Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Greek affiliation
Timeline
Generic

Deborah Hood

Westminster,MA

Summary

Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Cambridge Public Schools, excelling in performance standards and employee oversight. Skilled in discipline management and fostering positive relationships, I effectively implemented innovative programs that enhanced student success and teacher development, ensuring a high-expectation academic environment for diverse learners.

Enthusiastic Assistant Principal offering 16-year history of supporting academic administration functions. Motivated to improve relationships among faculty, students and administrators. Personable and outgoing with skill in building rapport with diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Principal

Cambridge Public Schools
09.2007 - 08.2024


  • Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
  • Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
  • Supported hiring, training, and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
  • Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
  • Supported special education department by developing programs and protocols for at-risk youth and students with special needs.
  • Collaborated with school board officials to assess areas for improvement in curricula, classrooms, testing and student activities.
  • Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
  • Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
  • Administered personnel policies and procedures and approved professional staff additions.
  • Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
  • Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
  • Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
  • Coordinated staff and student activities to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
  • Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
  • Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies.

Dean of Students

Randolph Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2007
  • Helped teachers develop and diversify instruction to better serve students of different skill levels and backgrounds.
  • Coordinated outreach events to bring in parents, family members and community at large to support students.
  • Held staff accountable for implementing airtight school-wide systems and processes.
  • Partnered with senior administration to create cohesive vision, balancing structure and creative expression to drive productive student learning.

Educational Administration Intern

Cambridge Public Schools
09.2005 - 06.2006
  • Learned from experienced administrators, gaining insights into effective leadership practices.
  • Gained a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of running a school, from finances to student affairs.
  • Learned to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and work collaboratively with other professionals.
  • Developed skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision-making.
  • Learned about current trends and best practices in education, which can inform their future career path.
  • Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
  • Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
  • Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
  • Coordinated office events, seminars and meetings for staff and clients.

Music Teacher

Cambridge Public Schools
09.1985 - 08.2005
  • Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history, and performance etiquette.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Mentored students of different ages and backgrounds in music theory, composition and performance.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.

Lecturer

Tufts University
09.1996 - 05.1998

Third Day Gospel Choir Director.


  • Chose appropriate gospel music for the choir's skill level and the specific events or services they will be performing in.
  • Taught singers proper vocal techniques, including breathing, posture, diction, and phrasing, to achieve a unified and powerful sound.
  • Lead rehearsals, guiding singers through musical arrangements, and ensuring accuracy, timing, and expressive interpretation.
  • Directed the choir during performances, using clear and expressive conducting techniques to communicate musical direction and energy.
  • Worked with accompanists (pianists, organists, instrumentalists) to create a cohesive musical experience.
  • Helped singers develop their musicality, including sight-reading, understanding musicality, and expressing the emotion and meaning of the music.
  • Coordinated performances, concerts, and other events, including venue logistics and publicity.
  • Connected the choir with the broader community, through participation in local events or workshops.
  • Stayed up-to-date on new gospel music, techniques, and trends by attending conferences and workshops,

Education

Master of Science - Educational Administration

The University of Massachusetts
Boston, MA
05-1996

Bachelor of Arts - Music Education

Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA
05-1985

High School Diploma -

Westview High School
Kankakee, IL
05-1981

Skills

  • Employee oversight
  • Discipline management
  • Relationship building and networking
  • Personnel reviews
  • Performance monitoring
  • Academic administration
  • Strategy development
  • Faculty support
  • Student achievement
  • Organizational leadership
  • Staff assessment
  • School facilities and operations
  • Parent rapport-building
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Interpersonal strengths
  • Community relations
  • Multitasking
  • Progress monitoring
  • Team building
  • Performance standards and analysis

Certification

  • Licensed Elementary Music Teacher
  • Licensed Elementary Principal


Greek affiliation

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated:

Member

Timeline

Assistant Principal

Cambridge Public Schools
09.2007 - 08.2024

Dean of Students

Randolph Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2007

Educational Administration Intern

Cambridge Public Schools
09.2005 - 06.2006

Lecturer

Tufts University
09.1996 - 05.1998

Music Teacher

Cambridge Public Schools
09.1985 - 08.2005

Master of Science - Educational Administration

The University of Massachusetts

Bachelor of Arts - Music Education

Berklee College of Music

High School Diploma -

Westview High School