David Little
Johnson City,TN
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with 18 years in K-12 education, driving academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive school culture. Expert in leadership, mentorship, and student engagement, with a data-driven approach to continuous improvement. Committed to fostering community partnerships for sustainable growth and unique student opportunities. Passionate about empowering students, developing teachers, and advancing school success.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
01.2024 - Current
- Interpersonal Relations class for Masters, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral students with a concentration in Educational Leadership
- The course integrates the various competencies of interpersonal relations into the school leader's repertoire
- Student's skills in collecting and managing the flow of information, motivating others, becoming sensitive to human needs and concerns, and communicating effectively in both written and oral frameworks
Principal
Washington County Department of Education
Jonesborough, TN
09.2021 - Current
- Oversee academic and administrative operations for a student centered K-8 learning organization
- Leadership with project based learning opportunities and continuing professional development initiatives
- Utilize data-driven strategies to enhance student achievement and allocating support for all students
- Cultivate strong relationships with students, parents, and the community to foster a positive school culture
- Align school initiatives with district goals to promote continuous growth and innovation
- Manage school budgets, allocating resources effectively for academic and extracurricular programming
- Advocate for school needs and improvements to district personnel
- Implementation of a growth mindset, self reflection and culture of growth to address staff and student concerns effectively
- Develop crisis management plans to ensure school safety and preparedness
- District Title IX Investigator and Decision Maker Certified
- Lead change management initiatives to integrate new instructional strategies and technologies
- Mentor aspiring leaders within the faculty to strengthen school leadership capacity
- Create and implement strategies to improve faculty collaboration and team performance
- Establish, monitor, and adjust systems in place throughout the school to support the vision of the school
Assistant Principal
Washington County Department of Education
Jonesborough, TN
07.2018 - 09.2021
- Managed student discipline processes and implemented restorative practices to improve student behavior
- Coordinated state and district assessments, ensuring compliance with testing protocols
- Oversaw teacher evaluations, providing constructive feedback to improve instructional effectiveness
- Managed master scheduling, student placement, and curriculum coordination
- Led professional development programs for faculty
- Served as primary liaison for parent communications and public relations
- Oversaw school facility operations, work orders, and inventory management
- Supervised daily school operations to ensure a safe and productive learning environment
- Developed interventions to promote positive student behavior and address discipline issues
Graduation Coach/Interventionist
Washington County Department of Education
Jonesborough, TN
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Provided targeted interventions to support at-risk students and help to remove any barriers present to a high school graduation
- Conducted professional development on industry certifications and student success strategies
- Administered independent learning intervention programs and monitored student progress
- Organized workshops for parents and guardians to enhance student engagement
- Collaborated with teachers and counselors to design individualized academic recovery plans
- Implemented attendance intervention strategies to address chronic absenteeism
- Developed mentorship programs to support student social-emotional well-being
Agricultural Education Teacher & FFA Advisor
Lenoir City Schools
Lenoir City, TN
07.2007 - 08.2017
- Secured over $175,000 in grant funding for an Agricultural Learning Facility
- Developed interactive, hands-on learning experiences to enhance student engagement
- Successfully integrated Agriscience curriculum with EOC subjects through grant-funded initiatives
- Mentored new educators and led year-long professional development programs
- Coordinated student participation in regional, state, and national FFA competitions
- Designed and implemented agricultural business models for students to gain real-world experience
- Developed partnerships with local farms and businesses to provide experiential learning opportunities
- Introduced sustainable agricultural practices into the curriculum to enhance environmental awareness
- Organized and led community outreach projects, strengthening student involvement and leadership skills
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN01.2019
Master of Science - Education
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Education
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN01.2006
Skills
- Data analysis
- Student assessment
- Leadership development
- Professional development
- Team collaboration
- Community outreach
- Professional networking
- Student motivation
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Analytical thinking
- Assessment strategies
- Faculty communication
- Academic growth
- Education technology
- Project-based learning
- Technology integration
- Industry partnerships
- Change management
- Crisis management
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
Speaking/Presentations
- 2023 Future of Education Technology Conference – New Orleans, LA
- 2023 Institute for Career and Technical Education – Chattanooga, TN
- 2023 Niswonger Learning Together Day – Kingsport, TN
- 2023 Regional STEM Innovation Meeting – Walters State, Greeneville, TN
- 2023 National Rural Education Association Conference – Chattanooga, TN
- 2023 Principal Study Council – First Tennessee Region
- 2023 Title I Conference – Gatlinburg, TN
- 2024 Regional STEM Educator Network – Gray, TN
- 2024 Center of STEM Excellence Workforce Development-Kingsport, TN
- 2024 STEM Innovation Hub Regional Fall Meeting- Greeneville, TN
- 2025 ETSU Strong Brain Institute Resilience Series – Johnson City, TN
- 2025 ETSU Center for Rural Education and Development
References
- Mr. Jerry S. Boyd, Superintendent of Schools, Washington County Department of Education, 931-260-6091, boydj@wcde.org
- Dr. Virginia Foley, Professor, East Tennessee State University, 706-218-2986, foleyv@mail.etsu.edu
- Dr. Vicki Kirk, Executive Director, Niswonger Foundation, 423-525-2160, vkirk@niswongerfoundation.org
- Dr. Ginger Christian, Professor, East Tennessee State University, 404-862-3867, christiang@mail.etsu.edu
- Dr. Mia Hyde, Director, CER, Niswonger Foundation, 423-293-2176, miahyde@commprehensiveeducationalresources.org
- Mrs. Valerie Moore, Teacher, Sulphur Springs Elementary School, 423-483-3786, moorev@wcde.org
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
East Tennessee State University
01.2024 - Current
Principal
Washington County Department of Education
09.2021 - Current
Assistant Principal
Washington County Department of Education
07.2018 - 09.2021
Graduation Coach/Interventionist
Washington County Department of Education
08.2017 - 06.2018
Agricultural Education Teacher & FFA Advisor
Lenoir City Schools
07.2007 - 08.2017
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
East Tennessee State University
Master of Science - Education
The University of Tennessee
Bachelor of Science - Education
The University of Tennessee
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