherence, and innovation to classrooms across the country.”
The Board of Directors led a thorough national search and unanimously selected Carolyne as our next CEO. I am grateful for their thoughtful leadership and proud to continue supporting Teaching Matters through 2026 as an advisor during this transition.
To all of you who have supported this mission, partnered in the work, and believed in what we do: thank you. Your dedication to educators and students has made this work so meaningful. Serving as CEO of Teaching Matters has been the greatest honor of my professional life, and I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together. What I’m most grateful for are the incredible people I have had the pleasure of working alongside — both at Teaching Matters and beyond. Few professions attract the kind of heart and purpose that educators take for granted. I count myself lucky to have worked with such mission‑minded people throughout my entire career.
This is why I am so excited for what’s ahead under Carolyne’s leadership. Please join me in warmly welcoming Carolyne. I look forward to all she will bring — and to the continued impact Teaching Matters will make in the years to come.
With appreciation,
Lynette Guastaferro
Outgoing CEO
Teaching Matters