Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Notable Achievements
Timeline
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PJ Walker

Memphis,Tennessee

Summary

Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Memphis Shelby County Schools, enhancing student achievement through innovative leadership and targeted interventions. Skilled in event management and cultivating a positive school culture, I successfully recruited the largest summer school enrollment and secured funding for arts programs, driving engagement and excellence in education.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Educational Leader

Memphis Shelby County Schools
08.2017 - Current

Summer School Principal

  • Elevated summer school program effectiveness by implementing diverse teaching strategies and curriculums.
  • Hired and managed staff to ensure high quality instruction.
  • Recruited the largest enrollment of students amongst other schools.
  • Implemented targeted interventions that raised student achievement in reading and math.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior and attendance policies, resulting in a safe learning atmosphere for all participants.
  • Addressed disciplinary issues promptly, maintaining orderliness within the summer school campus at all times.

Administration Team Member

  • Developed strategies to improve student behavior school-wide and help teachers better manage classroom environments.
  • Served as a liaison between students, parents, faculty, and administration to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts.

Field Trip Coordinator

  • Enhanced student learning experiences by arranging hands-on activities during field trips.
  • Assisted fellow coordinators in their planning efforts when needed, sharing resources and expertise generously.
  • Handled unexpected challenges efficiently during trips while maintaining a positive atmosphere for students and staff members.

New Teacher Mentor

  • Mentored new teachers in curriculum planning and instructional strategies, improving their teaching effectiveness.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects, enhancing student learning experiences.

Fine Arts Team Leader

  • Secured funding for two piano labs-the first in the school's history.
  • Negotiated a $40,000 grand piano donation for student recitals and performances.
  • Led initiatives to expand arts program and recruited top-tier teachers annually.

Special Events Coordinator

  • Facilitated communication between internal events personnel and external vendors to quickly resolve any conflicts or concerns.
  • Negotiated favorable agreements with vendors and facilities to keep costs low and fulfill contract budget requirements.
  • Organized major school events, including prom, graduation, and behavior incentive programs.

Piano Teacher/ General Music Teacher

  • Led the school 's piano program to earn superior ratings in performance.

Social Studies Teacher interim

  • Taught Honor Social Studies as we prepared for State assessment

Educational Programming Director

Delta Blues Museum
06.2009 - 01.2019
  • Attracted new members with targeted marketing campaigns and engaging events tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Established strong relationships with donors, securing significant financial contributions for museum growth initiatives.
  • Created and implemented a high school senior docent program
  • Founded an educational festival that attracted schools from across the region.
  • Increased museum revenue and regional tourism through innovative programming.

Performing Arts Director

Clarksdale Municipal School District
08.2013 - 05.2016
  • Secured student scholarships to prestigious institutions, including Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.
  • Choral Director
  • Led the school's performing arts program to earn superior ratings by the state.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Music

Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

Skills

  • Innovative Leadership
  • Event Management
  • Media Broadcasting
  • writing
  • strong ability to cultivate a positive school culture

Notable Achievements

  • District Teacher of The Year
  • 4x School-level Teacher of the Year
  • Internationally Best-Selling Author
  • Featured on a BET reality Show
  • International Music Artist- sold music in various countries, hosted concerts regionally and locally, performing for audiences of hundreds to thousands
  • Served as Gospel Choir Director, Mississippi Valley State University
  • Elected Student Government President Mississippi Valley State University
  • Member of the Tennessee Department of Education Assistant Principal Network
  • 10 years of mentoring students in the arts and leadership development

Timeline

Educational Leader

Memphis Shelby County Schools
08.2017 - Current

Performing Arts Director

Clarksdale Municipal School District
08.2013 - 05.2016

Educational Programming Director

Delta Blues Museum
06.2009 - 01.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Music

Mississippi Valley State University

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership

Austin Peay State University
PJ Walker