IDEA Ewing Halsell

With 15 years of educational experience, Mrs. Summey specializes in ELA instruction, K-2 math, the development of effective systems, and campus culture. Highly organized and results-driven, she believes that every minute in the classroom counts. As an educator, Linda is committed to fostering confident, lifelong learners, making every decision with her students’ best interests in mind.

She looks forward to paving the way for academic excellence at IDEA Ewing Halsell Academy. Go Pioneers!

Mrs. Thomas-Beckett's commitment to education led her to earn a master's in Education from the University of the Pacific, propelling er into the classroom. She started as am elementary teacher at a Title 1 charter school cultivating a love for learning in her 3rd and 4th grade classroom. Shortly after, she was an Adult Education teacher with Five Keys Charter Schools to help incarcerated adults earn their high school diploma or GED. Feeling the need to reach at risk students before the possibility of becoming incarcerated, she once again entered the classroom as a middle school U.S. History teacher.

Beyond her work in schools, Jay'Riah's advocacy extended to serving as an Appointed Member of the California State Independent Living Council, under Governor Gavin Newsom's administration, where she advocated for people with disabilities to ensure effective service provision. Her work in the classroom and throughout the community helped propel her into leadership positions as a Dean of Students and Assistant Principal where she could effect change. At Aspire Public Schools and Baltimore City Public Schools, she spearheaded initiatives to promote inclusivity and disrupt oppressive systems, ensuring all students had access to a rigorous and joyful academic experience.

Jay'Riah Thomas' background in educational leadership and community advocacy shapes her beliefs and vison as a principal at IDEA Ewing Halsell College Preparatory. Grounded in equality and inclusivity, she envisions a school where every student has access to high-quality education and the opportunity to attend college.

She graduated with an Undergraduate degree in Sport & Leisure Studies from The Ohio State University and a Masters Degree in Higher Education from the University of Michigan. Her background in higher education and passion for holistic student development helps her to lead scholars and staff towards our mission to send 100% of scholars to and through college.