BERNADETTE GAINES
Conyers,GA
Summary
Talented administrative leader with over 22 years of experience in the education sector backed by significant project management and sales experience. An effective communicator skilled at developing and implementing academic programs to create high-quality learning environments. Exceptional relationship building skills with a track record for developing meaningful partnerships with major community stakeholders. An articulate public speaker with strong presentation and facilitation abilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Rockdale County Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Supervised Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) fostering collaboration among educators to improve instructional strategies, student engagement, and support student outcomes at high levels
- Provided leadership and guidance in the English Language Arts (ELA) department, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards, instructional best practices, and progress monitoring
- Coordinated all aspects of testing administration, including scheduling, logistics, and compliance with testing protocols
- Oversaw attendance monitoring and intervention strategies to improve student attendance through monthly incentives and recognition
- Managed the implementation of the L4GA (Literacy for Learning, Living and Leading) grant, facilitating the allocation of resources and coordinating activities to support student’s academic growth
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians through home visits, consistent communication, and collaboration
- Analyzed student data to identify trends and inform decision-making related to academic interventions and support services
- Presented professional learning sessions on various topics related to education and instructional practices, sharing expertise with colleagues
- Contributed to the Safe School Team implementing strategies to promote a positive and secure school climate
- Served as Title IX Coordinator, overseeing compliance with the Title IX regulations and addressing issues related to gender equity and discrimination
- Collaborated with the 504 and RTI teams to develop and implement individualized plans for students with special needs.
Assistant Principal
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Co-facilitated the development of Professional Learning Communities, fostering intentional high-quality teaching and learning outcomes
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, resulting in a notable increase in retention rates at the 8th-grade level
- Established vertical teaming structures to facilitate authentic collaboration, data analysis, goal setting, and progress monitoring
- Collaborated closely with teachers to provide rigorous instructional resources conducive to fostering high-impact teaching and learning experiences
- Demonstrated best practices through model lessons meriting an increase in achievement on common unit assessments
- Implemented grade and content level data talks resulting in an increase in weighted achievement on the MAP assessment.
Assistant Principal of Instruction
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Played a pivotal role in the planning, organization, administration, and management of the most culturally diverse high school in Georgia
- Innovated by creating the school's inaugural Virtual Teachers' Instructional Resource Manual, streamlining instructional practices
- Successfully led initiatives resulting in the removal of the school from the state's Priority List
- Instrumental in achieving significant improvements in key performance indicators: increased CCRPI Score by 14 points to 81.9 and graduation rate by 19 points to 73.8%
- Developed, modeled, and implemented over 35 rigorous comprehensive curriculum guides for teachers across all content areas
- Managed the Master Schedule for 1,900 scholars, including the CTAE Dept, optimizing resources thus resulting in an increase in FTE funds and allotments
- CTAE Supervisor (5 Years) led the facilitation of instructional best practices for recruiting, assessing, and retaining students in 9 career pathways; Provided rigorous, instructional resources inclusive of lesson plans, student assessments and engaging activities
- Oversaw the Title I Budget, strategically allocating resources and online programs to maximize FTE dollars and academic outcomes
- Designed, modeled, and monitored differentiated, high-quality curriculum to ensure alignment with instructional standards and goals
- Facilitated the successful transition of scholars from Exceptional Education (5%) and English Language Learners (17%) to general and accelerated classes
- Provided targeted professional development tailored to the school’s demographics to support teacher efficacy and student engagement
- Pioneered the G.R.I.T
- Academy (The Graduation Rate Increases Today), introducing the school’s first credit recovery program during the day
- Appointed as mentor for new teachers, providing guidance and support to facilitate their professional growth resulting in an increase in the teacher retention rate by 30%
- Served as the parent liaison, fostering strong partnerships through home visits and online tutoring, resulting in an increased graduation rate by 20%
Academic Vice Principal
ABU DHABI EDUCATION COUNCIL - Palestine Secondary School for Girls
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of English pedagogy for English Language Learners, ensuring effective language acquisition and academic success
- Received commendation for achieving the highest acceptance rate of female scholars into colleges and universities, reaching 88%
- Played a pivotal role in fostering a safe and nurturing school climate conducive to optimal teaching and learning outcomes
- Represented the English Department in the development of the School Improvement Plan, serving as project coordinator to drive strategic initiatives
- Provided comprehensive school-wide professional development to teachers and staff with a focus on enhancing academic outcomes for English Language Learners
- Modeled best practices for differentiated instruction, fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments
- Led the establishment of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) between Arabic and English-speaking teachers, promoting collaboration and cultural understanding
- Collaborated effectively to disaggregate data to determine effective, rigorous, and relevant teaching strategies, common assessments, next steps, and progress monitoring.
Education
Ed. D. - Educational Leadership
Argosy University
Atlanta, GAEd. S. - Educational Leadership
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, ALM. Ed. - Educational Leadership
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, ALB. S. - Business Management
Hampton University
Hampton, VASkills
- Instructional Leadership
- Parent Engagement and Communication
- Student achievement
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Student and parent relations
- Restorative Practices
- School Improvement
References
References furnished upon request
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Rockdale County Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Principal
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2023 - 05.2023
Assistant Principal of Instruction
DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2014 - 01.2022
Academic Vice Principal
ABU DHABI EDUCATION COUNCIL - Palestine Secondary School for Girls
01.2011 - 01.2013
Ed. D. - Educational Leadership
Argosy University
Ed. S. - Educational Leadership
Jacksonville State University
M. Ed. - Educational Leadership
Jacksonville State University
B. S. - Business Management
Hampton University
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