Stacey Kaufman is the Founder of The Pathfinder Academy and a veteran physics educator with nearly two decades of experience in public charter schools across North Carolina. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Physics and an M.S. in Secondary Science Education, Stacey began her career at Franklin Academy High School, where she spent eight years designing and teaching physics, engineering, and photography courses. She later joined Research Triangle High School in Research Triangle Park, where she pioneered the school’s physics program, developed new electives including Forensic Science and Science & Photography, served as Science Department Head, and supported teachers as an instructional coach. In 2022–2023, she was honored as the school’s Teacher of the Year.

Throughout her career, Stacey has been driven by a simple belief: students learn best when they feel known, challenged, and connected to the real world. Her classrooms are built around hands-on problem solving, project-based learning, and authentic experiences that push students to think critically and build confidence. Having worked with diverse student populations in innovative, technology-rich environments, she brings both vision and practical experience to school leadership. The Pathfinder Academy is the culmination of her commitment to creating a learning community where students are encouraged to explore deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and grow into capable, self-directed young adults.