Dr. Debra M. Smith
Nashville,TN
Summary
Transformational education leader with expertise in school operations, teacher development, and community engagement. Proven ability to drive continuous improvement through data analysis and strategic planning. Committed to creating equitable learning environments that support diverse student needs and enhance academic success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Assistant Principal
Glencliff Elementary School
12.2025 - 03.2026
- Mentored and observed teachers, enhancing instructional practices and promoting student engagement.
- Supported student behavior and academic interventions, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Conducted parent conferences and coordinated emergency drills, improving school-community relations and ensuring student safety.
Principal
B.E. Academy for Girls
07.2024 - 08.2025
- Collaborated with CEO on strategic initiatives to drive school improvement efforts.
- Led school operations, developed teachers, and supported students to enhance educational outcomes.
- Completed state reporting and compliance requirements.
Humanities Teacher (ELA & Social Studies, Grades 6–8)
B.E. Academy for Girls
08.2024 - 12.2024
Instructional Specialist (Part-Time)
Glencliff Elementary School
03.2024 - 05.2024
- Delivered tailored academic support and mentoring to enhance student understanding and engagement.
- Designed engaging lesson plans for diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Developed training materials for staff on effective teaching practices and curriculum implementation.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies and classroom management.
Interim Assistant Principal
McGavock Elementary School
11.2023 - 01.2024
- Supported teacher coaching, student interventions, and parent engagement.
- Coordinated emergency drills and school operations.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop curriculum and enhance instructional strategies.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff to improve teaching practices.
Interim Assistant Principal
Glencliff Elementary School
07.2023 - 10.2023
- Supported teacher coaching, implemented student interventions, and enhanced parent engagement to foster a collaborative school community.
- Coordinated emergency drills and school operations.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement effective instructional strategies.
- Coordinated student discipline procedures to promote a positive school environment and support student growth.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for faculty on best teaching practices, improving instructional quality and teacher effectiveness.
Interim Executive Principal
Haynes Middle School
12.2022 - 06.2023
- Led school operations, budgeting, and professional development.
- Supervised instruction and supported teacher growth.
- Engaged families and community partners to support student needs.
Assistant Principal
Haynes Middle School
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Provided instructional coaching and student support.
- Led schoolwide initiatives during a 120-day appointment.
Assistant Principal
Pennington Elementary School
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Led team-building, teacher observations, and student assessment.
Principal
Jones Paideia Elementary Magnet School
07.2009 - 01.2019
- Led all school operations, instructional programs, and staff development.
- Built strong community partnerships and coordinated family engagement initiatives.
- Implemented School Improvement Plans and district initiatives.
- Led data analysis, book studies, and professional learning for staff.
- Organized community events, health fairs, and service projects.
Network Lead Principal
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
09.2012 - 05.2016
- Facilitated sustained improvement in student learning through data analysis, best-practice sharing, and leadership development.
- Monitored program implementation and assessed school performance to identify improvement areas.
- Coached executive principals to enhance leadership effectiveness across multiple schools.
Executive Director, Elementary Schools
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
06.2007 - 06.2009
- Evaluated performance of 25 principals, ensuring alignment with district goals.
- Monitored and refined instructional strategies and program implementation to enhance student learning.
- Analyzed school-level data to guide improvement efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers, principals, and families to address and resolve educational concerns.
Principal
Buena Vista Enhanced School
07.2004 - 06.2007
- Implemented single-gender classes and schoolwide initiatives to improve student performance and culture.
- Used data to guide instruction and improve student outcomes.
- Oversaw daily school operations to enhance instructional quality and student engagement.
- Led parent workshops and community engagement activities to strengthen school-family partnerships.
Education
Ed.D. - Leadership & Professional Practice
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN05-2010
Master’s +30 -
Cumberland University, Tennessee State University, Trevecca Nazarene University
01-1996
M.Ed. - Administration & Supervision
Trevecca Nazarene University
01-1993
B.S. - Education
University of Tennessee at Martin
01-1985
Skills
- Program Leadership & Implementation
- Principal & Leader Development
- Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Strategic Planning & Change Management
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- School Operations & Compliance
- Equity, Cultural Competence & Whole-Child Support
Active Endorsements
- Elementary Grades 1–8
- Administration & Supervision K–8
- Professional Administrator PreK–12
Higher Education Research Leadership
- Dissertation Committee Member, Western Kentucky University, 2025 – Present
- Facilitator, Aspiring Administrators, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 2020 – Present
- Dissertation Advisor & Reader, Trevecca Nazarene University, 2017 – Present
- Dissertation Committee Member, Carson-Newman University, 2018 – 2021
- Adjunct Professor, Tennessee State University, 2013
- Adjunct Professor, Lipscomb University, 2012
Awards Recognition
- Principal of the Year (2019)
- Community Action Outstanding Partner Award (2018)
- Icon Woman Award (2016)
- Master Teacher (2015)
- Educator of the Year (2015)
- Teacher of the Year (1993, 2001)
- Apple for the Teacher Award (1997)
Leadership Community Service
- Treasurer, Top Ladies of Distinction, 2023 – Present
- President, Delta Kappa Gamma, 2020 – 2024
- Second Vice President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, 2018 – 2024
- President, GNABSE, 2019 – 2023
- LOVE Helps Executive Board, 2019 – Present
- Chairperson, Scholarship Programs
- Presenter, Professional Seminars
- Coordinator, Summer Enrichment Programs
- Church & Community Leadership Roles
Core Leadership Competencies
- Program Leadership & Implementation
- Principal & Leader Development
- Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Strategic Planning & Change Management
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- School Operations & Compliance
- Equity, Cultural Competence & Whole-Child Support
Professional Development
- TEAM Administrator & Teacher Evaluation Training
- TN Principals’ Academy
- Covey Leadership Programs
- Cultural Competence & Student Achievement
- Social Emotional Learning Conferences
- National Paideia Conference
- Data Analysis & Planning
- Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
- Positive Behavior Support
- McGrath Leadership Training
Timeline
Interim Assistant Principal
Glencliff Elementary School
12.2025 - 03.2026
Humanities Teacher (ELA & Social Studies, Grades 6–8)
B.E. Academy for Girls
08.2024 - 12.2024
Principal
B.E. Academy for Girls
07.2024 - 08.2025
Instructional Specialist (Part-Time)
Glencliff Elementary School
03.2024 - 05.2024
Interim Assistant Principal
McGavock Elementary School
11.2023 - 01.2024
Interim Assistant Principal
Glencliff Elementary School
07.2023 - 10.2023
Interim Executive Principal
Haynes Middle School
12.2022 - 06.2023
Assistant Principal
Haynes Middle School
03.2021 - 12.2022
Assistant Principal
Pennington Elementary School
08.2019 - 05.2020
Network Lead Principal
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
09.2012 - 05.2016
Principal
Jones Paideia Elementary Magnet School
07.2009 - 01.2019
Executive Director, Elementary Schools
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
06.2007 - 06.2009
Principal
Buena Vista Enhanced School
07.2004 - 06.2007
Ed.D. - Leadership & Professional Practice
Trevecca Nazarene University
Master’s +30 -
Cumberland University, Tennessee State University, Trevecca Nazarene University
M.Ed. - Administration & Supervision
Trevecca Nazarene University
B.S. - Education
University of Tennessee at Martin