About
Rae Donovan, M.Ed., J.D.
Founder, The Universal Skills Project
Rae Donovan is a practical and visionary educator and leader dedicated to aligning systems of holistic support, from the roots up. In more than two decades across education and mental health, she has served as an educator, program director, and both school-based and district-wide administrator, bringing dynamic leadership and grounded solutions to every role. Shaped by living and working around the world, Rae has turned those experiences into a clear, equity-driven path for improving schools and communities.
From 2022 to 2025, Rae was principal of Ferrisburgh Central School, where she championed dynamic, community-based learning rooted in the Transferable Skills Framework, a model she designed and implemented in two Vermont school districts. Under her leadership, PreK–6 students and their families took part in a skills-based education intentionally aligned to build resilience, collaboration and creativity. Just as essential was the parallel process: growing those same skills in the adults inside the system.
Today, Rae continues her innovative work integrating skills-based teaching and learning across systems at MAUSD (2025–27), and is the founder of The Universal Skills Project, which brings one shared skills language to schools and families, because we all grow better when we grow together.
At a glance
- Elementary Principal (3 years)
- District SEL systems work (5+ years): SEL Coordinator, MAUSD (2019–22) and SEL Systems Integration, MAUSD (2025–present)
- Residential Treatment Program Director (3 years)
- Special Education Director (1 year)
- Classroom teacher, middle and high school ELA and special education (6 years)
- Tech F.A.S.T. implemented in three Vermont districts over ten years
- M.Ed., J.D. · proficient in Spanish · 200-hour trained yoga teacher (Modo Yoga NYC) · mediation training
Experience
More than two decades in schools and communities
Aug 2025 – present
Social and Emotional Learning Systems Integration
Mount Abraham Unified School District, Vermont
SEL systems integration: implementing and refining district-wide systems for MTSS, PBIS, Transferable Skills, professional development and curriculum, and supporting teachers with universal practices and strategies.
Aug 2022 – Apr 2025
Principal, Ferrisburgh Central School
Addison Northwest School District, Vermont
Built school-wide systems for MTSS, PBIS, Transferable Skills, professional development, curriculum and universal practices. Supervised about 20 teachers and 15 support staff.
Aug 2019 – Aug 2022
District-wide Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator
Mount Abraham Unified School District, Vermont
Developed district-wide aligned systems for MTSS, PBIS, Transferable Skills, professional development and curriculum. Initiated and managed an AOE Equitable Education grant to create and implement anti-racism curriculum.
Aug 2017 – Aug 2019
Teacher
Middlebury Union Middle School, Vermont
Case managed students, co-taught across subjects and created differentiated, innovative lessons.
Dec 2014 – Aug 2017
Residential Treatment Program Director
NFI Shelburne House, Williston, Vermont
Oversaw coordinated services for residents in a treatment facility and supervised a staff of 10 counselors.
Jun – Jul 2014
Program Coordinator
College Spring, San Francisco
Supported and evaluated teaching staff in a program for prospective first-generation college students.
Sep 2013 – Jun 2014
Director of Special Education
East Austin College Preparatory Academy, Texas
Supervised special educators developing and delivering services across campuses.
2005 – 2013
Teacher, grades 5–12
Brooklyn · New Orleans · Berkeley · Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Secondary School for International Studies, Brooklyn (2005–07, 2012–13); John McDonogh Senior High, New Orleans (2007–08); ASA UC Berkeley Summer Program (2008); Lake Atitlán International Facility for Education, Guatemala (2008–09).
Education
- J.D., City University of New York School of Law (2012). Three-year Graduate Fellowship: full tuition and living stipend.
- M.S. in Education, Long Island University (2007). Full tuition through the New York City Teaching Fellowship and AmeriCorps.
- B.A. in Writing and Science, Hampshire College (2003)
Beyond the classroom
- VTSCA Curriculum Development Committee member
- Proficient in Spanish
- 200-hour trained yoga teacher, Modo Yoga NYC
- Mediation training, Safe Horizon / Peace Institute, Brooklyn
- Volunteer teaching in Ghana, Central America, Russia and India
- Loves distance cycling, hiking, drawing and songwriting
In their words
Reflections from staff after three years with Rae as principal
“Rae Donovan [is] a leader whose dedication, vision, and tireless work ethic have had an extraordinary impact on her community… I have been in awe of her unwavering commitment to our school… Her receptiveness to feedback from her colleagues demonstrates her commitment to continuous improvement and her ability to implement effective change.”
Randi Barry, Classroom Teacher, 2025
“Rae consistently took the time to communicate the ‘why’ behind initiatives, helping staff feel both informed and empowered… When I say that Rae transformed the students, staff, and community, I mean it wholeheartedly. She is the most visionary leader I have ever worked with… Rae is bursting with ideas and has a remarkable ability to bring others along with her. She is a true changemaker who walks the walk, every single day.”
Trish Van Vliet, Classroom Teacher, 2025
“Her leadership was both professional and deeply human, and she cultivated a school culture that encouraged open communication, hard conversations, and collective growth… She models the very qualities we seek to instill in our students: empathy, resilience, curiosity, and a growth mindset.”
Molly Struhammer, Math Interventionist, 2025
“Rae has a natural talent for fostering meaningful connections and building strong, trusting relationships that have elevated both the climate and outcomes at Ferrisburgh. Her leadership style is inclusive, empathetic, and deeply relational, grounded in the belief that when we take care of one another, we all thrive.”
Abby Dayton, School Counselor, 2025
“Her inclusive approach has led to innovative solutions and improved student outcomes… She is not only an asset to the educational community but also a role model for aspiring educational leaders.”
Gabe Hamilton, Director of Learning, 2024
“Rae consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities. She brings a rare blend of vision, dedication, and relationship-building to every action she undertakes… [Restorative practices] not only encourage student accountability and skill-building but also nurture positive relationships through open communication, empathy, and reflection. As a result, these efforts have significantly enhanced our school’s culture, morale, and sense of community.”
Gina Normand, School Social Worker, 2025
“Her leadership creates a sense of unity and shared purpose among staff, families, and students, all while keeping student growth and equity at the heart of every decision. Rae Donovan is not only a principal; she is a mentor, a community builder, and a role model.”
Asia Kruse, After-School Director, 2025
Let's grow together.
Questions, ideas or a school or family that could use the skills? Write to Rae at rae@theuniversalskillsproject.com.