BERNADETTE BROWN-PALMER
Bridgeport
Summary
Dedicated educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in urban public schools, specializing in instructional leadership and systems-level change. Ability to adapt quickly to new challenges and driven by a passion for continuous learning. Demonstrated success in creating and fostering collaborative, positive school cultures that enhance teacher practice, improve student outcomes, and engage stakeholders.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Principal
Grades, K-6, Edison School
Bridgeport
01.2026 - Current
- Support teacher development through targeted walkthroughs and feedback cycles tied to district evaluation goals.
- Coordinate professional development workshops and coaching sessions for teachers and staff members.
- Monitor systems of data collection and analysis to support response to instruction.
- Oversee school budget, monitor allocations of funds for classroom supplies and materials, and authorize purchases.
- Plan for and facilitate PPT meetings and weekly grade-level common planning periods.
- Collaborate with district supervisors, resource teachers and support staff to address needs of special populations.
- Enforce school/district policies and implement safety protocols.
Assistant Principal, Grades K-8
Curiale School
Bridgeport
08.2021 - 01.2026
- Supported the principal with day-to-day operations, strategic planning and decision-making process.
- Assist with developing and implementing School Improvement Plan and sharing school vision through weekly events memo and daily digital announcements.
- Evaluated teacher performance and provided feedback through classroom observations (TEVAL).
- Provided guidance and support to teachers, staff and students in the school.
- Coordinated professional development activities for faculty members to enhance instructional practices.
- Collaborated with teachers, staff, parents and community partners to create and sustain a positive school climate.
Acting Assistant Principal, Grades Pk-8
Dunbar and Curiale Schools
Bridgeport
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Spearheaded 1:1 technology initiative during distance learning.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff and educators.
- Managed student discipline and effectively communicated with parents to address concerns.
- Assisted in supervision and evaluation of teachers and other staff members.
- Assisted with the planning of school events and activities involving parent and community engagement.
Classroom Teacher, Grade 2
Read School
Bridgeport
08.1997 - 06.2020
- Collaborated with grade-level partners to plan engaging lessons and analyze student performance data, enhancing instructional effectiveness
- Employed assessment tools and proactive strategies to improve instructional methods
- Managed classroom behavior using progressive behavior plan, RULER, and restorative practices to foster a positive learning environment
- Mentored new teachers by providing guidance and support throughout their induction process.
- Coordinated school events, including student recognition and PBIS assemblies, to promote community engagement and celebrate student achievements.
- Participated on School Governance Committee.
Education
Graduate Program - Educational Leadership
Sacred Heart University
Trumbull, Connecticut08-2017
Sixth Year Advancement - General Studies
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, Massachusetts07-2008
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Connecticut05-1995
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, Connecticut12-1992
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Classroom management
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Relationship building
- Interpersonal strengths
Certification
- 092, Intermediate Administration and Supervision
- 013, Professional Educator – Elementary (Grades K-6)
Additional Professional Experience
- District Literacy Leadership Team
- School Test Coordinator (2020 - present)
- Assistant Principal Community of Practice w/ Dr. Rydell Harrison (2021 - 2023)
- School Climate and Culture Committee/PBIS
- Title IX Officer (2020 - 2026)
- Spelling Bee Coordinator
- CCSU Teacher Leader Fellowship Institute (2018)
- Bridgeport Excellence in Education Liaison (2017 - 2020)
Professional Development
- Attended and conducted professional development sessions focused on learning goals, student engagement, effective instructional strategies, social-emotional learning, and teacher evaluation.
- Hill for Literacy Science of Reading Training
- Restorative Practices and School Climate Training (IIRP)/ RULER
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Professional Learning Communities – Collaborative Teams
Timeline
Interim Principal
Grades, K-6, Edison School
01.2026 - Current
Assistant Principal, Grades K-8
Curiale School
08.2021 - 01.2026
Acting Assistant Principal, Grades Pk-8
Dunbar and Curiale Schools
01.2020 - 06.2021
Classroom Teacher, Grade 2
Read School
08.1997 - 06.2020
Graduate Program - Educational Leadership
Sacred Heart University
Sixth Year Advancement - General Studies
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Bridgeport
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Central Connecticut State University