Naima Duncan, Ed.D
Summary
Engaging, analytical, and strategic leader with 10+ years of experience developing and implementing data-driven strategies to inform and enhance educational outcomes. Demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, staff management, and family engagement to amplify program effectiveness. Proven track record employing evidence-based practices and continuous evaluation to ensure the highest standards of academic excellence and student success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Hillside Public Schools
Hillside, NJ
01.2025 - Current
- Supports the principal in the overall administration and management of school operations, ensuring alignment with district policies and educational standards
- Leads instructional improvement efforts by conducting classroom observations, providing actionable feedback, and coaching teachers to enhance instructional practices and student outcomes
- Analyzed student performance data to inform school-wide goals, identify achievement gaps, and implement targeted interventions that enhanced academic success
- Oversees student discipline and implements restorative practices to promote a positive school climate and support student social-emotional development
- Collaborated with faculty, staff, families, and community stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support student achievement and well-being
- Coordinated professional development sessions that built staff capacity and aligned instructional practices with best practices and district initiatives
- Monitors compliance with state and district regulations, including attendance, safety protocols, and special education requirements
- Assists in master scheduling, resource allocation, and operational planning to ensure effective and efficient school functioning
- Supports the evaluation and supervision of instructional and support staff, promoting accountability and professional growth
Lead Educator
Camden City School District
Camden City, NJ
01.2017 - Current
- Utilizes analysis and trend identification to assess academic performance metrics to facilitate the establishment of targeted goals that drive continuous improvement across the school
- Employs data-driven insights to prioritize resource allocation and strategic initiatives; Fosters a culture of accountability and collective responsibility toward achieving school-wide objectives
- Analyzes data sets to inform the development of school-wide goals and objectives while ensuring alignment with educational standards and student needs
- Collaborates with staff members and key external stakeholders to articulate and refine the instructional vision as aligned with educational best practices and community needs
- Improves instructional quality by conducting evaluations of submitted lesson plans to ascertain how teachers will gauge students' attainment of the lesson objective; Provides feedback to maximize learning outcomes
- Conducted 105 personalized walkthroughs and coaching sessions to address school and classroom priorities; Provided technical assistance to steer professional growth and enhance instructional practices (2023 – 2024 school year)
- Assesses and cultivates student readiness by implementing interventions, differentiated instruction, and championing a supportive learning environment that addresses needs effectively
- Strengthens data governance frameworks in partnership with the data leads; Expands leaders' data literacy by providing coaching to inform strategic decision-making
- Oversees the development of valid and reliable assessments across grade levels to ensure adherence to district assessment protocols, maintain consistency in evaluating student progress, and promote accurate measurement of student learning
- Recognizes, nurtures, and retains high-performing staff members; Implements progressive discipline strategies to address performance issues among persistently low-performing staff members
Adjunct Professor
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck, NJ
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Executed curriculum development, assessment, and evaluation processes to ensure alignment with educational objectives and industry standards. Developed course materials and syllabi to guide students toward academic success
- Engaged in discussions among students to explore and critically analyze current educational trends; Shared perspectives to nurture a culture of lifelong learning
- Developed strategic partnerships with local schools to collaboratively develop internship opportunities for students
Director, Early Childhood Education
Urban League of Essex County
Newark, NJ
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Directed the day-to-day operations of the early childhood education program; Oversaw administrative tasks, staff coordination, and program implementation
- Spearheaded strategic initiatives to optimize resources, enhance program delivery, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices
- Innovated recruitment strategies to attract and retain top teaching talent; Leveraged a variety of methods including job postings, networking events, and college fairs to develop the talent pipeline
- Generated monthly reports outlining progress made toward achieving organizational goals and objectives; Translated insights into actionable plans and communicated status information to stakeholders and leadership
- Harmonized cross-functional efforts with other organizational departments to coordinate services for families enrolled in the program
- Created and managed budgets; Employed strategic forecasting and expense tracking to ensure the effective allocation of funds while maintaining fiscal responsibility and program sustainability
- Implemented cost-saving measures and explored alternative funding sources to maximize resources and support the organization's mission and objectives
Education
Doctor of Education - Education
College of Saint Elizabeth
Master of Arts - Education
College of Saint Elizabeth
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Montclair State University
Skills
- Learning Best Practices
- Compliance
- Early Childhood Development
- Family Engagement
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Training
- Technical Assistance
- Curriculum Development
- Child Assessment
- Research-Based Coaching
- Relationship Management
- Continuous Improvement
Websites
Early Career Experience
Early Childhood Supervisor, North Hudson Head Start
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Hillside Public Schools
01.2025 - Current
Lead Educator
Camden City School District
01.2017 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01.2015 - 01.2017
Director, Early Childhood Education
Urban League of Essex County
01.2015 - 01.2017
Doctor of Education - Education
College of Saint Elizabeth
Master of Arts - Education
College of Saint Elizabeth
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Montclair State University