Derrius L. Hightower
Champaign,IL
Summary
Dynamic educational leader dedicated to fostering strong family connections and enhancing student success through community partnerships. Proven track record in increasing parental involvement and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to create supportive learning environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Urbana School District 116
Urbana , IL
07.2025 - Current
- Led collaboration among administrative grade-level and special program teams to align instructional strategies.
- Facilitated professional development sessions and mentored new teachers to enhance staff capabilities.
- Oversaw behavior interventions as PBIS/Tier 2 lead and managed discipline referral processes.
- Supported special education IEP and 504 compliance as LEA representative.
- Conducted weekly walkthroughs to monitor curriculum engagement and instructional quality.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Advocated for students' needs through data-driven decision making and planning.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
Classroom Teacher
Indian Prairie School District 204
08.2024 - 07.2025
- Implemented AVID program to enhance student engagement and academic achievement.
- Developed Daily Lesson Plans with a WICOR focus.
- Worked with Grade Level Team to create lessons and schedules.
- Collaborated with families to foster a supportive and positive learning environment.
- Conducted conferences with parents to address student growth and tailor support to individual needs.
- Attended professional developments to increase my knowledge
Principal
Indian Prairie School District 204
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Principal of one of the most diverse schools in Illinois (Top 50 US)
- Collaborated with families to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Developed strategies to increase volunteer opportunities within the school building.
- Organized events like "Lunch on the Lawn" to boost parental engagement.
- Leader of Professional Development for teachers
- Implemented systems of related to discipline.
- Introduced AVID to staff and district leadership.
- Attended AVID Summer institute.
- Supervised and evaluated staff.
- Evaluated certified staff according to the Danielson Framework
- Attended Restorative Practices training.
- Created and Implemented Walk through forms related to AVID and PBIS
Assistant Principal
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118
Danville, IL
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Created and Led AVID College and Career Day
- Led AVID professional development for staff within the building.
- Co-Led an AVID Showcase school event 2019-2020 SY.
- Strengthened community relationships through targeted outreach initiatives.
- Increased family involvement via social media
- Partnered with social workers to expand outside mentor presence in school, fostering student support.
- Evaluated certified staff according to the Danielson Framework
- Identified students needing Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions tracking the results of interventions.
- Attended PLCs and unit leader meetings to assist teachers.
- Interpreted data to improve student behavior and academics.
- Supported Principal in daily operations and budget management to enhance school efficiency.
- Worked in a school of 700 students K-4
Administrative Intern
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118
Danville, IL
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Coordinated implementation of schoolwide AVID plan, enhancing student engagement in college readiness.
- Facilitated PBIS implementation at school, engaging staff in positive behavior strategies.
- Supported development of school improvement plan as a dynamic resource for ongoing educational enhancements.
- Conducted informal observations with teachers and support staff, delivering targeted feedback to improve instructional practices.
- Completed walk-throughs throughout the school day and providing feedback.
- Evaluated all non-certified staff.
Classroom Teacher
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118
Danville, IL
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Developed Daily Lesson Plans with a WICOR focus.
- Implemented AVID strategies to enhance student engagement and academic success.
- Collaborated with grade level team to design integrated lessons, schedules, and tiered groups for differentiated instruction.
- Worked with families to create a positive learning environment for their student.
- Conducted conferences with parents to address student growth, needs, and actionable strategies for improvement.
- Attended professional development to increase my knowledge as a teacher.
Head Start Teacher/Teacher's Aid
East Central Community Action Agency
Danville, IL
06.2008 - 01.2014
Education
M.S. - Educational Leadership
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01-2018
B.S. - Elementary Education
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01-2014
B.A. - History
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01-2014
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student engagement
- Classroom collaboration
- Classroom activities
- Instructional leadership
- Data analysis
- Technology integrations
- Professional development
- Staff evaluation
- Conflict resolution
- Peer mentoring
- Relationship management
- Parent communication
- Collaborative learning
References
- Jennifer Richardson, jen_richardson@sbcglobal.net, 312-860-2922
- Chad Musselman, Musselman.r.c@gmail.com, 217-369-0624
- Kim Pabst, PabstK@danville118.org, 217-304-4225
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Urbana School District 116
07.2025 - Current
Classroom Teacher
Indian Prairie School District 204
08.2024 - 07.2025
Principal
Indian Prairie School District 204
01.2022 - 01.2024
Assistant Principal
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118
01.2019 - 01.2022
Administrative Intern
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118
01.2018 - 01.2019
Classroom Teacher
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118
01.2015 - 01.2018
Head Start Teacher/Teacher's Aid
East Central Community Action Agency
06.2008 - 01.2014
M.S. - Educational Leadership
Eastern Illinois University
B.S. - Elementary Education
Eastern Illinois University
B.A. - History
Eastern Illinois University