Desiree Cameron
Summary
Experienced educator with over 20 years in K-12 and higher education. Proven track record in mentoring teachers, coaching leaders, and designing impactful professional development programs. Expertise in fostering collaborative and culturally responsive learning environments that enhance social-emotional learning. Dedicated to creating thriving educational spaces for both students, educators, staff, and leaders.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Academic Dean & High School Director
SLO Classical Academy
San Luis Obispo, USA
06.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded academic strategy and daily operations for SLOCA High School, driving program excellence.
- Led professional development initiatives and instructional coaching to elevate teacher performance.
- Mentored leadership across campuses, fostering growth of emerging and established leaders.
- Managed budget and resource allocation for academic programs and facilities.
Lecturer, Visual & Performing Arts Education
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
01.2019 - 06.2024
- Developed and delivered a three-part series on social and emotional learning through arts education.
- Guided students through a multi-course teaching sequence for aspiring teachers and arts educators.
Curriculum Coordinator (5-8) & Director of Visual & Performing Arts
Westside Neighborhood School
Los Angeles, CA
08.2009 - 06.2024
- Instructed grades five through eight for 15 years, fostering academic growth and engagement.
- Transformed arts program into a thriving department, attracting numerous students and expanding faculty resources.
- Directed over 12 major productions annually, boosting arts programming and increasing student involvement.
- Aligned curriculum across grade levels while creating a monthly newsletter for families.
- Coached faculty on effective classroom management techniques to enhance student engagement outcomes.
- Received Los Angeles Teacher Eddy Award for Teacher of the Year in 2016, recognizing excellence in education.
Adjunct Professor
Pepperdine University
Los Angeles, California
01.2013 - 08.2017
- Delivered graduate-level courses in Arts Integration and Instructional Design across multiple campuses.
- Utilized blended learning approaches, combining face-to-face and online instruction.
- Received exceptional evaluations consistently from students throughout teaching tenure.
Part-time Clinical Professor & Advisor
NYU
New York, NY
05.2006 - 06.2009
- Delivered multiple courses each term for undergraduate and graduate students in Educational Theatre program and Teaching and Learning Department.
- Advised hundreds of graduate students, ensuring strong academic pathways and supporting international student needs.
- Coordinated annual international arts education conferences to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Received Teaching Excellence Award in 2008 for exceptional instructional delivery.
Education
Ph.D. - Education
NYU
Masters of Education - Arts Education
Harvard
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Performance
University of Miami
Skills
- Academic leadership and curriculum development
- Effective communication and public speaking
- Mentoring and professional development
- Teaching excellence and faculty management
- Relationship building
Certification
Multiple Subject Preliminary Certification
Timeline
Academic Dean & High School Director
SLO Classical Academy
06.2024 - Current
Lecturer, Visual & Performing Arts Education
UCLA
01.2019 - 06.2024
Adjunct Professor
Pepperdine University
01.2013 - 08.2017
Curriculum Coordinator (5-8) & Director of Visual & Performing Arts
Westside Neighborhood School
08.2009 - 06.2024
Part-time Clinical Professor & Advisor
NYU
05.2006 - 06.2009
Ph.D. - Education
NYU
Masters of Education - Arts Education
Harvard
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Performance
University of Miami