Kenya Thomas
Alakanuk,AK
Summary
Transformational Principal with over 15 years in educational leadership and instructional coaching. Led initiatives that improved academic achievement and enriched school culture. Focused on high expectations and equity-driven practices in diverse environments, ensuring staff excellence and ongoing team development.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Assistant Principal K-12
Lower Yukon School District
Alakanuk, AK
08.2025 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive campus leadership across all grade levels, encompassing instructional coaching, MTSS implementation, behavior systems alignment, compliance oversight, safety coordination, and testing administration.
Associate Principal
Round Rock Independent School District
Austin, TX
03.2024 - Current
- Co-led strategic turnaround plan at C-rated Title I campus, aligning systems with TEA Effective Schools Network to enhance educational outcomes.
- Implemented schoolwide safety MTSS and behavior systems, resulting in 20% reduction in campus referrals within one semester.
Special Education Supervisor
Ector County Independent School District
Odessa, TX
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Enhanced Results Driven Accountability (RDA) rating from Level 3 to Level 2 by leading targeted interventions and compliance monitoring in special education programs, aligning efforts with state and district goals.
- Coached and evaluated 30-member special education team, serving as liaison to partner schools and directing transition initiative to Odessa College.
Vice Principal/Campus Testing Coordinator
Third Future Schools
Odessa, TX
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Led school turnaround efforts with principal, elevating campus accountability rating from F to B within one year through strategic program alignment and fostering high-expectation culture.
School Redesign Fellow
Midland Independent School District
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Developed and launched CTE firefighting academy with city and university, enhancing student engagement and improving attendance and graduation rates through targeted career pathway initiatives.
Professional Learning Coach/SPED Department Head
Abu Dhabi Education Council
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
10.2015 - 08.2020
- Delivered professional development in evidence-based instruction and data-driven planning; established PLCs and instructional systems that enhanced alignment with American curriculum standards.
- Led implementation of new special education program at startup charter school and coached new SPED staff through onboarding and gradual release models to ensure effective integration in international settings.
English Facilitator
Defense Language Institute
Witcha Falls, TX
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Taught lessons to Saudi Arabia Air Force students encompassing a range of skill building activities for speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Addressed learning gaps by instructing students with diverse innovative teaching aids and motivational strategies.
ESL Coordinator
Sinolink Private Primary School
01.2012 - 06.2014
- Developed and launched English Tutoring Program for Grades 2 and 4, enhancing language skills and academic performance.
- Defined and articulated learning outcomes with measurable performance metrics to drive improvements in student learning.
EFL Instructor
Jilin University Lambton College
08.2011 - 05.2012
- Facilitated skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading, and listening for university freshmen, enhancing their language proficiency and confidence.
- Cultivated understanding of foreign cultures through immersive activities, fostering open communication among students, parents, and community mentors.
Elementary Teacher
Departmentalized, Hazelwood Elementary School
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Promoted community involvement in educational initiatives to strengthen support networks.
Elementary Teacher
Martin Primary School
01.2005 - 05.2010
- Implemented writing and reading workshops to enhance balanced reading program.
- Developed actionable strategies to support classroom goals and improve student engagement.
Education
Educational Specialist - Leadership
Union University
Jackson, TN03.2022
Certificate - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, English Language Teaching to Adults
University of Cambridge
United Kingdom08.2014
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
University of Tennessee At Martin
Martin, TN05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Educational Leadership
University of Tennessee At Martin
Martin, TN12.2004
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Instructional coaching
- Student achievement strategies
- Outcomes improvement
- School improvement planning
- Professional development
- Policy enforcement
- Special education implementation
- Core standards compliance
- Data-driven decisions
- Program evaluation
- Performance data analysis
- Testing administration
- Safety coordination
- Staffing estimates
- Relationship building and networking
References
References available upon request.
Certification
Principal as Instructional Leader Grades (EC-12), Texas Educator Certificate
Timeline
Assistant Principal K-12
Lower Yukon School District
08.2025 - Current
Associate Principal
Round Rock Independent School District
03.2024 - Current
Special Education Supervisor
Ector County Independent School District
07.2022 - 08.2023
Vice Principal/Campus Testing Coordinator
Third Future Schools
07.2021 - 07.2022
School Redesign Fellow
Midland Independent School District
08.2020 - 06.2021
Professional Learning Coach/SPED Department Head
Abu Dhabi Education Council
10.2015 - 08.2020
English Facilitator
Defense Language Institute
08.2014 - 08.2015
ESL Coordinator
Sinolink Private Primary School
01.2012 - 06.2014
EFL Instructor
Jilin University Lambton College
08.2011 - 05.2012
Elementary Teacher
Departmentalized, Hazelwood Elementary School
08.2010 - 05.2011
Elementary Teacher
Martin Primary School
01.2005 - 05.2010
Educational Specialist - Leadership
Union University
Certificate - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, English Language Teaching to Adults
University of Cambridge
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
University of Tennessee At Martin
Bachelor of Science - Educational Leadership
University of Tennessee At Martin