Dr. Valerie B. Ward
Pembroke Pines,FL
Summary
An exemplary educator with over 40 years of experience leading school staff, improving student achievement and educational programs. A retired school administrator with proven results with outcome-driven goals. A certified, researched mentor I coach providing support to novice principals and assistant principals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Content Expert
Grand Canyon University
12.2023 - Current
- Analyzed content performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Enhanced content quality by conducting thorough research.
Retired Principal Mentor/Coach (Part-Time)
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Office of Professional/Leadership Development and Evaluation
07.2014 - Current
- Provided support to novice and aspiring principals and assistant principals through mentoring and coaching,
- Planned and implemented programs to provide research-based strategies for over one hundred novice principals.
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Guided mentees to overcome challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
Curriculum Development
Nova Southeastern University
02.2021 - 05.2023
- Participated in ongoing curriculum development efforts, ensuring alignment with state standards and relevancy for all learners.
- Contributed to curriculum development by creating new courses informed by current research trends.
Adjunct Professor
Lynn University
01.2013 - 06.2015
- Provided instruction to master's-level students in the Educational Leadership program
- Monitored graduate students' onsite internships
- Created Graduate Handbook on Educational Leadership
- Developed Syllabus for Graduate-Level Educational Leadership Course
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional, and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans, and syllabi.
Retired Principal Mentor/Coach /Consultant
Southern Region Educational Board (SREB)
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Provided coaching and mentoring to Principals and Assistant Principals in the Florida Turnaround Leadership Program (FTLP) in Miami-Dade County Public Schools - 50 participants).
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Guided mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
- Aligned mentoring activities with organizational objectives to drive overall improvement and support the mission of the program.
Principal
Scott Lake Elementary School
03.2006 - 08.2012
- Improved student outcomes by analyzing data and adjusting instructional practices accordingly.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments to develop interdisciplinary curricula for a more holistic educational experience.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
Principal
Biscayne Gardens Elementary School
03.2000 - 04.2006
- Enhanced school performance by implementing strategic plans and collaborating with fellow administrators.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
Education
Ed. D. Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL12.2023
Master of Arts - Speech and Language Pathology
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FLBachelor of Science - Speech and Language Pathology
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Supervision and Leadership
- Project Planning
- Problem-Solving
- Organizational Leadership
- Research
- Strategic Planning
- Mentoring/Coaching
- Relationship Building
- Program Analysis
- Curriculum Development
Professional And Community Involvement
- Miami Gardens Educational Excellence Board of Directors, Appointed by the Superintendent
- Appointed to the Race to the Top Focus Group Committee
- Participated in the Florida Principal Promise Program-Math and Science
- Lead Principal for the Norland Feeder Pattern
- Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Symposiums, Educational Leadership and Administration
- United Way Superintendent's Leadership Circle
- Appointed to the Superintendent's Focus Group for Knowledge Management (BROAD Prize for Urban Education)
- Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Awards
- Race to the Top Award Recipient
- Finalist: Miami-Dade County Public Schools Principal of the Year
- Region II Feeder Pattern Principal of the Year
- Outstanding Principal Leadership Award, Miami-Dade Mayor League of Cities
- Leonard Miller Principal Leadership Award, State Winner
- Florida School Recognition Program, Scott Lake Elementary
- District Principal of the Year Youth Citizen's Crime Watch, 25th Anniversary
- Leonard Miller Principal Leadership Award Winner-State Finalist
- Florida School Recognition Program, Biscayne Gardens Elementary
References
References are furnished upon request.
Timeline
Content Expert
Grand Canyon University
12.2023 - Current
Curriculum Development
Nova Southeastern University
02.2021 - 05.2023
Retired Principal Mentor/Coach (Part-Time)
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Office of Professional/Leadership Development and Evaluation
07.2014 - Current
Retired Principal Mentor/Coach /Consultant
Southern Region Educational Board (SREB)
07.2013 - 07.2014
Adjunct Professor
Lynn University
01.2013 - 06.2015
Principal
Scott Lake Elementary School
03.2006 - 08.2012
Principal
Biscayne Gardens Elementary School
03.2000 - 04.2006
Ed. D. Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Arts - Speech and Language Pathology
Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Speech and Language Pathology
Florida A&M University
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