Ashley Samuels, Ph.D.
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Transformational leader with 20 years of experience in Birmingham City Schools, currently serving as Executive Director for the Birmingham Education Foundation. Proven track record of improving educational outcomes, including leading Wylam Elementary School from the bottom 6% to a passing grade of 74. Holds five degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, including a Doctorate in Educational Studies. Committed to innovative educational programs and providing resources for teachers to enhance student success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Birmingham Education Foundation
Birmingham, Alabama
08.2021 - Current
- Steers Birmingham Education Foundation, integrating intellectual curiosity with zeal for developing impactful opportunities for children and their families in Birmingham.
Principal Mentor
Council for Educators in Alabama Schools
Montgomery, Alabama
08.2025 - Current
- Guided individuals through personal and professional development plans.
- Developed tailored mentorship strategies based on individual goals and needs.
- Created resources and materials to support mentee learning experiences effectively.
- Fostered a supportive environment encouraging open communication and collaboration.
Founding Principal
Bush Hills STEAM Academy
Birmingham, Alabama
06.2019 - 08.2021
- Established Bush Hills STEAM Academy as first STEAM school in Birmingham, AL.
- Developed S.T.E.A.M. curriculum and supervised school personnel effectively.
- Implemented policies and programs that enhanced student educational development.
- Planned broad school goals to ensure adherence to procedures and schedules.
- Developed instructional objectives with faculty collaboration for curricular focus.
- Encouraged utilization of community resources to enrich educational offerings.
- Interpreted school programs to community members, fostering transparency.
- Maintained ongoing communication with community stakeholders to build partnerships.
Principal
Wylam K-8 School
Birmingham, Alabama
07.2014 - 08.2021
- Led Wylam K-8 School to achieve a passing grade of 74, improving from the bottom 6% over five years.
- Supervised all school personnel while developing and implementing educational policies and programs.
- Conceptualized broad goals, ensuring effective planning and execution of procedures and schedules.
- Developed instructional objectives with faculty input to enhance curriculum activities and student learning.
- Encouraged utilization of community resources to support educational initiatives.
- Interpreted school programs for community stakeholders, fostering transparency and engagement.
- Maintained open communication lines with community members to promote collaboration.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Studies in Diverse Populations, Metropolitan Studies
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL04-2021
Education Specialist Degree - Educational Leadership
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL05-2014
Master of Arts in Education - Educational Leadership
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham05-2012
Master of Arts - Collaborative Education
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL12-2008
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL05-2003
Skills
- Special education
- School community relations
- Community engagement
- Data-driven decision making
- Strategic planning and leadership
- Mentoring staff
- Public speaking
- Consulting
- Stakeholder relations
- Instructional leadership
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Spa retreats
- Documentaries
- Spending time with family
Presentations
- Gulf Coast Conference on the Teaching of Writing, 2019
- Red Mountain Writing Program 21st Century Literacies Conference, 2017
Accomplishments
- Exemplary Alumni, UAB School of Education and Human Sciences, 2025
- Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute, 2025
- United Way of Central Alabama Education Division Chair, 2025
- Leadership Birmingham, 2023
- Mayor Transition Subcommittee Co-Chair, Education and Talent, 2022
- PTA Principal of the Year, 2016
Certification
- Educational Leadership (AA), Completed Spring, 2014
- Educational Leadership (A), Completed Spring, 2012
- School Psychometry, Completed Summer, 2010
- Elementary Education, Completed Fall, 2010
- Collaborative Teaching (K-6), Completed Fall, 2008
Timeline
Principal Mentor
Council for Educators in Alabama Schools
08.2025 - Current
Executive Director
Birmingham Education Foundation
08.2021 - Current
Founding Principal
Bush Hills STEAM Academy
06.2019 - 08.2021
Principal
Wylam K-8 School
07.2014 - 08.2021
Ph.D. - Educational Studies in Diverse Populations, Metropolitan Studies
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Education Specialist Degree - Educational Leadership
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Master of Arts in Education - Educational Leadership
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Master of Arts - Collaborative Education
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The University of Alabama At Birmingham
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