Sharon Nurse
Orlando
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in youth program management, ready to lead and innovate. Skilled in creating engaging programs, fostering community partnerships, and driving impactful results. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving measurable outcomes. Known for leadership, communication, and organizational skills, and trusted for consistent performance and strategic planning.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Literacy Specialist
SCHOLASTIC, INC.
New York, NY
01.2020 - Current
- Design and deliver in-person and virtual professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches, and district leaders, aligned to adult learning principles and literacy best practices.
- Model evidence-based instructional strategies to strengthen literacy instruction and accelerate student achievement.
- Partner with district and school leaders to implement sustainable professional learning systems and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Cultivate long-term relationships with educational partners, ensuring alignment with district strategic goals and literacy priorities.
- Contribute to product and program development by sharing field insights and supporting data-informed decision-making.
Education Consultant
SPARK BUSINESS ACADEMY
Orlando, FL
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with educators to assess program effectiveness and identify improvement areas.
- Organized youth activities related to the program''s subject matter, offering additional opportunities for enrichment and exploration outside of the classroom setting.
- Customized instructional content aligned with program objectives and financial literacy
- Developed engaging curriculum materials to enhance student learning experiences.
Youth Progam Leader
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Supervised engaging activities promoting youth development and community involvement.
- Developed curriculum aligned with improving youth interests and career goals.
- Enhanced teamwork among participants through facilitating collaborative projects and group activities designed to build trust and cooperation.
- Collaborated with community organizations to expand resources for youth initiatives.
- Implemented training sessions focused on leadership skills for young participants.
- Facilitated engaging activities promoting youth development and community involvement.
- Developed curriculum aligned with youth interests and organizational goals.
Academic Specialist
TEACH FOR AMERICA
Orlando, FL
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Supported new teachers through individualized coaching, professional workshops, and classroom observations.
- Strengthened instructional capacity to promote educational equity and teacher leadership within high-need schools.
- Aligned coaching and development initiatives with organizational mission and student achievement priorities.
- Collaborated with educators to curate resources aligned with curriculum standards for diverse learning environments.
Assistant Principal
IMAGINE SCHOOLS
Kissimmee, FL
2013 - 2015
- Directed all systems for schoolwide testing and accountability as assessment coordinator.
- Designed and implemented an award-winning schoolwide behavior program fostering positive climate and student engagement.
- Supervised instructional practices using Marzano’s framework to enhance teacher performance and student outcomes.
- Led data-driven decision-making and aligned school initiatives with district improvement goals.
- Led school-wide initiatives and youth programs to foster a positive school culture and community involvement.
- Managed disciplinary actions while fostering positive student behavior and school culture.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for academic intervention and support.
- Enhanced school culture by implementing positive behavior interventions and supports.
Principal
UNIVERSAL VARE CHARTER SCHOOL
Philadelphia, PA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Provided executive leadership over all academic and operational functions, improving student outcomes and staff performance.
- Designed and implemented curricular and extracurricular programs for youth, reflecting equity and excellence in student achievement.
- Supervised and evaluated teachers through formal and informal observations and data analysis.
- Collaborated with parents and community partners to expand learning opportunities and strengthen school-community relationships.
- Led academic programs to enhance student achievement and engagement.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to support student resources and enrichment programs.
Assistant Principal
UNIVERSAL INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOL
Philadelphia, PA
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Oversaw curriculum implementation and specialized programs to elevate academic achievement.
- Analyzed assessment data and developed targeted plans to meet student learning needs.
- Promoted to Principal within one year based on demonstrated instructional leadership and school improvement results.
Assistant Principal, Talented and Gifted School for Young Scholars
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
New York, NY
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Co-authored charter application to secure independent school designation and expand program autonomy.
- Led teacher evaluation and instructional review processes using data to improve performance and student achievement.
- Managed school budgets, resource allocation, and instructional technology integration.
- Mentored teachers on pedagogy, classroom management, and differentiated instruction.
- Fostered an inclusive and innovative learning environment through stakeholder engagement.
- Developed and implemented school improvement plans to enhance student achievement.
- Partnered with community leaders to establish unique youth programming for talented and gifted programs
Citywide Staff Developer
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
New York, NY
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Designed and facilitated professional development for superintendents, principals, and educators across the district.
- Supported the Chancellor’s classroom library initiative by curating and implementing literacy resources.
- Published instructional strategies in the
- Comprehensive Approach to Balanced Literacy
- Guide for educators citywide.
Instructional Technology Teacher
THE MIRABEL SISTERS SCHOOL (IS 90)
New York, NY
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Integrated technology into classroom instruction to improve digital literacy and student engagement.
- Designed and implemented differentiated lessons aligned with curriculum standards.
- Collaborated with colleagues to promote cross-curricular technology integration.
Teacher, Teach for America Corps Member
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
New York, NY
01.1993 - 01.1997
- Selected as part of the competitive Teach for America corps to teach in high-need Bronx schools.
- Delivered rigorous instruction emphasizing student engagement and academic curiosity.
- Developed student-centered classroom management systems and fostered positive learning environments.
- Advanced foundational literacy and numeracy through innovative teaching practices.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership and Innovation
Saint Thomas University
05-2028
Master of Arts - Communication, Concentration in Computing and Technology in Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
01-2001
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Howard University
01-1992
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Instructional Leadership
- Equity & Access
- Professional Learning Systems
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Student Engagement
- School Culture Transformation
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Teacher Development & Evaluation
- Curriculum Design & Implementation
- Organizational Leadership
- Program Implementation
Accomplishments
- Contributor
- The Cultivated Classroom: Secondary Fail-Safe Literacy Strategies
- Scholastic Inc., 2022
- Recipient, Minority Scholarship, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2001
Certification
- Professional Educator’s Certificate, Educational Leadership (K–12), State of Florida, 2026
- Administrative Certification (K–12), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2011
- School Administration and Supervision, State of New York, 2009
Timeline
Literacy Specialist
SCHOLASTIC, INC.
01.2020 - Current
Education Consultant
SPARK BUSINESS ACADEMY
01.2019 - 01.2022
Academic Specialist
TEACH FOR AMERICA
01.2015 - 01.2016
Youth Progam Leader
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida
06.2014 - 06.2016
Principal
UNIVERSAL VARE CHARTER SCHOOL
01.2011 - 01.2012
Assistant Principal
UNIVERSAL INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOL
01.2010 - 01.2011
Assistant Principal, Talented and Gifted School for Young Scholars
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
01.2003 - 01.2006
Citywide Staff Developer
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
01.2001 - 01.2003
Instructional Technology Teacher
THE MIRABEL SISTERS SCHOOL (IS 90)
01.1997 - 01.2001
Teacher, Teach for America Corps Member
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
01.1993 - 01.1997
Master of Arts - Communication, Concentration in Computing and Technology in Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Howard University
Assistant Principal
IMAGINE SCHOOLS
2013 - 2015
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership and Innovation
Saint Thomas University