Deirdre Keyes-Caillibotte has dedicated more than 26 years to the New York City Department of Education, serving at multiple levels as teacher, assistant principal, principal, and most recently Executive Director of District 15, where she supported 41 schools. As principal of a Pre-K through 8th-grade school serving 1,500 students, she faced the greatest challenge of her career—working to shift mindsets and practices to ensure that every child was seen, heard, and valued. During this time, she reduced punitive suspensions, reframed special education as a temporary support, and affirmed that English language learners were not behind, but ahead, in their academic journey.

She is now thrilled to join Lab School Paris, an environment that reflects her core belief: if we can reach students, we can teach them. Throughout her career, she has been guided by the conviction that students’ voices matter and that true learning happens when children are inspired, not alienated. For her, the words we choose as educators should spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.