For Raymond Ankrum, associate professor of instruction at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development, the core of his work has always been clear: put students first. “Education has always been my calling,” he said. “Tutoring my cousins showed me early on the value of using your skills to support others.” That early insight laid the foundation for a career rooted in service, leadership and community-focused approach.

A Leader Shaped by Schools and Communities

Ankrum began his teaching career in Baltimore City Public Schools before moving into leadership roles at Democracy Prep and Harlem Village Academy. As a principal at Harlem Village Academy, he restructured instructional systems and helped guide the school to the top 1% of charter schools in New York State, with 100% of eighth graders passing the NYS Math Exam.

He later became superintendent of Riverhead Charter School, where he led professional development, collaborated with stakeholders and managed major initiatives, including school expansion and a $16 million building project. “As a transformative educator, I am committed to empowering future educators and leaders to recognize and cultivate their talents,” he shared.

Finding Alignment and Community at Temple

Ankrum said he was drawn to Temple through his initial connection to the University via his wife, who is “an extraordinary thought partner and Temple alum,” and by the professional culture he found here.

“Temple University is truly an elite university,” he said. “During my interview, the committee was exceptionally welcoming and made me feel I would be a value add to the institution.”

He now teaches master’s and doctoral students, bringing his decades of K–12 leadership directly into the classroom. Ankrum said he appreciates the pivotal role the CEHD community has in supporting his growth. “The diverse thought among my brilliant colleagues challenges my comfort and accelerates my development. It’s a supportive, yet intellectually rigorous environment.”

Ankrum highlights Temple’s collaborative atmosphere as central to his work. “Everyone here is extremely helpful in their own way,” he shared. “The family atmosphere, combined with colleagues who push my thinking, enhances my work every day.” This environment, he noted, allows him to blend his real-world leadership experience with rigorous academic preparation, ensuring students receive practical and transformative training.

Mentorship Rooted in Care and Authenticity

A central part of Ankrum’s work is mentoring future leaders. He approaches this important responsibility with a guiding question: “Who would I be to my younger self?” This perspective helps him encourage students to take risks, learn from mistakes and develop confidence in their leadership identities. “You get the most out of what you put in, and your hard work and principles are on display even when no one is looking,” he told his students.

Research that Strengthens Voices

Ankrum’s research focuses on the leadership practices of Black male principals and how they engage Black parents in urban charter schools. His dissertation explores their strategies through frameworks such as Epstein’s (1995) parent involvement model and Bass's (2020) Black Masculine Care (BMC) framework. “These leaders often employ successful actions that are innate. My research brings a voice to those actions,” he said. His goal is to offer replicable insights that strengthen family–school partnerships and broaden representation in educational leadership scholarship.

Shaping the Future of Educational Leadership

In the coming years, Ankrum hopes to publish more widely, develop new partnerships with school leaders, and author a book on leadership missteps and growth. “The book ties directly into my experience as a leader and transformative educator, one who thoroughly comprehends the perspectives of all stakeholders yet remains prepared to make difficult decisions,” he stated. His long-term mission is to celebrate achievements, support strong leadership and uplift educational communities.

Ankrum’s advice to those entering the field is powerful. “Be diligent about your search, ask questions and show up as your authentic self without any masks,” he said. “When you do that, you will immediately know if the space is right for you.”

article by Christine An