Deirdre Lafford
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Professional educational leader prepared to drive impactful learning experiences and educational improvements. Demonstrates focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving results. Known for reliability and responsiveness to evolving educational needs.
Reliable and adaptable, skilled in curriculum planning and team collaboration, ensuring consistent achievement of educational goals. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and data-driven decision-making.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal/Instructional Leader
Milwaukee Public Schools, MPS
Milwaukee, WI
08.2023 - Current
- Led collaborative planning sessions with educators to align curriculum initiatives with student learning outcomes.
- Coordinated teacher evaluations and feedback processes, promoting continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness and student achievement.
- Cultivated a positive school culture by fostering strong relationships among staff, students, and families through engagement activities.
- Directed data-driven decision-making processes to identify academic trends and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Advocated for student-centered approaches in classroom instruction, resulting in increased motivation and academic success among learners.
- Streamlined communication channels between administration and faculty to improve transparency and support ongoing professional dialogue through PLC development.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, offering guidance on effective teaching techniques and classroom management strategies.
- Led professional development workshops for fellow educators on best practices in instruction and assessment design.
- Coordinated in-school tutoring program, providing additional support for struggling learners in need of targeted assistance.
- Participated in principal focus groups to provide input to colleagues and consultants about student achievement and improvement.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Orchestrated community outreach initiatives to strengthen partnerships with local organizations (ie City Year) supporting student welfare.
Assistant Principal
Milwaukee Public Schools
06.2020 - Current
- Assists the Principal with teacher orientation and professional development and in service training for areas of responsibility.
- Participates in special events and evening activities as requested by the principal.
- Participates in the observation and evaluation of teacher’s performance and the performance of other staff members as assigned. Conducts administrative conferences with school staff and prepares disciplinary notices as necessary.
- Coordinates, supervises and provides leadership in the district's program of discipline (according to the discipline hand book), including investigating incidents caused by students and others and settling related problems as appropriate ranging from counseling students up to and including expulsion; requesting assistance by resource personnel as necessary.
- Ensures all disciplinary paperwork is processed according to regulations and established deadlines. Completes written reports, investigations and maintains all appropriate documentation.
- Participates in the school budgeting process.
- Assistant Principal Underfill Nov 2019 - June 2020
School Support Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools
12.2012 - 11.2019
- Supported the implementation of the Framework for Teaching through the Educator Effectiveness System. Assisted teachers in the use of data to inform instructional practice and improve student outcomes. Provided instructional and collaborative coaching support for teachers through transformational coaching. Planned and provided professional development based on teacher, grade band, or school-wide needs.
Classroom Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools
07.1999 - 12.2012
- Engaged students in significant learning activities that provided opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful contexts that call for explanation, decision making, investigation, interpretation, problem solving and self-assessment.
Education
Masters in Education - Administrative Leadership/Director of Instruction
Alverno College
01-2019
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction
National-Louis University
01-2005
BA Elementary Education - Minor: Early Childhood
Carroll College
01-1999
Skills
- Professional Development
- Instructional coaching
- Data Analysis/Data Driven Planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Collaborative learning
- Verbal and written communication
Certification
Reading 316 License
Timeline
Principal/Instructional Leader
Milwaukee Public Schools, MPS
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Principal
Milwaukee Public Schools
06.2020 - Current
School Support Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools
12.2012 - 11.2019
Classroom Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools
07.1999 - 12.2012
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction
National-Louis University
BA Elementary Education - Minor: Early Childhood
Carroll College
Masters in Education - Administrative Leadership/Director of Instruction
Alverno College
Professional Collaborations
- Learning Teams
- Reading & Literacy PLC
- School-wide Planning
- School Improvement Planning
Personal Skills
- Creativity
- Organizational Planning
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Leadership