Marsha Francis, PhD
Atlanta,GA
Summary
A proven and experienced educational leader with a strong commitment to equity. Passionate about building results-driven education programs for youth and educators. Success in building partnerships and coalitions to advance equitable education outcomes for a variety of clients. Known for being a problem-solver, visionary leader, and result-oriented professional with nearly 2 decades of progressive leadership in school districts, universities and nonprofits.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
STE(A)M Truck
10.2021 - Current
- Successfully manage an annual budget of $2.1 million to enhance student access and teacher readiness for high-quality STEAM learning
- Establish strategic partnerships with local school districts, youth service organizations, and colleges/universities to broaden the impact of STE(A)M Truck in target areas
- Attract new corporate sponsors, fostering industry connections, volunteer opportunities, and revenue streams
- Oversee the development and implementation of a new line of programs and strategies for deeper engagement with STEAM learning for educators
Executive Director, Talent Management
Clarke County School District
01.2021 - 10.2021
- Designed strategies, systems, and training structures to enhance capacity of educators and staff to utilize performance data for decision-making
- Led initiatives to redesign educator value propositions, revamp compensation strategies, and develop clear career lattices aligned with appealing employee value propositions.
- Developed and implemented strategies to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and educational leaders in district.
Coordinator
First STEP Teacher Internship
05.2017 - 02.2021
- Nationally recognized for launching and scaling a $400,000 program supporting diverse teacher candidates with preinduction professional development, stipends, and early contracts
- Achieved an 85% conversion rate of First STEP Interns to first-year teachers and expanded intern enrollment annually
- Managed the recruitment and selection process, identified suitable schools, and provided mentorship.
Program Specialist
QUESTT Residency
08.2016 - 05.2017
- Led district-wide efforts to prepare career changers for teacher certification in grades 6-12 across content areas
- Collaborate with school administrators and teachers to identify areas of improvement in program and develop strategies to address them
- Analyze data on teacher candidates' performance and progress in program to identify trends and areas of improvement.
EdTPA Coordinator & Instructor
Spelman College
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Guided department into compliance with national expectations of edTPA, a teacher education performance assessment while facilitating training and mentoring for candidates, faculty, staff, student teacher supervisors and cooperating teachers
- Presented at multiple statewide and regional conferences on successes and challenges of programmatic changes informed by program data from edTPA results regarding marginalized teacher candidates
- Redesigned Methods for Teaching Elementary Math and Science course for elementary teacher candidates.
Elementary Teacher
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2006 - 05.2011
- Developed an afterschool science club at a Title I School to provide additional hands-on science experiences for students
- Created 'Sci-Fri/Science Friday' a monthly school-wide science initiative to increase science learning opportunities for underrepresented students
- Collaborated with other teachers to develop and implement interdisciplinary projects that integrate science with other subjects such as math, language arts, and social studies.
Education
PhD - Educational Theory & Practice
University of Georgia
Athens, GAMA - Curriculum & Instruction
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MIBachelor of Arts - Child Development (P-5 Certification)
Spelman College
Atlanta, GASkills
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Program Evaluation
- Strategic Planning
- Partnership Development
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Program Management
Civic Engagement
- Metro Atlanta United Way, Volunteer Involvement Program, Fall 2017 Class
- Georgia Women's Policy Institute, Metro Atlanta YWCA, 8th Class
- Inspire Atlanta, Atlanta Women's Foundation, $10,000 raised
- Outstanding Atlanta, 2019 Class
- Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Volunteer 2020-current
- Georgia Education Policy Fellowship Program, 2023 Class
- Micron Nonprofit Leaders of Color/Georgetown Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate Program, Spring 2023
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Member
Timeline
Executive Director
STE(A)M Truck
10.2021 - Current
Executive Director, Talent Management
Clarke County School District
01.2021 - 10.2021
Coordinator
First STEP Teacher Internship
05.2017 - 02.2021
Program Specialist
QUESTT Residency
08.2016 - 05.2017
EdTPA Coordinator & Instructor
Spelman College
01.2014 - 01.2016
Elementary Teacher
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2006 - 05.2011
PhD - Educational Theory & Practice
University of Georgia
MA - Curriculum & Instruction
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development (P-5 Certification)
Spelman College