Dr. Toyia T. Wilson
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Dynamic educator with over 30 years of PK-12 leadership experience across urban, suburban, and charter school environments, dedicated to fostering equity-centered approaches in educational leadership. Committed to preparing the next generation of school and district leaders through innovative graduate teaching, impactful applied scholarship, and robust community engagement. My expertise in navigating diverse educational contexts ensures a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by today's educators. Passionate about cultivating inclusive learning environments that empower all students to thrive.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
10
10
Certification
Work History
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Sweet Home Central School District
01.2022 - Current
- Implementing comprehensive instructional leadership frameworks to support educational outcomes for students in universal pre-K through grade 12.
- Spearheading development of a three-year strategic plan focused on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Facilitating curriculum reviews and adoptions, resulting in the development of innovative K-8 mathematics and science programs.
- Facilitating the establishment of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to enhance academic performance and social-emotional development.
- Conducting workshops and training sessions focused on leadership development for educational leaders at the district level.
- Directing allocation and utilization of federal and state funding streams (Title I, II, III, IIA, IV) to enhance educational programs.
- Successfully pursued grant funding to enhance full-day universal pre-k access.
Associate Superintendent of Schools
Buffalo Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Implemented comprehensive strategies to boost graduation rates, culminating in a 79% rate and a 14% increase throughout my tenure.
- Directed and facilitated comprehensive school improvement initiatives across all 21 secondary schools.
- Acted as a pivotal driver in transforming underperforming schools and enhancing continuous improvement across all educational institutions.
- Championed comprehensive school improvement initiatives, delivering intensive support across ten high-needs secondary schools within the Innovation Transformation and Equity Zone (ITEZ).
- Executed responsibilities as acting superintendent, driving strategic initiatives across the district.
Chief of Schools
Rochester City School District
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Operated similarly to the role of Area/ Associate Superintendent, coaching Principals and managing the academic and operational needs of schools.
- Implemented leadership strategies for 13 schools, fostering academic excellence for nearly 7,000 pre-K through 12th grade students.
- Supported Schools in a high level of accountability status - Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support & Improvements (TSI), and Receivership Schools.
- Implemented strategic programs to enhance school culture, contributing to a 12% increase in graduation rates and a reduction in suspension incidents during my tenure.
- Executed revised district code of conduct to promote equity and restorative practices.
Principal / Superintendent Designee
Young Women's College Preparatory Charter School
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Directed comprehensive academic redesign efforts to enhance curriculum effectiveness, resulting in a 94% graduation rate for first graduating class.
- Expanded participation in advanced placement (AP) and advanced coursework. Enhanced academic skills through rigorous study and collaboration. Contributed to a culture of high achievement and continuous learning.
- Facilitated comprehensive re-chartering renewal with NYSED, aligning organizational goals with regulatory requirements.
Principal & Turnaround Initiative Principal
Greece Central School District
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Implemented initiatives to maintain a 90% graduation rate at Greece Odyssey Academy, an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, while adapting to evolving student demographics.
- Facilitated the application process for NYSED Strengthening Teaching and Leadership Grants, promoting leadership and teaching excellence.
- Orchestrated comprehensive training sessions for district educators and administrators, fostering leadership development and collaboration.
Teacher, Assistant Principal, Academy Director & Founding Principal
Rochester City School District
01.1996 - 01.2013
- Founded Northwest College Preparatory School, a 7-12 College Board–affiliated high school.
- Elevated graduation rates to nearly 80% with a 100% college acceptance, surpassing district average of 52%.
- Implemented programs that encouraged first-generation students to pursue postsecondary education, addressing the needs of a community with 90% poverty.
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Educational Policy
State University of New York At Buffalo
05-2022
Advanced Certificate - Educational Leadership
State University of New York At Oswego
01.2018
Master of Science - Educational Administration
St. John Fisher University
01.2002
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
State University of New York At Brockport
05-2000
Bachelor of Arts - Biology (Minor: Education)
St. John Fisher University
05-1995
Skills
- Graduate-Level (Master's & Doctoral)
- School Improvement, Accountability, and Equity
- Curriculum Leadership and Instructional Supervision
- Educational Policy and Law
- District Leadership and Systems Change
- Principal and Superintendent Preparation
- Research Methods for Practitioners (EdD)
- PK–12 Educational Leadership and School Administration
Certification
- North Carolina Certifications Pending - Teacher (Biology, Chemistry, Science)
- North Carolina Certifications Pending - Administration (Principal & Superintendent)
- New York State Certifications - Teacher (Biology, Chemistry, General Science)
- New York State Certifications - Administration (School Administrator and Supervisor & District Leader)
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Sweet Home Central School District
01.2022 - Current
Associate Superintendent of Schools
Buffalo Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2022
Chief of Schools
Rochester City School District
01.2017 - 01.2019
Principal / Superintendent Designee
Young Women's College Preparatory Charter School
01.2015 - 01.2017
Principal & Turnaround Initiative Principal
Greece Central School District
01.2013 - 01.2015
Teacher, Assistant Principal, Academy Director & Founding Principal
Rochester City School District
01.1996 - 01.2013
Master of Science - Educational Administration
St. John Fisher University
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Educational Policy
State University of New York At Buffalo
Advanced Certificate - Educational Leadership
State University of New York At Oswego
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
State University of New York At Brockport
Bachelor of Arts - Biology (Minor: Education)
St. John Fisher University
COLLEGE TEACHING EXPERIENCE
State University of New York at Buffalo Graduate School of Education
- Educational Leadership Doctoral Program, guest lecturer - 2024 & 2025
- Buffalo Aspiring Leaders Academy (BALA) program - partnership with the Buffalo Public Schools' Office of School Leadership, guest lecturer - 2019, 2020, 2021
Saint John Fisher University
- Educational Leadership, partnership with the Rochester City School District, guest lecturer - 2018
Monroe Community College
- Undergraduate Special Education program, guest lecture - 2011
RESEARCH AGENDA
My research agenda is grounded in practice-based inquiry focused on PK–12 educational leadership, equity-centered school improvement, district and school turnaround, leadership development, and accountability systems. Drawing on extensive superintendent- and principal-level experience in charter, urban, suburban, and diverse educational contexts, my scholarship examines how leadership structures, instructional systems, and policy decisions influence student outcomes, graduation rates, and organizational coherence. I am particularly interested in research-practice partnerships, and applied leadership of the preparation of principals and superintendents for high-need settings.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Curriculum development and course support for Educational Leadership programs
- Support for facility selection at the State University of New York at Buffalo
- Leadership development facilitator for principals and superintendents
- Advisor to district and state leadership initiatives (NYS Blue Ribbon Commission)
- Mentor for aspiring educational leaders
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Public Education Leadership Project (PELP), Harvard University
- Data Wise Leadership, Harvard University
- Harvard School Turnaround Leaders Institute
- New York City Leadership Academy (Curriculum Development & Facilitation)
- Bank Street College Leadership Development Program
- Leader in Me, Franklin Covey
- International Baccalaureate Heads of Schools Training
- AVID National Conference and Leadership Training
- Design Thinking Boot Camp
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/ LEAD DESIGNER
- Federal Title I, II, III, IIIA, IV program oversight and implementation, $1,271,775, Sweet Home Central Schools - annually
- Grant-funded expansion of full-day Universal Pre-K programming, $540,000, Sweet Home Central Schools - annually
- Mitigating the Impact of Trauma in Schools, Sweet Home Central Schools, $27,500 - 2023
- New York State Education Department Strengthening Teaching and Leadership Effectiveness Grants, Greece Central Schools, $318,162, - 2013
PUBLICATIONS
Wilson, Toyia. Supporting Math Rigor for Students Living in Poverty: A Study Designed to Provide Recommendations to Support Equitable Access. Doctoral dissertation, State University of New York at Buffalo, 2023.
SCHOLARSHIP, PRESENTATIONS & PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). National Conference Presentation: The Principal–Counselor Relationship
- Contributor and featured leader in NASSP and College Board leadership development video modules
- Contributor to College Board School Advisory Curriculum Guides (Grades 8 and 12)
- Featured in Democrat & Chronicle (USA Today Network), Woman to Watch
- Founder, Thurgood Marshall Middle School (Rochester City School District)
- Founding Board Member, Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts (Rochester, NY)