Dr. Laurie Wolfe serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Gem Innovation Schools. She works in collaboration with other leaders and administrators to maintain academic systems and to ensure that academic standards are met and that all programs, employees and departments meet performance outcomes and achieve student goals. She provides direction for educational staff. And is responsible for oversight and monitoring all aspects of the network’s education programs.

In 2014, Laurie co-founded the inception of the first charter management organization in Idaho, Gem Innovation Schools. Prior to becoming CAO of the network of schools, Laurie acted as the Director of Curriculum and Assessment for Gem Prep: Online (formerly Idaho Distance Education Academy, I-DEA). Her strategic vision helped to move the student academic achievement from the bottom quartile in the state to the top; taking I-DEA students and programs to the forefront in Idaho education.

An experienced educator and leader, she began her career in an inner-city school in Long Beach, CA, teaching first and second grades. She embraced a number of different educational roles during her early career; including a teacher in both elementary and junior high, reading specialist, as well as the gifted and talented facilitator.

Laurie received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in reading education, and a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Boise State University. Her dissertation research focused on how teachers and principals use data to guide curriculum and instruction.