Donna Lynn Germano Phillips

Teacher, Liberty High School, CCSD
Teacher Leader Academy, Cohort 7

A Champion of SEL and Transformative Education

Donna Lynn Germano Phillips, a trailblazing Special Education teacher with the Clark County School District, has made significant strides in advancing social-emotional learning (SEL) across Nevada. A proud member of the inaugural Mindful SEAD cohort, Donna earned her Social Emotional and Academic Development (SEAD) endorsement, a testament to her commitment to integrating SEL in education. Her passion for nurturing students’ emotional and social development goes beyond her classroom, shaping a brighter future for students throughout the district.

In July 2024, Donna attended the prestigious National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) Conference in Denver, Colorado. This gathering of education leaders further fueled her commitment to SEL and provided an opportunity for her to exchange ideas with like-minded educators from across the nation. Building on this momentum, Donna served as a SEAD Summit speaker on August 1, 2024, presenting on The Ripple Effect – Cultivating Positive Change with Cutting-Edge SEL Techniques and EmotionCanvas: Crafting SEL with Color and Creativity. Her inspiring message resonated deeply with attendees as she emphasized, “Education is not just about teaching subjects; it’s about nurturing the whole student. When we embrace SEL, we empower our students to become their best selves.”

Donna’s dedication to transforming education has not gone unnoticed. In August 2024, she was selected to serve on the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Board (STAC) for a two-year term. This prestigious appointment allows her to advocate for innovative policies that support educators and students alike, further solidifying her role as a leader in education.

Beyond her recent accomplishments, Donna’s influence can be traced back to her participation in the Leadership Institute of Nevada’s Teacher Leadership Academy (Cohort 7). Her dynamic leadership and forward-thinking strategies have empowered educators across the state to rethink traditional models of education, fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments that prioritize both academic achievement and emotional well-being.

Donna Lynn Germano Phillips exemplifies what it means to be an educator, a leader, and a lifelong learner. As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in education, her work serves as an inspiration for educators everywhere.

Donna’s Recommended SEL Website Resources
These tech-enhanced SEL tools help bridge hearts and minds, fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and overall well-being in students.

EdTomorrow
Cost: Free resources with quick connections, character building and reflections.

HeadSpace
Cost: Offers a free basic plan with limited content; subscription required for full access.

Breathe2Relax
Cost: Free to download and use.

CALM
Cost: Offers a free trial; subscription required for full access.

SuperBetter
Cost: Offers a free basic plan; premium features available with subscription.

Smiling Mind
Cost: Free to use.

Follow Donna on X at @Fyrphnx_.