Erin Willis
Orlando
Summary
Highly analytical and results-driven educational leader with over 10 years of progressive experience in K-12 administration, strategic program implementation, and institutional effectiveness. Proven success in leveraging data-driven insights to shape strategic direction, manage complex compliance systems (Title I, ESE), and elevate organizational performance (achieving 'A' school status for a High-Achieving Title I campus). Focused on embedding evidence-based practices, leading research and evaluation initiatives, and translating complex data into actionable recommendations for school campuses’, and diverse stakeholders. Possesses strong analytical rigor, thought leadership, and the ability to drive continuous improvement aligned with strategic goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
School Principal
Lockhart Elementary School
Orlando
07.2025 - Current
- Directed comprehensive school turnaround efforts as Principal of a designated High-Needs School, integrating new instructional models and organizational systems based on research of best practices.
- Responsible for all operational, instructional, and fiscal outcomes, including the strategic allocation of resources and monitoring of Title I funding.
- Designed and implemented strategic interventions (MTSS) targeting chronic low performance indicators, establishing data loops to measure efficacy and impact on student outcomes.
- Mentored new Principals on strategic leadership, data analysis, and effective implementation of school improvement goals.
- OCPS, Orlando, FL
School Principal
Lawton Chiles Elementary School
Orlando
07.2022 - 06.2025
- Elevated and sustained the school's letter grade to 'A', positioning the campus as a High-Achieving Title I School by driving research-aligned instructional strategies.
- Authored and executed the comprehensive School Improvement Plan (SIP), prioritizing instructional resources through needs assessment and evidence-based justifications.
- Directed staff evaluation processes for 85 employees, standardizing performance assessment and development plans.
- OCPS, Orlando, FL
Assistant Principal
Lawton Chiles Elementary School
Orlando
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Led systemic compliance efforts for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and English Language Learners (ELL), ensuring full fidelity across instruction and documentation.
- Drove continuous improvement cycles by utilizing data from instructional walkthroughs and formal evaluations, providing instructional feedback loops to improve teacher practice.
- Implemented schoolwide systems and protocols for instruction, safety, and facility management, ensuring operational excellence.
- OCPS, Orlando, FL
Assistant Principal
Okeechobee County Schools - North Elementary School & Osceola Middle School
06.2016 - 06.2019
- Managed and evaluated curriculum implementation through structured instructional observations and data dialogue, providing feedback focused on differentiated instruction and formative assessment use.
- Served as Assessment Coordinator for Florida Standards Assessments, End-of-Course exams, and common course assessments, overseeing logistics, data integrity, and score analysis.
- Coordinated strategic intervention programs (MTSS/RTI) for academics, attendance, and behavior, using school data to measure program effectiveness and ROI on resource deployment.
- Ensured Compliance and fiscal management for the Federal Title I grant, including developing the Parent Involvement Plan and managing the annual budget.
Title I Coordinator, RTI Specialist, ESE Inclusion Teacher, and Gifted Consultant
Alachua County Schools - Micanopy Area School
Micanopy
07.2010 - 06.2016
- Initiated and facilitated monthly data review meetings to align data-driven decisions with instructional best practices and drive intervention efficacy.
- Implemented and maintained the school’s Response to Intervention (RTI) program, tracking student progress and fidelity of implementation.
- Maintained Title I annual budget, submitting purchase orders and stipend paperwork, demonstrating fiscal acumen and resource deployment.
Education
Masters Degree - Educational Leadership
University of West Florida
Bachelors Degree - Elementary Education (ESOL Endorsement)
University of Central Florida
Skills
- Strategic Research & Evaluation
- Efficacy Studies
- Program Evaluation
- Data Collection Design
- Survey/Focus Group Development
- Research Agenda Management
- Institutional Effectiveness
- Continuous Improvement Cycles
- Accreditation Management
- Change Theory
- Evidence-Based Practices
- Policy Analysis
- Data & Analytics
- FLDOE/FLVS Data Systems
- Assessment Coordination
- Trend Analysis
- Data Visualization
- Leadership & Communication
- Thought Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Board/Executive Team Presentations
- Influencing Without Authority
- Managing Direct Reports
Education Certification
- Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, University of West Florida, 3.9
- Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education (ESOL Endorsement), University of Central Florida
Professional Development Highlights
- District Leadership Development Program - School Principal (2018)
- AVID Summer Institute - School Leadership Strands
- Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Institute
- Trauma Informed Care & Safe Schools training
Certification
School Principal (K-12)
Knowledge Skills Expertise
- Strategic Research & Evaluation: Efficacy Studies, Program Evaluation, Data Collection Design, Survey/Focus Group Development, Research Agenda Management.
- Institutional Effectiveness: Continuous Improvement Cycles, Accreditation Management, Change Theory, Evidence-Based Practices, Policy Analysis.
- Data & Analytics: FLDOE/FLVS Data Systems, Assessment Coordination, Trend Analysis, Data Visualization (Presenting actionable findings).
- Leadership & Communication: Thought Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Board/Executive Team Presentations, Influencing Without Authority, Managing Direct Reports.
Teaching Experience
- Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher (Alachua County Schools)
- Fifth and Second Grade Teacher (Lake County Schools)
- Intensive Reading Teacher for Sophomores and Juniors (Okeechobee High School)
Timeline
School Principal
Lockhart Elementary School
07.2025 - Current
School Principal
Lawton Chiles Elementary School
07.2022 - 06.2025
Assistant Principal
Lawton Chiles Elementary School
07.2019 - 06.2022
Assistant Principal
Okeechobee County Schools - North Elementary School & Osceola Middle School
06.2016 - 06.2019
Title I Coordinator, RTI Specialist, ESE Inclusion Teacher, and Gifted Consultant
Alachua County Schools - Micanopy Area School
07.2010 - 06.2016
Masters Degree - Educational Leadership
University of West Florida
Bachelors Degree - Elementary Education (ESOL Endorsement)
University of Central Florida