CaLeathiea Cornelius
Seffner
Summary
Strategic education leader with extensive experience directing academic operations and managing cross-department initiatives. Demonstrates success in achieving full accreditation, enhancing student performance, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders across diverse educational settings.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Head of School, Academics
IMG Academy
08.2022 - 04.2026
- Directed academic operations across 7 departments serving 1,500+ students while leading a cross-functional academic leadership team responsible for College Planning & Placement, Educational Support Services, ELL programming, tutoring operations, library services, instructional delivery, and student academic intervention systems across the institution
- Partnered with executive leadership to align academic programming, operational priorities, and organizational strategy across multiple stakeholder groups
- Managed accreditation and compliance processes resulting in full FCIS accreditation outcomes with no recommendations
- Analyzed academic, enrollment, and operational data using Excel and AI-assisted tools to inform executive decision-making and strategic planning
- Developed operational reporting systems and data tracking tools to enhance monitoring of enrollment, student performance, program effectiveness, and organizational trends
- Served as liaison with Barry University for dual enrollment programming, overseeing recruitment, enrollment coordination, compliance tracking, partnership management, and student eligibility processes for approximately 100+ students annually
- Supported implementation of the Charlotte Danielson Framework through observation calibration, leadership coaching, and instructional feedback systems across multiple academic departments
- Designed and launched an innovative NIL-focused elective course to address emerging industry trends and meet student-athlete development needs
- Utilized multiple learning management and student information systems including Canvas, Blackbaud, Naviance, Slate, and Teamworks to support academic operations and program coordination
Regional Director
Phalen Leadership Academies
11.2020 - 08.2022
- Led multi-site charter school operations across 6 campuses serving approximately 3,000+ students, supervising principals and instructional specialists while overseeing staffing, compliance, scheduling, academic performance, and operational outcomes
- Managed enrollment, staffing allocations, and operational reporting for FTE-based funding models, leveraging data systems to inform strategic decision-making and enhance resource planning
- Prepared and presented executive-level board reports translating enrollment, operational, financial, and academic data into actionable updates for stakeholders and governing boards
- Ensured campus compliance for state audits by overseeing documentation, accountability reporting, and operational procedures, contributing to successful audit outcomes
- Built and maintained cross-functional partnerships with school leaders, executive stakeholders, and support teams to align organizational priorities and strengthen operational consistency across campuses
- Supported school improvement planning by analyzing data, coaching leaders, overseeing operations, and collaborating strategically with instructional leaders
Instructional Specialist
Phalen Leadership Academies
09.2019 - 11.2020
- Led data-driven planning discussions with school leaders and instructional staff to improve student performance outcomes and instructional effectiveness
- Designed and facilitated professional development focused on instructional systems, data use, implementation practices, and academic intervention strategies
- Collaborated with school leadership teams to reinforce instructional consistency and enhance targeted intervention planning
- Evaluated student achievement data to pinpoint instructional gaps, driving school improvement initiatives
- Facilitated instructional and operational improvements across multiple campuses in Florida, enhancing educational quality and consistency
School Turnaround Support (Teacher of Record)
Hillsborough County Public Schools
01.2019 - 09.2019
- Recruited by district leadership to support turnaround efforts at a failing school, contributing to rapid improvement in school grade from D to C within one semester through targeted instructional interventions and student support strategies
District Coordinator, Federal Programs
Marion County Public Schools
07.2017 - 01.2019
- Oversaw compliance monitoring and reporting for $10 million in federal funding allocations across K-12 institutions, ensuring adherence to regulations and effective resource utilization
- Managed Title I, Title II, and Title III federal programs across public and private school settings, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and alignment to district improvement priorities
- Developed and monitored budgets for strategic allocation of federal funds, directly supporting student achievement goals and school improvement initiatives
- Partnered directly with principals and school leaders across multiple campuses to align budgets, instructional priorities, compliance expectations, and program implementation efforts
- Managed data collection, reporting, and program tracking to ensure compliance and support operational oversight and continuous improvement efforts
- Designed and facilitated training sessions for school and district leaders focused on federal program requirements, implementation practices, compliance expectations, and operational procedures
- Collaborated with internal departments, school leaders, and external stakeholders to strengthen communication, program execution, and accountability across federally funded initiatives
- (Ocala, FL)
District Instructional Mentor
Hillsborough County Public Schools
08.2015 - 06.2017
- Managed caseload of 10-15 teachers across multiple K-12 campuses, delivering targeted coaching, onboarding support, and instructional development to enhance teacher effectiveness
- Designed and facilitated onboarding sessions, professional learning experiences, and instructional support aligned to district priorities and state requirements
- Supported teacher certification and retention through individualized coaching and mentorship, fostering professional growth and enhancing teaching quality
- Conducted formal and non-evaluative classroom observations using Charlotte Danielson Framework, delivering standards-aligned feedback to improve instructional practice
Instructional Coach (Writing)
Hillsborough County Public Schools
08.2012 - 07.2015
- Coached teachers on curriculum alignment, instructional strategies, student engagement, and effective writing instruction implementation to enhance teaching practices
- Led school-wide writing initiatives that contributed to improved state writing performance and overall school grade improvement from F to C
- Designed and delivered professional development aimed at ensuring instructional consistency and effective curriculum implementation for improved student achievement outcomes
- Collaborated with school leadership teams to enhance instructional systems, directly impacting writing performance across grade levels
- Selected as a district trainer for SpringBoard curriculum implementation through College Board
- Supported curriculum planning and intervention efforts designed to improve student literacy outcomes
English Teacher, Grades 7-12 (Subject Area Leader)
Hillsborough County Public Schools
01.2007 - 07.2012
- Delivered standards-based English instruction for grades 7-12, leading initiatives for curriculum alignment, instructional planning, and fostering departmental collaboration.
Education
M.S. - Educational Leadership
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT02-2017
B.S. - English Education
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL12-2006
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Learning and development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Educational policy
- Cross-functional leadership
- Data analysis
- Excel and data tracking
- EdTech platforms
- Systems management
- Instructional leadership
- Diversity awareness
- Budget administration
- Policy development
- Organizational leadership
- Employee evaluations
- Remote learning coordination
Professional Engagement And Recognition
- Selected as Proposed Presenter, Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) Faculty & Staff Day (2026)
- Panelist, National Girls & Women in Sport, IMG Academy (2025)
- Attendee, A Dream Deferred Conference, College Board (2024, 2026)
- Accreditation Review Team Member, IMG Academy (2023)
- Mission UCX Awards: Champion Spirit (2024), Helpful Heart (2023)
- Teacher of the Year, Van Buren Middle School (2013)
- Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Mann Middle School (2012)
Accomplishments
- Mission UCX Award - Champion Spirit 2024 and Helpful Heart 2023
- Teacher of the Year, Van Buren Middle School 2013
- Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Mann Middle School 2012
Certification
- Florida 5 Year Professional Educator License - Educational Leadership K-12, English 6-12, ESOL License #1045642
Timeline
Assistant Head of School, Academics
IMG Academy
08.2022 - 04.2026
Regional Director
Phalen Leadership Academies
11.2020 - 08.2022
Instructional Specialist
Phalen Leadership Academies
09.2019 - 11.2020
School Turnaround Support (Teacher of Record)
Hillsborough County Public Schools
01.2019 - 09.2019
District Coordinator, Federal Programs
Marion County Public Schools
07.2017 - 01.2019
District Instructional Mentor
Hillsborough County Public Schools
08.2015 - 06.2017
Instructional Coach (Writing)
Hillsborough County Public Schools
08.2012 - 07.2015
English Teacher, Grades 7-12 (Subject Area Leader)
Hillsborough County Public Schools
01.2007 - 07.2012
M.S. - Educational Leadership
Western Governors University
B.S. - English Education
University of South Florida