National Principals Month is a time to recognize the incredible impact school leaders have on students, teachers, and communities across the Institute portfolio and entire country. Principals set the tone for their schools, inspire staff, and create environments where students can thrive. Strong leadership is at the heart of every successful school.
In honor of this celebration, we’re thrilled to introduce the new Institute School Leaders for the 2025–2026 school year. These leaders bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to their roles, and we’re excited to see the positive difference they’ll make in classrooms and communities across South Carolina.
Ms. Alexandria Spry, Principal at Berkeley Preparatory Academy
Ms. Spry has over ten years of experience in education and received her M.Ed in Executive Leadership Studies with an Administration Licensure from Gardner-Webb University.
Ms. Kaylin Norris, Principal at Calhoun Falls Charter School
Ms. Norris has deep roots in the Calhoun Falls community and previously served as the Special Education Director and Curriculum Coordinator at the school.
Ms. Deborah Cyrier, Principal at Clear Dot Charter School
Ms. Cyrier steps into her new role as Principal at Clear Dot Charter School after previously serving as the School Leader at the Montessori School of Camden. She brings over 25 years of experience and a passion for charter education to her new role.
Mr Brad Teague, Interim School Director at Greenwood Charter Academy
Mr. Teague is stepping into the School Director role this year at Greenwood Charter Academy. He is an award-winning leader as the former state Principal of the Year in the state of North Carolina and has significant experience as both a middle and high school principal.
Ms. Destiny Grant, Inaugural School Director at Libertas Academy Colleton
Mrs. Grant has previously served in various leadership roles at the South Carolina Public Charter School District, with expertise in data-driven instruction and strategic program implementation. Prior to that, she was a Principal and Assistant Principal for charter schools in Tucson, Arizona.
Mr. Brian Morse, Director at Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences Charter School
Mr. Morse has served at Royal Live Oaks for five years as the Chief of Staff, with over 30 years of education experience, including 27 years as an English teacher.
Ms. Lillian Velez, The Montessori School of Camden
Ms. Velez is entering the role of Head of School at the Montessori School of Camden with over 20 years of diverse experience in education, including roles as a teacher, instructional coach, and principal.
Ms. Toni Brandt, Chief Executive Officer at Virtus Academy of South Carolina
Ms. Brandt has been with Virtus Academy for four years and previously served as the Chief Academic Officer. She holds an M.Ed in Special Education for Moderate to Severe Populations from Grand Canyon University.
