Cynthia Gunner, Fellow

Peyton Forest Elementary School

Atlanta, Georgia

Cynthia Gunner has served as principal of Peyton Forest Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia for 6 years. Her 25-year career in education has included roles of teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. Under her progressive leadership, Peyton Forest has moved from a state-identified turnaround school to one of the state’s Beat the Odds Schools. Because of her transformational work, Cynthia was featured in the New York Times Magazine Education Issue (2018) entitled “Raising Student Performance the Right Way: Can Good Teaching Be Taught?” She also presented at the 31st Annual National At-Risk Youth Conference. Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Cynthia moved to Atlanta to attend Spelman College. Her education continued with a Master’s degree from Brenau University and an Ed.S from Lincoln Memorial University. Cynthia is currently in the final stages of an Ed.D program at Georgia Southern University.

Ericka Fluellen, Ally

Instructional Coach

Peyton Forest Elementary School

Atlanta, Georgia

Ericka Fluellen has served as an instructional leader at Peyton Forest Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia for 5 years. Her 11-year career in education has included roles of teacher, master teacher leader, campus-based mentor and instructional coach. With her support, Peyton Forest has experienced tremendous learning gains in the area of English and Language Arts as measured by the Georgia Milestone Assessment. Ericka’s passion for academic excellence is evident through her commitment and dedication to success for both students and teachers. Originally from Perry, Georgia, Ericka moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University. Her education continued with a Master’s degree from Kennesaw State University followed by the current pursuit of her Ed.S in Instructional Leadership.