Nafia Hamilton
Mansfield,TX
Summary
Instructional leader with over 15 years of experience driving school improvement across classroom, campus, and district levels. Proven record of strengthening instructional systems, developing teacher capacity, and improving student outcomes in diverse and high-needs learning environments. As Assistant Principal at a Title I campus in Dallas ISD, contributed to turnaround efforts that improved the school’s accountability rating from F to B through data-driven instructional leadership, coaching cycles, and strategic implementation of the ACE model. Experienced in leading multi-campus instructional initiatives and supervising staff while building collaborative school cultures where educators share ownership for student success. Served as a key member of campus leadership teams responsible for strategic planning, instructional improvement, and operational decisions that supported the school’s turnaround and sustained academic growth.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Personalized Learning School Transformation Leader
Akiba Yavneh Academy
Dallas, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Lead schoolwide implementation of personalized learning strategies designed to improve student engagement, instructional rigor, and differentiated learning experiences in K–6 classrooms.
- Support campus in establishing systems for data-driven instruction, helping teachers analyze student performance and implement targeted instructional strategies.
- Facilitate professional learning experiences to help educators develop teacher competencies that drive professional growth and instructional effectiveness.
- Support implementation of blended learning models and technology integration to strengthen classroom instruction and enhance student learning environments.
- Partner with campus leaders to strengthen school culture and build sustainable systems that support personalized learning implementation.
Assistant Principal
John Neely Bryan Elementary | Dallas Independent School District
Dallas, TX
06.2020 - 08.2024
- Served as a key member of the campus leadership team responsible for developing and implementing the Campus Improvement Plan over a four-year period.
- Contributed to campus turnaround efforts that improved the school’s accountability rating from F to B through implementation of the ACE instructional model and strategic instructional monitoring.
- Supervised and supported 14 staff members including classroom teachers, elective teachers, counselor, and family engagement staff.
- Conducted formal teacher observations and coaching cycles using Dallas ISD’s Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI) evaluation framework to strengthen instructional effectiveness.
- Led PLC data cycles and instructional monitoring processes to support targeted interventions and improved student achievement.
- Oversaw student discipline and behavioral systems for grades 3–6, ensuring equitable application of the Student Code of Conduct.
- Implemented a campus House System to build community, leadership, and positive behavior across grade levels through character recognition and academic engagement.
- Applied restorative practices to address student conflict, strengthen relationships, and promote accountability beyond traditional disciplinary approaches.
- Strengthened school-community relationships through family engagement initiatives and consistent communication with stakeholders.
District Personalized Learning Coordinator
Dallas Independent School District
Dallas, TX
06.2018 - 07.2020
- Led implementation of personalized learning frameworks across 6–8 campuses, supporting schoolwide instructional transformation initiatives.
- Supervised and coached campus instructional coaches to ensure fidelity of implementation and alignment with district instructional priorities.
- Facilitated cross-campus professional learning communities focused on data-driven instruction, competency-based learning, and student-centered practices.
- Partnered with campus leaders to develop systems for monitoring student progress and strengthening instructional decision-making.
- Designed and delivered professional development for teachers and instructional leaders across multiple campuses.
Personalized Learning Site Coordinator
Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary | Dallas Independent School District
Dallas, TX
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Supported schoolwide implementation of personalized learning instructional strategies designed to increase student engagement and academic ownership.
- Collaborated with campus leaders and instructional teams to develop systems for data analysis and targeted instructional interventions.
- Facilitated professional learning sessions focused on blended learning, instructional innovation, and differentiated instruction.
Classroom Teacher
Denver Public Schools & Dallas Independent School District
Denver, CO & Dallas, TX
07.2009 - 06.2016
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction to meet the diverse academic needs of elementary students.
- Utilized formative assessments and data analysis to guide instructional planning and support student growth.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that encouraged critical thinking and student participation.
- Created engaging learning environments that supported collaboration, student voice, and active learning.
- Mentored new teachers on classroom management techniques and instructional methods.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance teaching strategies and share best practices.
Education
Texas Principal Certification - Texas Principal Certification
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX11-2019
Master of Arts - Teacher Leadership & Administration
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ05-2014
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA12-2008
Skills
- Instructional Leadership & Teacher Capacity Development
- Teacher Evaluation, Feedback & Coaching Cycles
- Strategic Instructional Systems Implementation
- Data-Driven Instruction & Student Achievement Analysis
- Student Behavior Systems & Restorative Practices
- Positive School Culture & Climate Development
- Family & Community Engagement
- Cross-Campus Instructional Leadership & Program Management
- Staff Supervision & Leadership Team Development
Certification
- Texas State Generalist EC-6 - 2015
- Texas Principal Certification - 2020
- Google Certified Educator Level 2 - 2024
Timeline
Personalized Learning School Transformation Leader
Akiba Yavneh Academy
08.2024 - Current
Assistant Principal
John Neely Bryan Elementary | Dallas Independent School District
06.2020 - 08.2024
District Personalized Learning Coordinator
Dallas Independent School District
06.2018 - 07.2020
Personalized Learning Site Coordinator
Ignacio Zaragoza Elementary | Dallas Independent School District
06.2016 - 06.2018
Classroom Teacher
Denver Public Schools & Dallas Independent School District
07.2009 - 06.2016
Texas Principal Certification - Texas Principal Certification
Lamar University
Master of Arts - Teacher Leadership & Administration
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Norfolk State University
Professional Accomplishments and Leadership Development.
- Stanford d.school Design Thinking Cohort Fellow
- Leadership ISD Fellow
- School Retool Fellowship Coach
- Teacher Leadership Academy
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team Member
Awards
- Mile High Teacher of the Year - 2012
- Denver Public Schools Distinguished Teacher Honoree - 2013 and 2014