Norma Derby
Sahuarita,AZ
Summary
Sharp and focused professional offering 12 years of expertise in education leadership. Dedicated to success of students, faculty and families with focus on addressing individuals while maintaining overall compliance with procedures and academic performance. Flexible and professional by using compassion with gentle discipline. Seasoned principal with strong background in educational leadership. Skilled in fostering positive learning environments and driving academic progress through effective collaboration among educators, students, and parents. Proven ability to improve school culture by implementing innovative strategies for student engagement and staff professional development. Specialize in strategic planning, educational leadership, and curriculum development. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and team building; leveraging these soft skills to foster an inclusive and effective educational environment. Committed to enhancing school performance and student success through collaborative leadership and data-driven decisions.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Math and Science Success Academy (MASSA)
Tucson, AZ
01.2016 - Current
- Led academic programming and campus operations for a K–8 charter school serving over 750 students.
- Guided the school through academic recovery and post-COVID learning gaps by prioritizing Tier I instruction and intervention.
- Reorganized leadership responsibilities to ensure classroom coverage during staffing shortages, while maintaining instructional oversight.
- Strengthened family partnerships through transparent communication, events, and proactive outreach.
- Supervised and developed assistant principals, instructional coaches, and teaching staff through weekly data meetings and classroom walkthroughs.
Assistant Exceptional Education Director
Tucson Unified School District
Tucson, AZ
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Supervised and supported special education compliance and instructional practices across multiple school sites.
- Conducted IEP audits, teacher support visits, and coordinated services with related providers.
- Provided professional development for special education teams and ensured alignment with district goals.
Special Education Teacher (Grades 6–8)
Tucson Unified School District
Tucson, AZ
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Delivered specialized instruction to students with diverse learning needs in self-contained and inclusion settings.
- Developed IEPs, collaborated with general education teachers, and communicated regularly with families.
- Mentored new special education teachers and contributed to district-level planning committees.
Education
Master of Educational Leadership -
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Education
University of El Paso Texas
El Paso, TX01.1996
Skills
- Administrative management
- Educational leadership
- Educator coaching
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Student achievement
- Budget administration
- School safety
- Restorative practices
- Multi-tiered system support
Response to intervention strategies
Analytical problem solving
Team collaboration - Strategic Staffing
- Diverse cultural engagement
- Academic programming
- IEP development
- Staff supervision
- Conflict resolution
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
- Student discipline
- Program management
- School community relations
- School event coordination
Certification
- Special Education Certification
- SEI Endorsement
- CPR/First Aid (Active)
Affiliations
- National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
- ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)
Timeline
Principal
Math and Science Success Academy (MASSA)
01.2016 - Current
Assistant Exceptional Education Director
Tucson Unified School District
01.2014 - 01.2016
Special Education Teacher (Grades 6–8)
Tucson Unified School District
01.2007 - 01.2014
Master of Educational Leadership -
Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Science - Education
University of El Paso Texas