Nontraditional Educator

Reed found that his penchant for performing translated well to teaching—and, while teaching high school social studies at an alternative school in the Yakima School district, he discovered a passion for alternative education. After stints as an assistant principal in several different school districts, he was named in 2021 to be principal of Olympia Regional Learning Academy. ORLA, an alternative public school within the Olympia School District, offers four programs: K-5 Montessori, a parent partnership supporting home-based instruction, a Middle School Academy, and an online program that supports third through 12th graders.

Reed champions alternative education as a vital resource for “just about anyone who might not vibe with a traditional academic setting”—from those navigating behavioral or social-emotional challenges to others who need a safe space to express their sexual identity. 

“We’re able to provide an education in a more flexible way that meets families’ and students’ needs,” he says. He’s also aware of his potential impact as a person of color in a predominantly white field. “There aren’t a lot of Black educators in Washington state, percentage-wise,” he says. “It’s sort of an unspoken thing, but I have families who tell me they’re glad I’m here, and I know what they mean.”