Gwendolyn Griffith-Adell
Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter Schools
Gary,IN
52
years of professional experience
Experienced education leader with decades of success in student services, school operations, and change management. Strong in strategic planning, staff management, and data-informed decision-making to improve programs, strengthen culture, and support organizational goals.
Work History
Deputy Director of Student Services
12 Years- Analyzed enrollment, attendance, and performance data to guide leadership decisions.
- Developed procedures that improved consistency in student services and operational follow-through.
- Directed school operations to align policies, compliance requirements, and instructional priorities.
- Supervised administrative staff and coordinated daily workflows across campus functions.
- Collaborated with principals and teachers to strengthen academic support and school culture.
- Oversaw family communication, resolving concerns and maintaining responsive stakeholder relationships.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company's mission and vision.
- Monitored performance metrics, analyzing trends to identify areas requiring attention or improvement.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven approaches, making adjustments as needed to optimize results.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Principal/Chief Educational Officer
10 Years 10 Months- Enforced campus safety procedures and monitored entrances to maintain a secure school environment.
- Responded calmly to incidents, de-escalating conflicts and protecting students and staff.
- Patrolled facilities regularly, identifying hazards and reporting concerns to leadership.
- Documented security activity, maintaining accurate logs and incident reports.
- Coordinated with administrators and staff to support daily operations and emergency preparedness.
- Inspected doors, alarms, and access points to ensure proper facility security.
- Assisted visitors and students with directions while upholding school policies and expectations.
- Trained personnel on safety protocols, improving consistency in campus security practices.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Delivered high-quality training programs, enhancing employee skill sets and contributing to professional development efforts.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and adoption of best practices in law enforcement techniques.
Assistant Principal
8 Years 10 Months- Coordinated student discipline processes, reinforcing school policies and consistent behavior expectations.
- Supported instructional supervision by observing classrooms and sharing feedback with teachers.
- Managed attendance, tardiness, and student intervention follow-up to improve accountability.
- Facilitated parent and guardian communication regarding student concerns, supports, and next steps.
- Collaborated with staff on safety procedures, emergency response, and secure campus operations.
- Monitored academic and behavioral data to guide intervention planning and student support.
- Assisted with staff scheduling, daily operations, and coverage needs to maintain school continuity.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
Teacher
19 Years 9 Months- Delivered standards-aligned instruction supporting diverse student learning needs.
- Designed lesson plans using district curriculum and classroom assessments.
- Managed classroom routines to maintain focused, respectful learning environment.
- Differentiated instruction to address varied academic levels and learning styles.
- Assessed student progress and adjusted teaching strategies for stronger outcomes.
- Communicated with families regarding student performance, behavior, and expectations.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
Education
Master of Arts - French/Spanish
Ph.D. - Educational Administration
Administrative License - Administrative Studies
Master of Science - Education
- Relevant Coursework: Reading Endorcement
Skills
Strategic planning
Change management
Program management
Program implementation
Policy analysis
Program oversight
Program coordination
Staff management
Grant proposals
Crisis management
Relationship and team building
Results orientation
Timeline
Deputy Director of Student Services
Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter Schools
10.2014 - CurrentRead More
Principal/Chief Educational Officer
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
08.2003 - 06.2014Read More
Assistant Principal
Merrillville Community School Corp
08.1994 - 06.2003Read More
Teacher
School City of East Chicago
09.1974 - 06.1994Read More
Purdue University
Ph.D. from Educational Administration
Read More
Ball State Uiversity
Master of Arts from French/Spanish
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Indiana State University
Administrative License from Administrative Studies
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Indiana University, Northwest
Master of Science from Education
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