Sammi Betham
Educational Leader
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Demonstrated expertise in designing impactful professional learning experiences and employing data-driven strategies to elevate student outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
VTSS State Coach
Virginia Department of Education through Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
11.2025 - Current
- Supported school divisions statewide in implementing evidence-based academic and behavioral systems.
- Designed professional learning sessions to enhance capacity at division and school levels.
- Guided teams in creating sustainable systems aligned with VTSS and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Promoted data utilization to enhance student outcomes and inform strategic decisions.
Assistant Principal / Administrative Assistant
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Virginia Beach, VA
07.2023 - 11.2025
- Assisted principal in managing daily school operations and ensuring instructional quality.
- Supervised and evaluated instructional staff to uphold high teaching standards.
- Provided academic monitoring and targeted support for senior students.
- Facilitated student voice group to improve school climate and address concerns.
- Implemented attendance intervention systems, reducing chronic absenteeism rates.
- Administered student discipline in alignment with VBCPS Code of Student Conduct.
PBIS Division Specialist
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Led division-wide PBIS coaching, enhancing support across 83 schools.
- Facilitated monthly PBIS leadership meetings to drive effective implementation.
- Analyzed discipline data to inform division-level improvement strategies.
- Designed professional development sessions focusing on PBIS practices and systems alignment.
Adult Education Instructor
Adult Learning Center
Virginia Beach, VA
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Delivered inclusive instruction to adult English Language Learners and diverse adult learners.
School Improvement Specialist & Teacher
Independence Middle School
09.2017 - 06.2021
- Developed and implemented school improvement plans to enhance academic achievement.
- Collaborated with teachers to refine instructional strategies and boost student engagement.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff focused on effective teaching practices.
- Analyzed student performance data to pinpoint areas needing improvement.
- Coordinated with parents and community members to foster support for school initiatives.
- Conducted classroom observations and provided constructive feedback to educators.
- Assisted in cultivating a positive school culture and climate.
- Supported teachers in integrating technology into lesson plans for enhanced learning.
Literacy Teacher/Coach
Bayside High School
07.2015 - 09.2017
- Tailored literacy instruction through targeted interventions to address individual student needs.
- Guided English department in adopting best practices, enhancing overall learning outcomes.
- Developed engaging lesson plans that catered to diverse student requirements.
- Facilitated discussions promoting critical thinking skills among students.
- Assessed student progress using quizzes and assignments for effective feedback.
- Implemented technology tools to create interactive and engaging learning experiences.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary curriculum units.
- Provided individualized support for students encountering learning challenges.
School Improvement Specialist & Teacher
Great Neck Middle School
07.2005 - 07.2015
- Developed and implemented school improvement plans for academic achievement.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies and student engagement.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff on best practices.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement.
- Coordinated with parents and community members to support school initiatives.
Teacher
Lafayette-Winona Middle School
08.2001 - 06.2005
- Created engaging lesson plans to boost student understanding and participation.
- Implemented classroom management strategies, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects and activities.
- Utilized technology tools for interactive learning experiences.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership And Management
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia, VA12-2027
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA06-2020
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA06-2001
Skills
- Educational leadership and administration
- Instructional supervision and evaluation
- PBIS and MTSS coaching
- School improvement and accreditation
- Professional learning design
- Data-driven decision making
- Stakeholder engagement
- Student support systems
- Equity and inclusion practices
- Policy compliance
Certification
- SWIS PBIS Facilitator Certification, 2021
- Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Educator Micro-Credential, 2022
- ODU Monarch LEAD Aspiring Administrator — Inaugural Cohort, 2022
- AVID Program Training
- Pearson Access Next — Standardized Assessment Administration
Awards
- AVID Teacher of the Year — VBCPS
- Distinguished Educator — VBCPS
- I Make a Difference Award — VBCPS
- School Bell Award — Norfolk Public Schools
Professional Development And Leadership
- Designed and facilitated professional development on PBIS and capacity-building systems.
- Provided ongoing coaching and resources to school-based PBIS teams to support three-tiered implementation.
Selected Achievements
- Led school improvement initiatives resulting in full accreditation across all content areas.
- Improved Social Studies SOL pass rates from 38% to over 70% in one year.
- Achieved a 98% pass rate on Reading and Writing SOL assessments.
- Increased Science and History SOL pass rates beyond division and state averages.
- Modeled effective instructional and classroom management strategies for teaching teams.
- Used data analysis to inform instruction and close achievement gaps.
Timeline
VTSS State Coach
Virginia Department of Education through Virginia Commonwealth University
11.2025 - Current
Assistant Principal / Administrative Assistant
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
07.2023 - 11.2025
Adult Education Instructor
Adult Learning Center
09.2021 - 06.2022
PBIS Division Specialist
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2023
School Improvement Specialist & Teacher
Independence Middle School
09.2017 - 06.2021
Literacy Teacher/Coach
Bayside High School
07.2015 - 09.2017
School Improvement Specialist & Teacher
Great Neck Middle School
07.2005 - 07.2015
Teacher
Lafayette-Winona Middle School
08.2001 - 06.2005
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership And Management
Old Dominion University
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Old Dominion University