LaJuan Gray-Sylvester
Stillwater,OK
Summary
Educational leader with a proven track record in driving academic success and fostering collaboration within school environments. Expertise includes curriculum development, staff training, and enhancing student engagement. Recognized for adaptability and a results-driven approach that aligns with institutional goals and evolving educational needs.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Vision Preparatory Charter School
05.2022 - Current
- Oversaw the development and implementation of educational programs that improved student performance by over 15% district-wide, the highest in its history
- Led a district of 400 students, implementing strategic initiatives that resulted in a Level 5 and Reward School Designation.
- Co-developed and managed a budget of 4.5 million dollars and oversaw the Title I budget ensuring fiscal responsibility and the effective allocation of resources for academic programs. technology, and facilities.
- Acted as a a liason between the school district and community stakeholders, fostering partnerships resulting in over $150k in grants.
- Fostered relationships with community stakeholders, increasing parental involvement, and support for district initiatives.
- Implemented district-wide programs focused on closing achievement gaps and accelerating learning, resulting in improved student engagement and maintaining over a 90% student retention rates
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create a positive school culture focused on student success and core values
- Created RTI program focused on Tier I -Tier II, and Tier III target instruction resulting in a 20% decrease in Tier III students during my tenure
- Collaborated with the superintendent/director to develop and execute district-wide educational policies and procedures to establish clear governance structures that define roles and responsibilities.
- Developed policies the ensured accountability for performance and compliance with state regulations
- Created policies and initiatives that supported innovative and flexible curriculum design tailored to student needs emphasizing technology integration, project based learning, and innovative teaching models.
- Established a framework for collecting and analyzing data to inform policy decisions including tracking student performance, attendance, behavior and other key metrics to guide continuous improvement
- Directed the curriculum development and assessment process, ensuring alignment with state standards, best practices, and the diverse needs of the student population.
- Implemented strategic initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining high-quality educators including professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and competitive compensation package for staff resulting 15% staff turnover based on performance.
- Spearheaded professional development programs aimed at enhancing teacher effectiveness and instructional practices.
- Formulated policies that encouraged active participations from families and the community that included regular communication, community partnerships and events that promote school culture and values
- Created policies focused on maintaining a safe and supportive school environment including the emergency preparedness plans, bullying prevention initiatives, and health and wellness programs resulting in a score of 5 for school safety and a 20% decrease in bullying related incidents
- Engaged with policymakers and advocacy groups to influence education policy that supports charter schools including annual visits to the Capital, participating in state and local discussions, and promoting the benefits of charter education
- Oversaw compliance with accreditation standards by managing self-study reports and site visit coordination.
Principal/Dean of Academics
Ambition Preparatory Charter Schools
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Directed school operations and academics, achieving notable enhancements in student performance and culture.
- Implemented innovative programs for diverse learners, boosting engagement and academic success.
- Established data-driven decision-making processes to optimize academic programs and resource allocation.
- Conducted staff evaluations and professional development initiatives to promote collaboration and support.
- Increased student retention rates through effective support services and resources.
- Encouraged faculty to pursue advanced degrees, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Oversaw compliance with accreditation standards by managing self-study reports and site visit coordination.
Assistant Principal/Instructional Coach/Curriculum Coordinator
Jackson Madison County School District/Haywood County School District
01.2014 - 06.2021
- Trained teachers to analyze school assessment data, enhancing classroom instruction impact.
- Facilitated conferences with students, parents, and teachers regarding discipline, attendance, and academic issues.
- Maintained visibility and accessibility for faculty, students, and parents during campus meetings.
- Monitored crisis and safety plans, emergency drills, and PBIS/discipline programs.
- Partnered with principal to administer school programs aligned with vision and goals.
- Built positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, fostering strong community ties.
- Implemented data-driven instructional strategies, leading to improved school performance.
- Conducted classroom evaluations and provided feedback to enhance teacher effectiveness.
RTI Coordinator, ELA Teacher, Team Lead/Department Chair
Yazoo County School District, Jefferson County School District, Jackson Madison County School District
06.2005 - 01.2014
- Monitored curriculum development and implementation for grades 9th012th all subjects resulting in a level 4 designation.
- Analyzed student achievement data to assist with academic and instructional planning.
- Conducted weekly PLCs and monthly data meetings, maintain school compliance data.
- Led professional development on best practices, new teacher first year experience, data analysis, standards-based assessments, and standards analysis.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Enhanced parent and teacher relationships by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts by coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires.
- Improved project outcomes with meticulous attention to detail in planning phases, ensuring all requirements were met ahead of deadlines.
- Implemented digital filing system, drastically reducing retrieval times and improving document organization.
- Streamlined administrative processes, allowing for more efficient use of resources and better support for project teams.
- Enhanced team communication by implementing weekly coordination meetings and detailed project update emails.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new staff, leading to quicker onboarding and higher initial productivity levels.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Tennessee At Martin
Martin, TNMaster of Arts - Secondary Education
Jackson State University
Jackson, MSBachelor of Arts - Finance
Delta State University
Cleveland, MSE.D.D. - Leadership And Policy Studies
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN08-2022
Skills
- Curriculum Design and Integration
- Budget Management
- Data Analysis and Assessment
- Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Planning
- Staff Development and Training
- Educational Technology Integration
- Performance Assessment
- Project Management
Timeline
Principal
Vision Preparatory Charter School
05.2022 - Current
Principal/Dean of Academics
Ambition Preparatory Charter Schools
06.2021 - 06.2022
Assistant Principal/Instructional Coach/Curriculum Coordinator
Jackson Madison County School District/Haywood County School District
01.2014 - 06.2021
RTI Coordinator, ELA Teacher, Team Lead/Department Chair
Yazoo County School District, Jefferson County School District, Jackson Madison County School District
06.2005 - 01.2014
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Tennessee At Martin
Master of Arts - Secondary Education
Jackson State University
Bachelor of Arts - Finance
Delta State University
E.D.D. - Leadership And Policy Studies
University of Memphis
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