Amanda L. Donaho
Windermere,FL
Summary
Results-oriented Educational Leader with 23 years of K-12 experience, specializing in strategic development, instructional leadership, and driving student success. Proven track record in coaching educators, designing professional development programs, and implementing data-driven strategies. Adept at fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and leveraging technology to enhance both remote and in-person learning environments. Committed to improving educational outcomes through innovative strategies and leadership development.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Principal Grades K-6
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
Orlando, FL
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Established a K-6 private school from ground up.
- Collaborated with financial aid and student services teams to facilitate seamless program enrollment.
- Designed and implemented programs aimed at fostering engagement among students and their families.
- Recruited and hired faculty and staff consistent with school values.
- Inspired the team through purposeful, mission-driven leadership.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge base of current research related to best practices in elementary education.
- Supervised the maintenance of accurate student records including transcripts and test scores.
- Conducted regular meetings with teachers to discuss student progress, curriculum development, and other issues related to instruction.
- Created a vision for school improvement that was shared with faculty and staff.
- Evaluated teacher performance through observations of classrooms.
- Assisted in the selection of textbooks and other instructional materials used by teachers in their classrooms.
- Organized professional development activities for staff members to enhance their knowledge of educational practices.
- Developed and implemented school-wide policies, procedures, and programs to ensure the safety of students and staff.
- Collaborated with district leaders on initiatives such as budgeting, curriculum planning, personnel decisions.
- Analyzed data from standardized tests to identify areas where improvement is needed at the school level.
- Evaluated student behavior issues by reviewing established discipline standards and noting trends in infractions.
- Designed innovative marketing assets to boost brand visibility.
- Cultivated engaging and inclusive school atmosphere.
- Oversaw compliance with established benchmarks as a leader.
- Provided leadership for school clubs, athletics teams, and afterschool activities, ensuring that they are conducted safely and effectively.
- Achieved a consistent reenrollment rate of 96% annually.
- Directed the allocation of resources for a budget surpassing $300,000.
Admissions Director Grades PK3 - 6th
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
WINTER GARDEN, FL
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Leveraged advanced sales methods to drive up the number of students enrolling in private schools.
- Developed various promotional items such as digital designs and printed handouts alongside marketing professionals.
- Developed and conducted family-focused admissions activities.
- Oversaw recruitment, enrollment, retention initiatives.
- Cultivated relationships with partner schools, community organizations, consultants.
- Streamlined enrollment process with a customer-centric approach.
- Maintained accuracy of enrollment database using SIS platforms.
- Established effective and rigorous admission policies.
- Increased enrollment by conducting virtual and in-person family interviews.
- Monitored changes in laws or regulations that may affect admissions processes.
- Developed and implemented an admissions strategy to increase applicant enrollment.
- Coordinated campus visits for prospective students, including tours and information sessions.
Principal Grades 6-8 and 9-12
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
WINTER GARDEN, FL
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed creation and execution of curriculum adhering to state standards.
- Collaborated with universities in organizing career fairs.
- Monitoring student academic progress through data analysis and assessments.
- Led performance review meetings focused on evaluating teaching efficacy.
- Facilitated educational technology training sessions to bolster teacher proficiency.
- Implemented strategies designed to increase parent involvement in their children's education.
- Reviewed student transcripts and prepared individualized educational plans.
- Maintained records on student attendance, grades and discipline issues.
- Developed and implemented school wide policies, procedures and protocols for student safety.
- Coordinated professional development activities for teachers.
- Supervised all aspects of daily operations including budgeting, scheduling, personnel management.
- Conducted regular evaluations of school programs to identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with other administrators to develop innovative solutions for challenging situations.
- Investigated complaints from parents or students regarding any issues within the school environment.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with parents and community members.
Kindergarten - 5th Grade Assistant Principal
ST. CLAIR COUNTY SCHOOLS
MARGARET, AL
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Tracked student attendance and collaborated with truancy court as necessary.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Directed school human resources including hiring, training, policy enforcement, and legal compliance.
- Created and implemented special education programs which provided support to teachers and staff while giving special needs and at-risk youth tools necessary to succeed.
- Collaborated with staff and parents to execute IEP/504 plans.
- Assisted in developing budgets for various departments within the school system.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed by staff members during school events.
- Intervened when necessary to ensure compliance with state laws concerning education.
- Monitored student behavior and discipline in accordance with district regulations.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators and parents regarding student performance issues.
- Served as a liaison between the school administration and community groups or organizations.
- Reviewed textbooks, library resources and other instructional materials for appropriateness in meeting educational standards.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current trends in education technology.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations, reviews of lesson plans and feedback from parents and students.
- Coordinated professional development activities for faculty members to enhance instructional practices.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
3RD GRADE TEACHER
ST. CLAIR COUNTY SCHOOLS
SPRINGVILLE, AL
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Managed team dynamics among ten primary school teachers.
- Designed and maintained the school website.
- Led the creation of a Read-A-Thon program raising over $30,000 each year to support literacy projects.
- Utilized various teaching strategies such as lectures, discussions, multimedia presentations, demonstrations, field trips, in order to engage all learners.
- Facilitated small groups of students during independent work time providing guidance when needed.
- Attended professional development workshops related to best practices in third grade education.
- Collaborated with colleagues on planning lessons that addressed state standards for third grade level education.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills by posing open ended questions during class discussions.
- Implemented IEPs for special needs students ensuring they received appropriate accommodations in the classroom setting.
- Managed classroom behavior using positive reinforcement techniques while addressing misbehavior promptly.
- Maintained accurate records of student grades, attendance, and discipline incidents.
- Provided feedback on student progress through conferences, reports, assessments, or parent-teacher meetings.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student progress via phone calls, emails, meetings.
3RD GRADE TEACHER
CALHOUN COUNTY SCHOOLS
ANNISTON, AL
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Supervised and coordinated efforts of eight third grade educators.
- Designed and managed web-based profiles for over 60 educators and staff.
- Provided positive feedback with emphasis on learning from mistakes to establish solid foundation for progress.
- Instructed students individually and in groups using varied teaching methods.
- Delivered educational after-school activities for groups of students to improve learning potential outside of classroom.
- Integrated variety of educational programs to develop strong academic foundation.
- Maintained positive classroom culture through behavior management techniques.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Integrated character education into the curriculum to promote social and emotional learning.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that maximized student engagement.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Encouraged and supported students in setting and achieving personal and academic goals.
- Utilized educational technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
- Partnered with parents to maintain open communication, advise on available resources and build parental abilities necessary for student support.
Girls Engaged in Math & Science Curriculum Writer
Alabama Department of Education
Birmingham, AL
06.2006 - 06.2006
- Participated in professional development activities related to curriculum writing.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to create standards-based lesson plans.
- Evaluated course performance to determine areas in need of improvement.
- Demonstrated knowledge of varied learning modalities.
- Worked with school administrators to determine course needs and set frameworks.
- Built and updated evaluation and survey tools to monitor and improve effectiveness of courses.
- Improved student learning by defining and articulating learning outcomes and analyzing performance metrics and measurements.
- Offered subject matter expertise on curriculum design and implementation.
Curriculum Writer
NASA
Huntsville, AL
06.2004 - 01.2005
- Developed, wrote, and edited K-12 curriculum materials.
- Drafted rubrics and grading criteria for student evaluation.
- Facilitated workshops to introduce new curricula to school personnel.
- Compiled reports detailing progress made towards meeting district goals.
- Prepared presentations summarizing findings from educational research projects.
- Monitored teacher implementation of new curricula in their classrooms.
- Adapted curriculum materials based on feedback from faculty members.
- Assisted in the development of online courses and resources for students.
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
ANNISTON CITY SCHOOLS
ANNISTON, AL
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies such as setting limits while encouraging self-discipline.
- Developed positive relationships with students, families, staff members, and outside agencies.
- Utilized appropriate teaching methods to motivate students in academic tasks.
- Provided a safe learning environment where children could explore their creativity.
- Observed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders, and speech problems.
- Developed assessments to test student growth.
- Integrated technology into lesson plans.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
- Instructed students in standardized subjects as well as general learning strategies and skills for social development and character.
- Empowered students with lessons on setting realistic goals and advocating for needs.
Education
Early Childhood Generalist -
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
01.2010
Master of Arts - Educational Administration K-12
The University of Alabama
01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Jacksonville State University
01.2001
Skills
- Passionate Advocate for K-12 Learning
- Creative Problem Solver
- Driven Self-Starter
- Patient
- Optimistic Attitude
- Effective Audience Engagement
- Interactive Presentation Skills
- Systematically Organized
- Strong Oral and Written Communication
- Active Listening Skills
- Meticulous Quality Assurance
- Consistent Ethical Standards
- Financial Budgeting
- Business Operations Management in Private Education
- Data Analysis
- Learning Technology Integration
- Collaborative Team Development
- Facilitation and Presentation Skills
- Leadership Training
- Workflow Optimization
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Emergency Preparedness
Professional Skills
- LMS Platforms: Canvas, Google Classroom, Moodle, and Blackboard
- Student Information Systems : FACTS Management, PowerSchool, Skyward
- Video Conferencing: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams
- eSpace Facility Management Platform for Churches and Schools
- Graphic Design Platforms: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Ilustrator, Canva
- Proficiency in: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Libib Library Management Software, Salesforce
- Accreditation Team Lead for Cognia AdvancED and ACSI
- Extensive experience with public school districts, inner city schools, and private school institutions
- Grant Writing and Community Partnerships
- Education Consulting among private schools
Certification and Training
- Iowa Assessment Administrator Certification
- Association of Christian Schools International Certification
- AdvancED Training
- FERPA Training
- Google Classroom Training
- Canvas Training
- Moodle Training
- Blackboard Training
- Kagan Structures Training
- Social Media Engagement Training
- Framework for Understanding Poverty Training with a focus on Inner-City Schools
Accomplishments
- Kappa Delta Epsilon - Honorary Education Sorority
- Omicron Delta Kappa - National Leadership Honor Society
- American Legion Volunteer of the Year Award 2024
- Renaissance Learning Teacher for Calhoun County Schools
- Innovative Teacher for St. Clair County Schools
- Heart of a Lion Leadership Award Foundation Academy
- Recipient of multiple classroom grants
- Implementation of STEM garden for K-6 students
- Spend. Save. Serve. Financial Literacy Program Development for K-6 students
- 98% Retention Rate in private education
Timeline
Elementary Principal Grades K-6
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
01.2019 - 01.2025
Admissions Director Grades PK3 - 6th
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
01.2017 - 01.2019
Principal Grades 6-8 and 9-12
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
01.2014 - 01.2016
Kindergarten - 5th Grade Assistant Principal
ST. CLAIR COUNTY SCHOOLS
01.2013 - 01.2014
3RD GRADE TEACHER
ST. CLAIR COUNTY SCHOOLS
01.2007 - 01.2013
Girls Engaged in Math & Science Curriculum Writer
Alabama Department of Education
06.2006 - 06.2006
Curriculum Writer
NASA
06.2004 - 01.2005
3RD GRADE TEACHER
CALHOUN COUNTY SCHOOLS
01.2004 - 01.2007
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
ANNISTON CITY SCHOOLS
01.2001 - 01.2004
Early Childhood Generalist -
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Master of Arts - Educational Administration K-12
The University of Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Jacksonville State University
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