Career Highlights: Dr. Kimberly Robertson is the Executive Director of Choice Schools and Programs for Guilford County Schools, overseeing 60+ magnet and choice programs. A future-focused leader, she is committed to reimagining education to ensure all students have innovative learning opportunities. With over 24 years in education, she has served as a district leader, principal, and special education teacher in both public and private sectors. She holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University and a doctorate from UNC Greensboro. Dr. Robertson is also the Founder and CEO of Vantage Strategy Group. She currently serves on the EDmarket Board of Directors and is Vice-Chair of the Innovation Council.
What has been your professional journey?
I began my professional journey as a special education teacher and later became a school principal, both roles that I absolutely loved. While working on my doctorate, I found that I was most productive in flexible environments like coffee shops, parks, “fancy” hotel lobbies and open common areas, rather than my home office or school building. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. However, as a middle school principal, I noticed our students weren’t engaging with our media center the way we hoped. I envisioned a more inviting, café-style space with flexible seating, cozy reading areas, and bistro-style tables, a place where students would naturally gather and collaborate. After redesigning the space, the transformation was a hit, reinforcing my belief in the power of intentional learning environments. Again, I didn’t fully recognize the deeper connection to my work just yet.
I’ve made it a priority to advocate for equitable learning environments because if we want our students to compete globally, we must be intentional about creating spaces that inspire, engage, and support them. Later, I transitioned into a district leadership role, overseeing our district’s portfolio of magnet schools. This position allowed me to not only redesign instructional models but also ensure that school spaces truly supported and aligned with innovative learning approaches. Looking back, I now see how my experiences as a graduate student and school leader shaped my understanding of space and its impact on engagement, learning styles, and student well-being.
In my current role, I’ve had the privilege of traveling across the country, touring schools, and witnessing firsthand how far educational design has come. However, the disparities in resources between schools and districts are undeniable. I’ve made it a priority to advocate for equitable learning environments because if we want our students to compete globally, we must be intentional about creating spaces that inspire, engage, and support them.
This past year, I took a significant step forward by launching Vantage Strategy Group, a consulting firm dedicated to leveraging expertise in leadership, organizational strategy, and change management. Through this work, I help businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions drive innovation, develop strong teams, and implement solutions that align with their mission and impact goals. This journey has reinforced my belief that when we design with purpose, whether it’s in leadership, instruction, or physical spaces, we create opportunities that empower students and educators alike.
How is ECLPS helping you in reaching your goals?
My journey with ECLPS began at the EDSpaces Conference in 2023, where I gained a deeper understanding of how learning spaces impact student performance. During one of the sessions, I was introduced to the ECLPS program, and after hearing from the team and current cohort members, I knew it was the right fit for me.
As an educator, preservice programs and college courses rarely cover learning space design or its impact on students. The ECLPS program bridges that gap by providing research-backed insights into how the built environment can support instruction, improve student outcomes, and enhance overall well-being.
With several new projects underway in my school district, ECLPS has equipped me with the knowledge to effectively advise our team on designing spaces that truly support teaching and learning.
With several new projects underway in my school district, ECLPS has equipped me with the knowledge to effectively advise our team on designing spaces that truly support teaching and learning. Since my role focuses on innovative programming and reimagining learning environments, this program has significantly enhanced my ability to serve as a subject matter expert in this space.
What do you like best about working in education?
What I love most about working in education is the impact I get to make, not just on individual students, but on society as a whole. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child grow, gain confidence, and realize their potential because of something I helped create or shape. I’ve worked with students of all ages, and no matter where they are in their learning journey, watching those lightbulb moments happen never gets old. It’s incredible to know that the work I do doesn’t just stop in the classroom; it ripples out into their lives, their communities, and even future generations. Seeing the actual fruits of my labor, whether it’s a student finding their passion, a school becoming a better learning space, or an idea turning into something real, is what keeps me inspired every day.
What are the biggest challenges you and fellow educators are facing?
One of the biggest challenges educators are facing right now is the intentional undermining of public education through funding cuts, limited resources, and restrictive policies. Schools are expected to do more with less, leaving teachers and students struggling to thrive in environments that should be fully supported. With these policies that prioritize bureaucracy over what’s actually best for kids, it often feels like public education is being set up to fail. The growing pressure on educators, whether through unrealistic expectations, lack of autonomy, or the ongoing attacks on curriculum and instructional freedom, makes it even harder to create the kind of learning experiences that students truly need. Despite these challenges, educators still continue to show up, innovate, and advocate because we know the future of our students and our communities is at stake.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the work I’ve done to help school leaders envision what’s truly possible for their schools. By creating opportunities for them to tour innovative schools, I’ve been able to open their eyes to new possibilities in school design and instructional programming, helping them move beyond limitations and reimagine what education can look like. I’m also incredibly proud of my district’s efforts to align academic pathways in a way that ensures all students have access to programs that not only inspire them but also equip them to shape the future they want to live in. And on a personal level, launching my own business has been a huge milestone, giving me the platform to support even more educators and leaders in transforming learning spaces and experiences for students. Seeing the ripple effect of this work is what keeps me motivated every day.
How can EDmarket help you professionally?
EDmarket can help me professionally by continuing to ensure that the voices of educators remain central in conversations about school design and learning environments. Having a seat at the table alongside designers, architects, and industry leaders allows educators to advocate for solutions that truly support students and teachers. EDmarket also keeps me informed with the latest research on innovative learning spaces, instructional design, and emerging trends, helping me stay ahead in my field. Additionally, by spotlighting exemplary schools, EDmarket provides valuable insights and real-world examples that I can share with the educators and leaders I support. This combination of advocacy, research, and exposure to best practices strengthens my ability to drive meaningful change in my work.
How can EDmarket best serve your fellow educators?
EDmarket can best serve my fellow educators by continuing to share the latest research on innovative learning environments, ensuring that school leaders have access to data-driven insights that support effective decision-making. Providing opportunities to learn more, whether through school visits, networking events, or professional development, helps educators see firsthand what’s possible and bring those ideas back to their own schools. Additionally, identifying funding opportunities to support projects is critical, as many educators have big ideas but lack the financial resources to bring them to life. By offering these resources and connections, EDmarket can help bridge the gap between vision and reality, empowering educators to create more engaging and effective learning spaces for students.
What would you like to see EDmarket champion?
I would love to see EDmarket champion passion projects that support underfunded schools and districts by leveraging industry partnerships to address equity in education. Too often, the most innovative learning environments are only accessible to well-resourced schools, leaving others without the same opportunities. EDmarket is in a unique position to bring attention to how companies can actively support schools, whether through direct contributions, resource sharing, or expertise. Additionally, fostering partnerships with philanthropic organizations could create new funding pathways for schools that need it most. By taking on these passion projects, EDmarket can help bridge the gap, ensuring that all students, regardless of zip code, have access to inspiring, well-designed learning spaces that support their success.
What advice would you give others in our industry?
My biggest advice to others in our industry is to always ensure that educators have a voice in the design and decision-making process. Too often, companies create solutions for schools without truly understanding the realities of teaching and learning. If an organization doesn’t have an internal education department to inform their work, they need to bring in someone who does, someone who can bridge the gap between design and real classroom needs. Including the right people at the table, especially those with direct experience in education, leads to better, more effective outcomes. When educators, designers, and industry leaders collaborate, it’s a win-win for everyone. Schools get spaces and tools that truly support students, companies develop solutions that are more relevant and impactful, and ultimately, we all contribute to improving the future of education.
Are there any fun facts, hobbies, or personal connections you would like to share?
A fun fact about me, I absolutely love karaoke! Now, I can’t sing a lick, but that doesn’t stop me from putting on a full-blown performance. Whether it’s Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody or a Missy Elliott song, I’m bringing all the energy as I fully commit to the moment. It’s all about having fun, letting loose, and making memories, kind of like how I approach my work in education, just with fewer high notes!