Lorenda R. Cheeks

Visionary and results-oriented educator with extensive experience in PreK-12th grade administration, seeking an Executive Leadership position. Demonstrated ability to enhance operational efficiency through streamlined administrative processes, while fostering strong relationships with students and colleagues. Proven expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and implementing institutional goals, coupled with a passion for continuous learning and adaptability in dynamic environments.

• Success for All Reading Facilitator, Raines Elementary, 08/01/00, 05/31/01, Provided daily technical support to teachers and aided in their capacity to support instruction of the five components of reading, implement curriculum, administer assessments, analyze data, and utilize technology, Assist administrators and teachers in addressing grade-specific curriculum needs by developing an effective school-wide literacy plan and providing strategies for monitoring the plan's implementation, Design and conduct professional development to meet the varied needs of school-based literacy, Meet regularly with principals and teachers to review data and make recommendations for adjustments in instructional practices, Participate in ongoing training, support, and networking to promote grade-level reading, Maintain and submit reports on the progress of teaching and learning specific to literacy in K-5th grades
• After-school Care Coordinator, Educational Solutions, Inc., 08/01/99, 05/31/01, Organized learning and recreational activities for students in an after-school program, Implemented curricula, motivated students, corrected misconduct, maintained student records, and reported to parents
• Summer Enrichment Program First Grade Teacher, Raines Elementary, 06/01/99, 07/31/99, Organized learning and recreational activities for students in an after-school program, Implemented curricula, motivated students, corrected misconduct, maintained student records, and reported to parents
• Title-I Resource Teacher (K-2nd), Raines Elementary, 08/01/98, 05/31/99, Teaching Remedial Reading, Language Arts, and Math skills for at-risk students
• Bell South and Hewlett Packard Project Power-To-Teach Trainer, 06/01/00, 07/31/00, Trained teachers on new technology concepts to meet individual learner needs
• Student Teacher, Johnson Elementary, 01/01/96, 05/31/96, Began the transition to their professional roles as teachers by applying the content and pedagogical knowledge in the classroom as a teacher, Creating a learning environment that demonstrates mutual respect between students and teacher and among students, Engaging students in learning content through activities, assignments, grouping, materials, resources, structure, and pacing
• Instructional Assistant, Johnson Elementary, 08/01/95, 12/31/95, Assists in small group instruction; tutors students at teacher's request, Assists teacher in maintaining discipline and other functions of the classroom, Assists with set up of classroom and prepares materials for specialized instructional units, Handles attendance reports and related clerical tasks with the teacher, Assists in assembling/hanging materials on bulletin boards and keeping displays current, Operates standard school equipment such as laminator, copier, audiovisual, etc.

• Delta State University, Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Educational Leadership, 1003 W Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS, 38733, 12/01/16, Principals' Perceptions of Alternatively and Traditionally Certified Teachers' Efficacy in an Urban School District
• Mississippi College, Specialist in Educational Leadership, Administration and Supervision, Clinton, MS, 39056, 05/01/04
• Mississippi College, Master of Educational Leadership, Administration and Supervision, Clinton, MS, 39056, 08/01/98
• Tougaloo College, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Elementary Education, Tougaloo, MS, 39174, 05/01/96

Belhaven University, Master of Education Reading Literacy, Non-degree seeking, 1500 Peachtree Street, Jackson, MS, 12/01/21

• 2010 General Mills Feeding Dreams Community Champion, Earning a $10K prize for outstanding leadership in the Jackson, Mississippi Community
• One Church, One School, Outstanding Educator of the Year, 2010, For outstanding service in the Jackson, Mississippi Community
• Metro Jackson Outstanding Teacher Nominee, 1998
• Outstanding Academic Achievement in Elementary Education, 1995, Tougaloo College
• National Dean's List Recipient, 1992-1996

• Director of Student Assessments, 07/01/19, 09/30/23, Jackson Public Schools Office of Teaching and Learning, Jackson, MS, 39201, Serves as the District Test Coordinator and liaison between Jackson Public Schools and the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Student Assessment, Ensure that a District Test Security Plan for the School District is developed and disseminated to each school no later than two weeks before each year's first fall testing administration, Collaborate and guide each school in establishing a School Test Security Plan that links to the District Test Security Plan, Facilitate all phases of state assessment, including test administration, compliance, training, data collection, distribution, and materials shipping, Develop local policies and procedures to ensure maximum test security in coordination with those developed by the test publisher, Monitor and conduct assessment audits periodically to ensure that proper test administration sessions are held, Interface with the Exceptional Education Department, as appropriate, for accommodations-related concerns, Support curricular and instructional activities to meet student needs, Reading, analyzing, and synthesizing information from academic records & assessment data, Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business
• Director of Student Support Services/Director of Pupil Assessments and Appeals, 07/01/17, 06/30/19, Jackson Public Schools Office of Student Support Services, Jackson, MS, 39201, Assisted the District Test Coordinator in facilitating all phases of state assessments, including test administration, compliance, coordination of training, collection, distribution, and shipping of materials, Develop local policies and procedures to ensure maximum test security in coordination with those developed by the test publisher, Monitor and conduct assessment audits periodically to ensure that proper test administration sessions are held, Support curricular and instructional activities to meet student needs, Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business, Serve as the main point of contact for a health care provider, monitoring family's utilization of services provided, Coordinated necessary resources to provide health services to over 10,000 students, Devised and monitored Memorandum of Understanding contractual agreements with Health Providers, Served as the hearing officer for the Student Due Process Hearing, Reading, analyzing, and synthesizing information from academic records & assessment data, Prepared discipline hearing reports for presentation to the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees for Jackson Public Schools, Identified and scheduled programs beneficial to the students in a Title-I and traditional classroom setting, Worked as a team member with principals and other appropriate personnel to establish positive student behavior by developing appropriate strategies tailored to individual students
• Elementary Principal, 07/01/10, 06/30/17, Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, MS, 39209, Led, supervised, and evaluated the school's instructional and co-curricular programs, Evaluated student behavior issues by reviewing established discipline standards and noting trends in infractions, Presented resources and opportunities to teaching staff for further professional development and curriculum training courses, Developed and implemented standards for student academic achievement aligned with district, state, and local initiatives, Resolved various situations to cultivate strong student and parent relationships, Monitored and evaluated the performance of school employees, Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness, Monitored student discipline actions and worked with teachers to standardize behavior requirements across the school, Provided leadership in strategic planning for the school, focusing all resources on improving instruction and ensuring that it was in concert with the district strategic plan, Selected, recommended, and evaluated building personnel in all areas of their responsibility, Develop and enforce procedures for effective student discipline following district policies and procedures, Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes, and class orientation sessions, Developed and managed budgets for academic and student affairs, Worked as a team member with teachers, counselors, school social workers, and other appropriate personnel to establish positive student behavior by developing appropriate strategies tailored to individual students, Collaborated with instructional staff to develop student behavior objectives, goals, plans, and methods to monitor conduct
• Assistant Principal, 08/01/01, 06/30/10, Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, MS, 39209, Assessed teaching and support staff and delivered moral development and instructional leadership strategies, improving capabilities and testing outcomes, Developed a positive school climate by building effective communication within the school, Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes, and class orientation sessions, Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior, and instructional strategies, Developed and implemented standards for student academic achievement aligned with district, state, and local initiatives, Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness, Created and implemented special education programs that supported teachers and staff while giving special needs and at-risk youth tools necessary to succeed, Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education, Monitored school administration activity and implemented new policies to support student safety, inclusion, and academic success

• 21st Century After-school Coordinator, 2008-2010
• Ask4More Arts District Planning Team, 2006-2010
• SACS Review Committee Chair, 2004-2010
• Reading Is Fundamental Chair, 2001-2010
• Teacher Support Team, 2000-present
• Genesis and Light Youth Club Board Member, 2003-2022
• Success for All Family Support Committee, 2000-2001
• Educational Solution After-School Coordinator, 2000
• Bell South/Hewlett Packard Power-To-Teacher Trainer, Summer 2000
• Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi Troop Leader, 1999-present
• Second Grade Team Leader, 1999-2000
• Resource Staff Team Leader, 1998-1999
• Project Act Coordinator, 1998-1999

• 486 - Administrator
• 117 Elementary Education (4-6)
• 152 - Kindergarten-4 (K-4)

• Curriculum Implementation - Taught reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, art, and physical education to pupils utilizing a course of study adopted by the Board of Education.
• Interactive Learning - Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
• Technology Integration - Participated in technology training courses and trained colleagues in new technology concepts and practices applicable for the classroom.