Henry Smith
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Dynamic academic leader with over 14 years of experience in education and more than 7 years in instructional leadership, specializing in supervision, program development, evaluation, and budget stewardship. Successfully led a $3M federal Title V initiative at Rio Salado College focused on enhancing student success, equity, and belonging through innovative coaching models and cross-functional implementation. Proven ability to consult with instructors and staff on instructional materials, learning technologies, assessment practices, and professional development across diverse modalities— in-person, hybrid, and online. Collaborative leader dedicated to improving learning outcomes for historically underserved students while fostering an engaged and empowering work culture through strong stakeholder relationships in fast-paced environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager / Title V Grant Manager, Avanzar Project
Rio Salado College
03.2023 - Current
- Direct day-to-day operations of a $3M federal Title V initiative designed to improve student outcomes through success coaching, targeted academic supports, and DEIB-aligned practices—coordinating implementation across stakeholders and aligning work to institutional goals.
- Lead project planning, implementation monitoring, and continuous improvement using outcome measures and stakeholder feedback.
- Supervise and evaluate 4 direct reports; identify training needs, set expectations, and support performance.
- Manage grant purchasing, vendor coordination, and budget allocation/expenditures; ensure compliant use of funds.
- Consult and collaborate with college leaders, student services, and academic stakeholders to scale supports and meet objectives.
- Promote services and events to increase student engagement and utilization of support resources.
- Provide regular written and verbal progress updates to the Dean and college stakeholders; track deliverables and timelines.
- Coordinate with district partners to support institution-wide initiatives related to eLearning and technology adoption.
- Maricopa County Community College District
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Interacted with customers and clients to identify business needs and requirements.
- Addressed and resolved technical, financial, and operational concerns by working with team members and directors.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
K–8 Principal
Pueblo del Sol Elementary/Middle School
07.2021 - 03.2023
- Provided instructional leadership and professional learning systems to improve instruction, assessment, and program effectiveness in a high-poverty, high-diversity community.
- Designed and delivered professional development in multiple modalities (workshops, panels, webinars, data days, learning walks).
- Facilitated Instructional Leadership Team collaboration to guide school-wide decisions on instruction and assessment.
- Consulted with teachers on instructional strategies, course materials, and technology-supported pedagogy.
- Evaluated staff and programs using data to determine effectiveness and prioritize improvement actions.
- Improved outcomes, including upgrading the school rating from 'D' to 'B' in one year.
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
Principal
Edison Elementary School
07.2017 - 06.2021
- Led instructional programming, assessment use, and staff development; guided transitions to technology-enabled instruction and supported inclusive practices.
- Directed implementation of online/technology-supported instruction with a 1:1 model; supported staff with tools and practices.
- Researched, recommended, and evaluated instructional technologies and assessment tools (e.g., literacy supports, diagnostic assessments).
- Built data-use routines with staff (PLC protocol) to inform instructional decisions and targeted interventions.
- Evaluated curriculum, instruction, and educator performance; coached teachers to improve learning outcomes.
- Strengthened special education program through staffing, collaboration, and program oversight.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
Assistant Principal
Edison Elementary School
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Supported curriculum implementation, assessment use, and staff supervision/evaluation.
- Provided LMS and instructional technology support; facilitated mission/vision work and PBIS team formation.
- Led student safety/discipline and conflict mediation; coordinated major school events.
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
- Led meetings to convey policy changes, gather information, and assess employee thoughts.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
English/Language Arts Teacher
E.B. Walker Alternative High School
09.2009 - 06.2015
- Led staff efforts to launch the school’s first 1:1 computer program; facilitated related professional development.
- Developed culturally responsive instruction and common formative assessments; used data to adjust instruction.
- Supported restorative practices and community circles; mentored student teachers; collaborated with local college partners.
- Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments, and standardized tests.
- Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules, and language skills.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
Education
Principal Certification -
Washington State University
VancouverM.A. - Educational Leadership
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WAB.A. - English (Writing Emphasis)
Pacific Lutheran University
Skills
- College-wide faculty/staff professional development
- Teaching & learning best practices
- Andragogy
- Coaching/mentoring models
- Community of practice building
- Instructional materials/technology selection
- Implementation and evaluation
- LMS support
- Needs assessment
- Program review
- Instructional analysis
- Continuous improvement cycles
- Applied research
- Outcomes tracking
- Stakeholder reporting
- Data interpretation for decision-making
- Supervision
- Performance evaluation
- Team development
- Budget planning
- Purchasing
- Vendor collaboration
- Compliance
- Federal grant management
- Equity-centered leadership
- DEIB integration
- Conflict resolution
- Facilitation
- Shared decision-making
- Cross-unit collaboration
- Procurement
- Professional writing
- Program performance analysis
- Onboarding and training
- Budgeting and resource management
- Utilization management
- Personnel management
- Process mapping
Accomplishments
- Supervised teams of up to 80 staff members.
- Achieved top 5% in Reading by introducing strategic intervention for students.
Timeline
Program Manager / Title V Grant Manager, Avanzar Project
Rio Salado College
03.2023 - Current
K–8 Principal
Pueblo del Sol Elementary/Middle School
07.2021 - 03.2023
Principal
Edison Elementary School
07.2017 - 06.2021
Assistant Principal
Edison Elementary School
09.2015 - 06.2017
English/Language Arts Teacher
E.B. Walker Alternative High School
09.2009 - 06.2015
B.A. - English (Writing Emphasis)
Pacific Lutheran University
Principal Certification -
Washington State University
M.A. - Educational Leadership
Pacific Lutheran University
Leadership Impact
- Built repeatable professional learning structures (PD cycles, coaching, feedback loops) to improve instruction and assessment use.
- Led cross-functional stakeholder engagement and reporting for a complex, compliance-driven federal grant.
- Implemented and supported instructional technology adoption across contexts (K–12 leadership and community college grant work).
- Advanced equity-centered student success practices in high-poverty and historically marginalized communities.