Joanna Ali
New Haven,CT
Summary
An effective educational leader with the intrinsic ability to guide staff, promote collaboration, and advance educational initiatives that enhance student outcomes. Co-Developed and Implemented Caribbean Connection: District initiative bringing teachers from the Caribbean to help alleviate teacher shortages in Math and Science. Implemented Modern Classroom in all middle and high school classes. Implemented Defined Learning, Project Based Learning in all 42 schools District Wide. Oversaw dual enrollment at Capital Prep, resulting in 100% student participation. Implementation of Building Thinking Classrooms in all Mathematics Classrooms.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Hartford Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
- Co-author the budget for educational programs, saving 10% through efficiency management
- Co-led School Improvement Plan development with stakeholders
- Chair of School Safety Committee, implementing security and emergency response protocols
- Secure essential STEM grants for professional development and technology upgrades, including resources from Scholastic Esports
- Supervise 20 STEAM teachers in aligning curriculum and data-driven instruction for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Arts
- Oversee standardized testing as the Testing Coordinator, ensuring state compliance, maintaining test security, and providing accommodations for all PreK-12 students
STEM Director
Hartford Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Developed and implemented OpenSci Ed K-12 strategy, leading district-wide teacher training
- Led the team that crafted the Hartford Public Schools Policy on Artificial Intelligence in classes
- Contributed to the team that developed the Hartford Public Schools Policy on Grading for Equity, ensuring that all Hartford Public Students receive fair grades
- Worked with district leaders to set priorities and align programs with standards procedures
- Oversaw the implementation of the K-12 NGSS curriculum, creating pathways to student success
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop award-winning STEM and CTE pathways in Science, Technology, and Engineering across three high schools
- Managed 20 science teachers (grades 6-12), 25 technology teachers, and 500 K-5 teachers in science
- Led Professional Learning plans for 150 STEM team administrators
- Collaborated with Finance and Talent Management to manage a multi-million-dollar budget and secure competitive grants for STEM programs
Biology/Science Teacher
Hartford Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Delivered curriculum aligned with NGSS through three-dimensional lessons and lab projects
- Designed/integrated bundle units and assessments for the NGSS and coordinated NGSS field testing
- Mentored Latinos in Action, empowering students to excel and achieve their dreams
- Implemented Science Fair and Invention Convention for grades 7-8
Principal
Highland Park Elementary School
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Provided leadership and vision for 28 teachers and 11 instructional staff at a K-5 school format
- Developed a grade 3-5 testing program, training teachers on execution and scheduling
- Developed the Highland Park Governance Council to foster a positive environment and school culture
- Created and managed annual budgets to sustain operations and improve education
- Played a key role in developing the 2016-2018 School Improvement Plan
- Launched STEM initiatives like specialists, Science Fair, Robotics, and Invention Convention
- Developed 'Spirit Sticks' to incentivize students to engage in positive behaviors, establishing a school-wide PBIS program based on behavior statistics and analysis
Assistant Principal
Connecticut Technical High School System
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Oversaw 40+ teachers, completing evaluations at Bullard Haven and Platt Technical High Schools
- Implemented statewide testing for 400+ students and staff, and managed testing schedules
- Worked with key stakeholders to create recruitment strategies for Connecticut Technical High School
- Created programs aligned with Common Core and SEED evaluation standards
- Gained proficiency in the Charlotte Danielson assessment, offering an online platform for teacher feedback aligned with Connecticut's evaluation standards plan
Biology Teacher
East Hartford Public School
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Co-chaired the NEASC Curriculum Committee and developed Botany and Zoology curricula aligned with state standards requirements
- Mentored first-year teachers and provided instructional feedback as a SET Visit Team Member
- Developed Honors Biology curriculum meeting state and Common Core standards
- Served as PBIS leader and Connections Coordinator
Biology and Chemistry Teacher
New Haven Publics
01.2001 - 01.2006
- Created and supervised experiments and investigations for hands-on laboratory activities
- Administered tests, graded assignments, and recorded results to evaluate student performance
- Teamed up with colleagues to create engaging lesson plans that inspired students
- Delivered compelling lectures and facilitated dynamic discussions
Education
Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Hartford
Hartford, CTMaster of Arts - Marine Science (Distinction)
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CTBachelor of Science - Marine Biology
University of Maine
Orono, MESuperintendent Leadership (093 Certification) -
Sacred Heart University
07-2025
Certification
- Next Level AI Skills for Educators, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 01/01/25
- Artificial Intelligence Exploration for Educators, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 01/01/24
- Instructional Leader Certification, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 01/01/24
- OpenSci Ed - Facilitator Training, 01/01/24
- Computer Science Endorsement (k-12), CODE.ORG and CS-PLAN (Computer Science Professional Learning Action Network)
- Certification Intermediate Administrator 092, CT
- Certification Biology 030, CT
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Hartford Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
STEM Director
Hartford Public Schools
01.2019 - 01.2024
Biology/Science Teacher
Hartford Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2019
Principal
Highland Park Elementary School
01.2015 - 01.2017
Assistant Principal
Connecticut Technical High School System
01.2013 - 01.2015
Biology Teacher
East Hartford Public School
01.2006 - 01.2013
Biology and Chemistry Teacher
New Haven Publics
01.2001 - 01.2006
Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership
University of Hartford
Master of Arts - Marine Science (Distinction)
Quinnipiac University
Bachelor of Science - Marine Biology
University of Maine
Superintendent Leadership (093 Certification) -
Sacred Heart University
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