Kera Stephens
Fayetteville,NC
Summary
Experienced leader and operations coordinator with over 20 years of success supporting high-level administrators and leading school-wide initiatives across diverse educational settings, including the U.S., UAE, China, and Kuwait. Proven ability to manage complex operations involving 500+ students and 50+ staff, streamline HR and scheduling processes, and oversee curriculum planning aligned with national and international standards. Skilled in using data-driven strategies to improve academic outcomes, facilitate professional development, and manage budgets over $1M. Adept at handling confidential information, supporting executive teams, and integrating technology (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office) to drive efficiency. Known for discretion, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in fast-paced, culturally diverse environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
The Capitol Encore Academy
Fayetteville, NC
11.2023 - Current
- Partnered with the principal to oversee school-wide operations and programs, resulting in a 10% improvement in student academic performance.
- Responded to and resolved student behavior incidents promptly, contributing to a 15% reduction in disciplinary cases.
- Conducted 50+ classroom observations and coaching sessions, leading to a 20% increase in instructional effectiveness.
- Designed and launched academic intervention programs that improved student achievement levels by 18%.
- Developed and executed data-driven instructional strategies, raising overall school performance by 12%.
- Assessed and coached teacher performance based on instructional benchmarks, improving teaching quality by 25%.
- Collaborated with safety personnel to implement new protocols, increasing campus safety metrics by 30%.
- Trained 40+ educators in classroom management and instructional best practices, improving overall learning environments.
- Led professional development sessions for 50+ staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Academic Coach
Charter Schools USA
Aventura, FL
07.2020 - 07.2023
- Oversaw daily operations and supported strategic planning for 500+ students and 50+ school personnel across multiple educational institutions.
- Facilitated professional development and teacher coaching, resulting in improved instructional delivery and a 15%+ increase in academic performance.
- Reviewed and managed the implementation of 100+ curriculum plans, ensuring alignment with data-driven goals and learning outcomes.
- Led behavior and confidence-building programs that fostered measurable student growth and improved school culture.
- Conducted diagnostic assessments and provided academic counseling, helping students reach key performance benchmarks.
- Developed and enforced safety protocols and needs assessments, enhancing security and operational efficiency campus-wide.
- Expert in administrative technologies including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; experienced in managing digital learning environments and remote collaboration tools.
- Skilled in workshop facilitation, cross-functional coordination, and managing enrichment programs that promote continuous improvement.
Vice Principal
Al Yasat Private School
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Managed HR tasks including hiring, interviewing, and scheduling for 50+ staff; led recurring team meetings and performance check-ins.
- Collaborated with students, parents, and teachers on academic concerns and tutoring plans, boosting student outcomes and engagement.
- Designed individualized reading plans, improving comprehension by 15%; referred Tier 3 students to support services, increasing success rates by 20%.
- Shared data insights to evaluate 10+ school programs and improve instruction; developed benchmarks that raised outcomes by 10%.
- Oversaw $1M+ school budget and facilities operations; enforced safety protocols and drills for 500+ students.
- Mentored 30+ teachers through professional development, enhancing instructional quality and curriculum alignment with Common Core.
Vice Principal
American Bacculerate school
Khaitan, Kuwait
07.2017 - 05.2019
- Guided 60+ teachers, VP, and faculty, resolving 120+ parent and
school board concerns efficiently to maintain smooth operations.
Developed standardized curricula, improving student achievement
by 18% and aligning with Common Core standards.
Managed the hiring and evaluation of 40+ staff members, oversaw a
$2M budget, and revised safety protocols for a 30% increase in
campus readiness.
Created benchmarks and improved performance for 75% of students
and teachers through data-driven assessments and targeted
programs.
Conducted 40+ lesson observations and facilitated professional development training sessions
Academic Vice Principal
Abu Dhabi Educational Council
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
06.2012 - 05.2017
- Mentorship and Reflection: Work with a mentor teacher, observe best
practices, and reflect on teaching to enhance skills. - Integrated Common Core standards into 30+ curricula and assessed
teaching methods for improvement
•
Created benchmarks and tracked progress, improving student and
teacher performance by 15%
•
Developed teacher improvement programs, assisted with lesson
planning, and conducted 100+ lesson observations
•
Led staff development and collaborated with teams to enhance
teaching quality, differentiation, and student achievement - Guided a network of 50+ teachers, VP, and faculty; resolved 100+
parent and school board concerns
•
Provided strategic direction, developed curricula, and monitored
student achievement for 500+ students
•
Increased parent involvement by 20%, revised policies, and
administered a $1M+ budget
•
• Hired and evaluated 50+ staff members; oversaw facility
Mathematics and Science Instructional Coach
MIAMI DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSi
Hialeah, FL
06.2004 - 05.2012
- Prepared 50+ interactive lesson plans, utilizing various resources to
boost student engagement
•
Monitored and assessed the progress of 200+ students through both
formal and informal methods
•
Provided peer support by analyzing data and conducting 20+
professional development sessions
•
As Math and Science coach, created monthly assessments and
facilitated hands-on workshops for 30+ teachers
•
Delivered instruction that improved student Math and Science
literacy by 18%, empowering teachers to foster globally competitive
learners
•
Collaborated with administrators to implement 10+ intervention
strategies and led engaging science workshops for faculty and
students
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
St. Thomas University
Miami, FL05-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology
St. Thomas University
Miami Florida06-2004
Some College (No Degree) - Data Analytics
Harvard University
Cambridge, MASkills
Core Competencies & Skills
- Education Administration & School Leadership
- Teacher Development & Instructional Coaching
- Curriculum Design, Planning & Review
- Academic Performance Analysis & Improvement
- Student Needs Assessment & Tiered Interventions
- Diagnostic Testing & Academic Counseling
- Enrichment Program Management
- Conflict Resolution & Behavior Management
- Professional Development & Workshop Facilitation
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Safety Procedures & Campus Policy Implementation
- Staff Hiring, Training & Scheduling
- Technology Integration & Online Learning Facilitation
- Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Interpersonal Communication & Team Collaboration
Affiliations
- Staff Wellness & SEL Programming – Facilitate wellness-focused sessions for school personnel to promote mental health, morale, and social-emotional learning.
- Global & Culturally Responsive Education – Traveled to 40+ countries; apply international perspective to leadership, curriculum planning, and communication.
- Workshop & Conference Facilitation – Presented on instructional coaching, data-driven teaching, and curriculum development at professional learning events.
- Creative Curriculum Design – Develop and implement hands-on learning projects integrating literacy, arts, and entrepreneurship.
- Mentorship & Coaching – Provide formal mentorship to early-career educators and instructional leaders, both domestically and internationally.
- Public Speaking – Deliver keynote sessions, lead panels, and facilitate PDs on topics like school improvement and teacher leadership.
- Community Partnership Engagement – Coordinate family nights, cultural events, and student showcases to strengthen school-community relationships.
Accomplishments
- Conference Presenter – Global Education Forum – Delivered sessions on differentiated instruction and leadership development at education conferences in the UAE and Kuwait.
- Instructional Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for leading school-wide instructional improvements that increased academic performance by 15%+ (Al Yasat Private School, 2019
NCDPI Hygiene grant $5000 2025
BGV innovator grant awardee $300 2024
Certification
UK Qualified status educator license K12
Fl DOE Educator License
NC Educator license
DBPR Property Management license
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Elementary
Professional Development Trainings
- Solution Tree- PLC (Professional Learning Community)
• Sibme (Coach the coaching cycle)
• RTI at Work
• Stemscope
• Lexia- Power Up/ Core 5
• Amplify Mclass
• NWEA
• F.A.S.T
• Cambridge Global Perspective
• Penda
• Gizmos/Generation Genius
• Cpalms
• The Science of Reading
• Blooms Taxonomy
• 21st Century technology in teaching and learning
• Guiding Coalition
TEACHING AND RESEARCH INTEREST
• Writing across the curriculum
• Employment wellness
• National council of teachers
• Dialogical coaching
• Impact cycle
• High impact instruction
• Jim Knight
• Tim Brown
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Principal
The Capitol Encore Academy
11.2023 - Current
Academic Coach
Charter Schools USA
07.2020 - 07.2023
Vice Principal
Al Yasat Private School
06.2019 - 06.2020
Vice Principal
American Bacculerate school
07.2017 - 05.2019
Academic Vice Principal
Abu Dhabi Educational Council
06.2012 - 05.2017
Mathematics and Science Instructional Coach
MIAMI DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSi
06.2004 - 05.2012
Master of Science - Educational Leadership And Management
St. Thomas University
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology
St. Thomas University
Some College (No Degree) - Data Analytics
Harvard University
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