Duane L. Ross
Beltsville,Maryland
Summary
Previously employed as an Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (Term Faculty) in the Graduate School of Education, Department of Educational Leadership. The professional load consisted of 80/10/10 responsibility. Using this formula, 80 percent of duties were devoted to teaching and learning, 10 percent to innovation and research, and 10 percent to university service (committee, workgroup, and advising students in the Master’s Program, Professional Certification, Capstone Faculty Member, and Doctorate of Education and Doctor of Philosophy Students. Before working as a full-time higher education professional, Served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and leadership coach with 26 years of teaching and leading in diverse learning environments. Well-versed in developing and implementing content focused on race, equity, and bias, debunking negative stereotypes and tropes. Provided a safe learning environment that fostered the growth of students (K-12 as well as undergraduate, graduate, and professional peers both academically and emotionally). Optimized student performance by promoting goal-oriented activities and encouraging critical thinking and the advancement of, encouraging critical thinking, and advancing courageous and difficult conversations.
Experienced school leader with problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to new tasks; known for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset, focused on making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University
2022.06 - 2024.08
- Courses Taught:
- Multiple Dimensions of Leadership
- School Finance K-12, Higher Education
- School Budget Process K-12, Higher Education
- Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
- Mentored students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.
- Contributed to developing a comprehensive curriculum, ensuring alignment with state standards and academic goals.
- Served on academic committees, contributing insights and expertise to enhance institutional policies and practices.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills through interactive classroom activities and discussions.
Adjunct Lecturer and Internship Coordinator
Howard University
2019.09 - 2021.05
- Adjunct Lecturer:
- Used a variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate the learning process and accentuate presentations, including multiple learning modalities
- Organized, prepared, and revised educational leadership course material and applied technological options for online and course-related software
- Encouraged and facilitated class discussions by building discussions into lessons, asking open-ended questions, and using techniques to track student participation and actively solicit input
- Internship Coordinator:
- Communicated with onsite internship supervisors to ensure student compliance with internship requirements
- Conducted onsite visits to ensure students remained compliant with internship goals and objectives
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional, and academic goals while providing coaching on effective leadership characteristics
Assistant Principal
Montgomery County Public Schools
2006.01 - 2021.01
- Working with school staff and parent community across seven schools throughout the district, responsibilities included:
- Building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers, and outside agencies
- Oversaw administrative functions such as schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff of 75 employees through instructional leadership and professional development
- Established instructional practices driven by statistical performance data
- Facilitated continued education for teaching staff through the implementation of quality curriculum training and appropriation of necessary resources
- Instructed small groups of teachers and students
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives
- Partnered with the principal to administer the school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing a positive, high-expectation academic environment
Adjunct Instructor
Trinity University
2004.01 - 2009.01
- Taught school management and leadership courses, providing instruction to up to 24 undergraduate students
- Transitioned course material and applied technological options for online and course-related software for school management and school administration
- Probed, encouraged, and facilitated class discussions by building discussions into lessons, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation and actively solicit input
- Collaborated with faculty members in designing leadership modules and curriculum for departmental courses
Principal
District of Columbia Public Schools
2005.01 - 2006.01
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness
- Administered all facets of personnel policies and procedures, including conception, modification, and approval of professional staff additions
- Introduced modifications to English/ Language Arts curriculum and introduced new, effective instructional techniques
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards
- Oversaw administrative functions such as schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities
- Coordinated yearly operations and staff budget, tracked expenses, and documented actions
- Collaborated with the business manager to develop functional budgets within allocated funds
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification to reduce classroom referrals by 70 percent
- Led meetings to convey policy changes, gather information, and assess employee thoughts
- Prepared school budgets and submitted them to the school board with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives
- Verified adherence to state, federal, and private funding source requirements across programs and outcomes
- Supported human resources operations, including hiring, training, disciplinary action, and termination in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements
- Established a positive, stimulating learning environment for students and an exciting education-focused setting for teachers
- Encouraged interdepartmental and cross-functional teams’ collaboration in the development and support of developing and supporting student activities, programs, and lessons
- Facilitated continued education for teaching staff through the implementation of quality curriculum training and appropriation of necessary resources
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback
Principal
District of Columbia Public Schools
2001.01 - 2004.01
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness
- Supervised afterschool program to promote student growth and maintain safety for all attendees
- Administered all facets of personnel policies and procedures, including conception, modification, and approval of professional staff additions
- Oversaw administrative functions such as schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities
- Coordinated yearly operations and staff budget, tracked expenses, and documented actions
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification
- Led meetings to convey policy changes, gather information, and assess employee thoughts
- Prepared the school budget and submitted recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives to the school board
- Collaborated with the system's budget officer to develop functional budgets within allocated funds
- Model expected and appropriate leadership to promote positive interaction with students and families to teaching staff and administrative personnel
- Verified adherence to state, federal, and private funding source requirements across programs and outcomes
- Established instructional practices driven by statistical performance data
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies
- Supported human resources operations, including hiring, training, disciplinary action, and termination in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements
- Established a positive, stimulating learning environment for students and an exciting education-focused setting for teachers
- Encouraged interdepartmental and cross-functional teams’ collaboration in the development and support of student activities, programs, and lessons
- Instructed small groups of teachers and students
- Researched and wrote proposals for educational grants
- Developed subject and grade leaders to advance oversight and improve instruction
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers
Principal
District of Columbia Public Schools
1998.01 - 2001.01
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness
- Created an afterschool program to promote student growth and maintain safety for 125 students
- Administered all facets of personnel policies and procedures, including conception, modification, and approval of professional staff additions
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards
- Oversaw administrative functions such as schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification
- Prepared school budget by utilizing federal funds through a program with a weighted student formula model to improve learning experiences for students placed at risk
- Model expected and appropriate leadership to promote positive interaction with students and families to teaching staff and administrative personnel
- Verified adherence to state, federal, and private funding source requirements across programs and outcomes
- Created 'Parent Academy' to improve relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies
- Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data
- Supported human resources operations, including hiring, training, disciplinary action, and termination in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements
- Established a positive, stimulating learning environment for students and an exciting education-focused setting for teachers
- Encouraged interdepartmental and cross-functional teams’ collaboration in the development and support of student activities, programs, and lessons
- Instructed small groups of teachers and students
- Facilitated continued education for teaching staff through the implementation of quality curriculum training and appropriation of necessary resources
- Researched and wrote proposals for educational grants to include 25,000.00 to establish a refurbished library/media center
- Developed subject and grade leaders to advance oversight and improve instruction
Education
Ed.D - Education Administration and Policy Analysis
Howard University
Washington, DC01.2019
Ed.S - Education Administration and Policy Studies, Human Development
The George Washington University
Washington, DC01.2009
Master of Science - Administration
Trinity University
Washington, DC01.1996
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
University of The District of Columbia
Washington, DC01.1991
Skills
- Leadership Development
- Mentor- Principal Leadership
- Develop Needs Assessment for High-Impact Schools
- Teacher Improvement Plan Development
- Community Engagement
- Restorative Justice Programming for Boys “Placed at Risk”
- Anti-Racist Behavior and Bias Awareness
- Educational leadership
- Teaching Excellence
- Curriculum Creation
- Academic Publication
Certification
- Urban Schools Superintendent Academy, 05/01/17
- Urban Superintendent's Certification, Howard University /AASA
Affiliations
- Principal's Center Harvard University Graduate School of Education
- National Principal's Center Harvard University Graduate School of Education
- 100 Black Men
- NAACP Committee on Racial Justice
- Restorative Justice Committee (Montgomery County Public Schools)
- American Association of School Administrators
- National Association of Elementary School Principals
- University Council of Educational Administration
- National Urban League
- Phi Delta Kappa
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
- American Educational Research Association
Proficiency
Microsoft Suite to include but not limited to Office 365, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, OneNote, Zoom, Google Meet, Google Classroom, Google Duo
Publications
Journal of Research on Leadership Education "JRLE-22-0018.R1 Purpose, Preparation and Perseverance: A Phenomenological Case Study for a Principal Efficacy Framework in a High Performing, High Poverty Elementary"
Additional Information
Preparing research article on Principal Proximity to Community and Schools. Proposed date for submission to Journal of Research on Leadership Education- May 2025
Timeline
Associate Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University
2022.06 - 2024.08
Adjunct Lecturer and Internship Coordinator
Howard University
2019.09 - 2021.05
Assistant Principal
Montgomery County Public Schools
2006.01 - 2021.01
Principal
District of Columbia Public Schools
2005.01 - 2006.01
Adjunct Instructor
Trinity University
2004.01 - 2009.01
Principal
District of Columbia Public Schools
2001.01 - 2004.01
Principal
District of Columbia Public Schools
1998.01 - 2001.01
Ed.D - Education Administration and Policy Analysis
Howard University
Ed.S - Education Administration and Policy Studies, Human Development
The George Washington University
Master of Science - Administration
Trinity University
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
University of The District of Columbia
- Urban Schools Superintendent Academy, 05/01/17
- Urban Superintendent's Certification, Howard University /AASA
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