SHANIEKA CHRISTMAS-MCDONALD
Forney,TX
Summary
Instructional leader with extensive K-12 experience driving sustainable school improvement initiatives. Achieved sustained 'B' accountability rating by implementing high-quality instructional materials and fostering collaborative systems to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
H. I. Holland Elementary School at Lisbon
Dallas, TX
07.2018 - 06.2026
- Directed schoolwide instructional improvement aligned to college- and career-ready standards, resulting in a sustained 'B' accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency (2021-2024).
- Coordinated implementation of high-quality instructional materials in core content areas, enhancing curriculum delivery and student engagement.
- Articulated and operationalized a clear instructional vision and theory of action, aligning curriculum, coaching, assessment, and professional learning.
- Designed and facilitated adult learning experiences for teachers and leaders focused on instructional shifts, curriculum fidelity, and evidence-based practice.
- Guided implementation of MTSS and SEL frameworks, aligning academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to improve student outcomes.
- Established and sustained professional learning communities (PLCs) to promote collaboration, data-driven instruction, and instructional coherence across the school.
- Coached teachers and instructional leaders on lesson design and delivery, utilizing Dallas ISD Excellence Initiatives rubrics to elevate curriculum implementation.
- Spearheaded instructional change initiatives, including New Tech and project-based learning (PBL), ensuring staff buy-in and continuous improvement.
- Managed multiple, concurrent instructional initiatives while partnering with district leaders, families, and community stakeholders to advance school improvement goals.
- Recruited, developed, evaluated, and retained educators and staff, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and inclusion.
- Collaborated on a successful proposal that secured $350,000 in district funding and designation as a Dallas ISD Choice School, supporting a three-year implementation of the New Tech instructional model.
- Dallas Independent School District (DISD)
Assistant Principal
Martin Weiss School of Leadership
07.2015 - 06.2018
- Advanced schoolwide mathematics instructional priorities through curriculum alignment, coaching teachers, and utilizing data-driven decision-making to enhance student learning.
- Co-designed and delivered professional development and PLCs focused on standards-aligned instructional practices.
- Coordinated instructional initiatives, assessments, and intervention systems to ensure coherence and monitor student progress effectively.
- Strengthened MTSS structures and student support systems, leading to improved academic and behavioral outcomes across the school.
- Facilitated communication between teachers and administration, supporting coaching, alignment, and implementation fidelity.
- Dallas Independent School District (DISD)
Principal Fellow
Dallas ISD
Dallas, TX
06.2014 - 06.2015
- Observed classroom instruction daily and provided direct, actionable feedback to teachers, enhancing pedagogical practices.
- Interpreted and acted upon school and student data to implement targeted academic interventions, improving student outcomes.
- Assumed delegated administrative tasks from supervising mentor principal, including discipline management, master scheduling, and teacher development, supporting overall school operations.
- Cohort Participation: Engage in regular, rigorous professional development with district leaders to master the Texas Principal Evaluation System.
Elementary School Teacher
Public Schools
08.2007 - 05.2014
- Delivered standards-aligned instruction in elementary classrooms, building strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, and student-centered learning.
- Implemented district-adopted curricula and assessments, differentiating instruction to address diverse learner needs effectively.
- Analyzed student data to tailor instruction, resulting in increased student achievement.
- Partnered with families to enhance student learning experiences across diverse school communities.
- Built a deep understanding of instructional shifts, assessment systems, and accountability across multiple state education contexts.
- Mississippi, Louisiana & Texas
Education
Principal Certification
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX06-2016
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS05-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS08-2003
Some College (No Degree) - Political Science
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS05-2001
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Curriculum development
- Data-driven instruction
- Data analysis
- School improvement initiatives
- Professional development
- Change management
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Communication strategies
- Performance improvement
- School safety
- Emotional intelligence
Timeline
Principal
H. I. Holland Elementary School at Lisbon
07.2018 - 06.2026
Assistant Principal
Martin Weiss School of Leadership
07.2015 - 06.2018
Principal Fellow
Dallas ISD
06.2014 - 06.2015
Elementary School Teacher
Public Schools
08.2007 - 05.2014
Principal Certification
Lamar University
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Alcorn State University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Alcorn State University
Some College (No Degree) - Political Science
Jackson State University