SAVANNAH STRONG
Oakland,California
Summary
Senior academic leader dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments that promote rigorous and joyful education. Expertise in designing cohesive curricula and pedagogical approaches that encourage inquiry and intellectual development. Proven success in implementing innovative strategies that enhance academic performance and teaching effectiveness. Strong skills in systems thinking and strategic change, focused on evidence-based practices for systemic educational improvement.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean of Equity and Community
Head-Royce School
Oakland, USA
08.2023 - Current
- Redesigned Office of Equity & Community into K-12 academic leadership center, emphasizing equity and student voice.
- Led comprehensive academic strategy across K-12, enhancing coherence and critical thinking.
- Strengthened curriculum design through Understanding by Design, fostering academic rigor and curiosity.
- Aligned curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment to clarify progression pathways for students.
- Established K-12 coaching team, promoting a unified instructional coaching approach.
- Developed inquiry-driven professional learning model to enhance reflective practice schoolwide.
- Directed strategic alignment of mission and operations while advising Board of Trustees on academic strategies.
- Contributed to school's AI strategy, integrating innovation with safeguarding and evidence-informed teaching.
- Redesigned hiring processes to prioritize reflective, research-informed teaching and leadership, resulting in stronger recruitment and retention of high-quality faculty and administrators.
Director of Social Justice and Equity
The Nueva School
San Mateo, USA
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Drove school's equity strategy to enhance academic excellence and inclusive education practices.
- Collaborated with Board of Trustees to form DEI Committee, aligning governance with academic priorities.
- Established Leadership Institute for faculty, fostering coaching pathways and promoting pedagogical leadership.
- Created identity-affirming learning spaces that increased student agency and engagement for marginalized groups.
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich, USA
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Spearheaded academic equity and inclusion strategy across K-12, enhancing curriculum and pedagogical practices.
- Facilitated professional learning on curriculum design, pedagogy, and culturally responsive practices to elevate instructional quality.
- Led inquiry groups focused on identity and systemic inequities, fostering evidence-informed teaching and reflective practice among staff.
- Expanded pupil affinity programs to boost academic confidence, belonging, and cross-cultural competence.
- Directed crisis communication strategy in response to 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, reinforcing community trust and connection.
Upper School History Teacher
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich, USA
07.2016 - 06.2021
- Delivered inquiry-driven History curriculum (Years 9-12), developing student-centred courses that cultivated critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and significant connections between historical scholarship and contemporary global issues.
Kindgarten Teacher - Maternity Cover
The Children's School
Stamford, CT
05.2016 - 06.2016
- Educated preschool students in Montessori-based independent primary setting for children ages 3 to 8.
Account Coordinator
The Martin Agency
Richmond, VA
06.2015 - 04.2016
- Served as liaison between client and creative team at full-service advertising and marketing agency.
Education
Master of Arts - Policy, Organization & Leadership Studies
Stanford University - Graduate School of Education
Palo Alto, CABachelor of Arts - History
Princeton University
Princeton06-2015
Skills
- Curriculum & assessment leadership
- Strategic planning & systems change
- Inclusive and inquiry-driven pedagogy
- Data-informed decision-making (quantitative & qualitative)
- Educational leadership & staff development
- AI and innovation strategy
- Organisational culture & community engagement
- Policy development & safeguarding
- Facilitation
- Communication
- Design thinking
- Learning design
Selected Professional Learning
- Curriculum & Instructional Design: curriculum mapping, instructional rounds, inquiry cycles
- Innovation & AI: generative AI in teaching and learning, educational technology ethics
- Instructional Coaching: coaching frameworks, facilitation, staff learning arcs
- Equity-Informed Pedagogy: inclusive curriculum design, culturally relevant teaching
- Leadership & Culture: national leadership conferences focused on school culture & belonging
Website and Linkedin
- www.savannahstrongconsulting.com
- www.linkedin.com/in/savannah-strong
Timeline
Dean of Equity and Community
Head-Royce School
08.2023 - Current
Director of Social Justice and Equity
The Nueva School
07.2022 - 06.2023
Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Greenwich Academy
07.2019 - 06.2021
Upper School History Teacher
Greenwich Academy
07.2016 - 06.2021
Kindgarten Teacher - Maternity Cover
The Children's School
05.2016 - 06.2016
Account Coordinator
The Martin Agency
06.2015 - 04.2016
Master of Arts - Policy, Organization & Leadership Studies
Stanford University - Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Princeton University