DR. SHAYLON WALKER
St Charles,IL
Summary
Dynamic and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience managing district-wide services for diverse learner populations, including Special Education and English Learner (EL) programs, as well as State and Federal initiatives. Expertise in developing innovative educational programming, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous program improvement to enhance student outcomes. Proven track record in providing technical assistance, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering equitable services aligned with IDEA, EL regulations, and the Consolidated District Plan. Committed to fostering inclusive environments that support the unique needs of all learners while promoting educational excellence.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of State and Federal Programs
PROVISO HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 209
Forest Park, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Provide district-level leadership for state and federal programs supporting diverse learner populations, ensuring alignment with instructional priorities, equitable access, and regulatory compliance.
- Authored two grants with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) totaling 50 million.
- Developing budget proposals for grant-funded initiatives, ensuring strategic allocation of resources.
- Engaging with families and community stakeholders to foster collaboration in supporting diverse learner populations.
- Developed detailed budget proposals for grant initiatives, ensuring efficient use of allocated funds.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Lead the implementation and monitoring of grant-funded initiatives supporting Special Education and English Learner services.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations through accurate reporting, documentation, and fiscal oversight.
- Provide technical assistance to school leaders on allowable uses of funds, service delivery, and program implementation.
- Analyze program data to monitor effectiveness and inform continuous improvement efforts.
- Present program updates and compliance information to district leadership, staff, and stakeholders.
- Establishing partnerships with community organizations to enhance program offerings and student resources.
Assistant Principal – Student Support Services
PROVISO HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 209
Forest Park, IL
07.2021 - 06.2024
- Directed large-scale student support services with a focus on Special Education, English Learner programming, and intervention systems.
- Provided leadership for educational programming and placement of students receiving Special Education and EL services.
- Supervised instructional leaders and service providers to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.
- Delivered technical assistance to administrators and teachers regarding compliance, instructional strategies, and progress monitoring.
- Increased Seal of Biliteracy and State Commendation recipients and improved ACCESS testing completion.
- Improved Freshman On-Track rates to 96% through coordinated student support systems.
- Improved SAT-ELA benchmark achievement from 43% to 49%.
- Increased FAFSA completion rates from 96% to 99%, expanding postsecondary opportunities
Principal
PROVISO AREA FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (SEJA 803)
Maywood, IL
01.2016 - 06.2021
- Served as chief administrator for a multi-district special education organization, overseeing programming, compliance, and staff supervision.
- Led Special Education programming and placement decisions in alignment with IDEA and Illinois regulations.
- Ensured full compliance with federal and state requirements, including audits and state reporting.
- Supervised and evaluated educators, related service providers, and support staff.
- Designed and delivered professional development on evidence-based practices, equity, and trauma-informed instruction.
- Utilized assessment and progress-monitoring data to drive instructional and program improvements.
- Increased graduation rates by 50% through targeted instructional and behavioral supports.
Assistant Principal / Director of Student Learning Services
CAMBRIDGE LAKES CHARTER SCHOOL
Pingree Grove, IL
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Provided leadership for student learning services, Special Education, and English Learner supports.
- Coordinated assessments, diagnostics, and service plans, including FBA and BIP processes.
- Directed RTI implementation and compliance for special populations.
- Facilitated staff development focused on culturally responsive practices for 70 certified educators.
- Coordinated professional development sessions to enhance instructional practices for General Education, Remote Learner Educators, Special Education, and EL staff.
Director of Operations
CAMELOT OF BELVIDERE
Garden Prairie, IL
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Provided operational and instructional leadership for special education programs.
- Oversaw compliance, staffing, and service delivery.
- Implemented Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and SEL-based supports.
- Design and execute training programs for 30 staff to improve program implementation fidelity.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Administration
Aurora University
Aurora02.2022
Master of Education - Educational Administration
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN05.2012
Master of Arts - Special Education
Cambridge College
Cambridge01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Organizational Communication
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb05.2004
Skills
- Senior Leadership
- Multi-Site Operations
- Student Placement & Service Delivery Models
- Assessment, Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Executive Management
- Technical Assistance & Instructional Coaching
- Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Staff Supervision & Team Facilitation
- Family & Stakeholder Engagement
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
Websites
Accomplishments
- Secured $50 Million grant funding with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
- Illinois Association of Title I Director (IATD) Board Member
- Expanded English Learner testing participation to 98.5%
- Improved Freshmen on Track (FOT) rates to 96%
- Increased therapeutic high school graduation rates by 50%
- Spearhead EL parent participation rates by 45%
Certification
- Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
- Director of Special Education Endorsement
- Superintendent Endorsement
- Principal Endorsement
- Illinois Performance Evaluation Certification (Principal)
Timeline
Director of State and Federal Programs
PROVISO HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 209
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Principal – Student Support Services
PROVISO HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 209
07.2021 - 06.2024
Principal
PROVISO AREA FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (SEJA 803)
01.2016 - 06.2021
Assistant Principal / Director of Student Learning Services
CAMBRIDGE LAKES CHARTER SCHOOL
01.2015 - 01.2016
Director of Operations
CAMELOT OF BELVIDERE
01.2013 - 01.2015
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Administration
Aurora University
Master of Education - Educational Administration
American College of Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
Cambridge College
Bachelor of Arts - Corporate Organizational Communication
Northern Illinois University
PUBLICATION
Walker, S. M. (2021). Resiliency vs. Learned Helplessness: A Qualitative Case Study of Trajectory, Student Misfortune, and Community Influence. Aurora University
ADDITIONAL STUDENT SERVICES & SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
- Assistant Principal of Special Education – Rockford Public Schools District 205
- Special Education Coordinator – Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District
- Special Education Teacher – Proviso Township HSD 209
- Perspectives Charter School
- Resource Teacher – PAEC