Desarae A. Witmer
Yukon,OK
Summary
Dedicated assistant superintendent with a strong background in education, committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance the achievement and success of all students.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Yukon Public Schools
Yukon, OK
04.2017 - Current
- Led the development of systematic methods to enhance student performance.
- Facilitated the use of funding from state and federal programs to meet the critical needs of students.
- Analyzed data from various sources to identify trends and patterns impacting the academic achievement of students.
- Worked alongside educators to refine educational programs for learners.
- Ensured adherence to applicable laws related to students and education standards.
- Planned and led professional development activities for teachers, administrators and support staff.
Executive Director of the Office of School Support
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Oklahoma City, OK
03.2015 - 03.2017
- Providing support, resources, allocations, and professional development to sites with a Focus or Priority Designation.
- Interpreted USDE requirements for School Improvement Grants
- Managed federal funds for School Improvement initiatives and Oklahoma's School Improvement Grant
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational growth and development.
- Ensured legal compliance by staying abreast of relevant laws, regulations, standards, guidelines.
Associate Director of Secondary Schools and Reform
Oklahoma City Public Schools
Oklahoma City, OK
05.2014 - 03.2015
- Ensured compliance with all state and federal laws, regulations and policies related to the site and district.
- Led district middle school remediation initiative
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of ten middle school sites including personnel management as well as program development and implementation.
- Provided guidance and support to staff in order to maximize their performance.
- Maintained positive relationships with stakeholders by responding promptly to inquiries, requests and complaints.
Principal
Edmond Public Schools
Edmond, OK
07.2003 - 05.2014
- Provided instructional leadership to faculty and staff in the areas of curriculum development, assessment practices and professional growth activities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents, students and members of the community to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Assessed current teaching methods and techniques used by staff members in order to provide feedback on their effectiveness.
- Provided coaching sessions for teachers on best practices for classroom organization and management as well as effective instructional strategies.
Assistant Principal
Edmond Public Schools
Edmond, OK
08.2000 - 06.2003
- Developed and implemented school policies, procedures and programs for student achievement.
- Provided guidance and support to teachers, staff and students in the school.
- Monitored student behavior and discipline in accordance with district regulations.
- Resolved conflicts between faculty members and students.
- Site athletic director; organized athletic schedules, supervised coaches and teams.
Education
Masters - Elementary Administration
University of Central Oklahoma
12.1998
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Middle School Science
Oklahoma State University
05.1993
Affiliations
- Oklahoma Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development; Board Member, President 2022-Present
- OSU College of Education and Human Science Alumni Society; Member, Chair 2020-Present
- Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administrators
- Oklahoma Middle Level Educators Association; Member, President 2009
Certification
Oklahoma, Superintendent, Secondary Principal, Elementary Principal, Elementary Education, Science - Middle School/Junior High
Accomplishments
- OSU College of Education and Human Sciences Outstanding Alumni, 2022
- Middle Level Principal of the Year, 2009
- OASSP Principal of the Year Finalist, 2008
Continuing Education
- Education Research Development Institute (ERDI), 2023 - present
- Age of Learning Leadership Symposium, 2024
- OSSBA Emerging Leaders Academy, 2020-2022
- CCOSA Women in Leadership Annual Conference, 2022 - present
- CCOSA Annual June Conference, 2020 - present
- OSSBA/CCOSA Annual August Conference, 2017 - present
- GiANT People-Driven Leadership Development, 2020-2022, 2024-2025
- Council of Chief State School Officers, 2015-2017
- National Middle School Association Conference, 2006, 2008, 2009
- Great Expectations Principal’s Leadership Academy, 2008-2009
- Professional Learning Communities, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2016, 2022
Presentations
- Cooperative Council of School Administrators, Building A Bridge: Back to the Future, Administrator’s Round Table, RtI: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination, RtI 101-The Basics for School Leaders, RtI: A Teacher’s Journey, RtI: An Administrator’s Journey, Aspiring Principal Facilitator, Data Interpretation and the Impact on Instruction
- Oklahoma School Psychologist Association Fall Conference, RtI: From Theory to Application, 2011
- Southern Nazarene University, MAEL TIPS Facilitator, 2010-2013
- University of Oklahoma, The 5 P’s of Principalship, 2010
- University of Central Oklahoma, PLC & SMART Goals, 2009
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Yukon Public Schools
04.2017 - Current
Executive Director of the Office of School Support
Oklahoma State Department of Education
03.2015 - 03.2017
Associate Director of Secondary Schools and Reform
Oklahoma City Public Schools
05.2014 - 03.2015
Principal
Edmond Public Schools
07.2003 - 05.2014
Assistant Principal
Edmond Public Schools
08.2000 - 06.2003
Masters - Elementary Administration
University of Central Oklahoma
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Middle School Science
Oklahoma State University