Simone Gray
Cordova,TN
Summary
Educational leader with extensive experience at Collegiate School of Memphis, specializing in strategic planning and faculty development. Proven ability to utilize data-driven decision-making to enhance curriculum coherence and student engagement. Committed to fostering a culture of continuous growth through innovative, inquiry-based learning initiatives.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
DEAN OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS / INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER
Collegiate School of Memphis
Memphis, TN
01.2021 - Current
- Partner with senior leadership to advance school mission through aligned academic, instructional, and operational systems
- Provide schoolwide instructional leadership by coordinating curriculum, assessment, and professional learning across departments
- Lead faculty coaching and evaluation cycles, strengthening instructional practice and leadership capacity
- Mentor new and veteran teachers, cultivating a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous growth
- Support interdisciplinary initiatives integrating literacy, science, and problem-based learning
- Oversee academic scheduling, assessment planning, and instructional priorities to ensure coherence and sustainability
- Analyze instructional and academic data to guide strategic decision-making and improvement
- Support enrichment programs, internships, and student leadership initiatives aligned with whole-child development
CHEMISTRY TEACHER
Southwind High School, Shelby County Schools
Memphis, TN
01.2013 - 01.2021
- Designed and delivered rigorous, NGSS-aligned chemistry curriculum emphasizing inquiry and real-world application
- Integrated literacy strategies including scientific writing, close reading, and data analysis
- Developed hands-on laboratory experiences promoting critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaborated in professional learning communities to align curriculum and assessments
- Provided targeted academic interventions and student mentorship
SPANISH TEACHER
John P. Freeman Optional School & White Station High School, Shelby County Schools
Memphis, Tennessee
- Designed curriculum and assessments for various grade levels to enhance educational outcomes.
- Implemented 90% target-language immersion instruction to foster fluency and cultural awareness.
- Embedded literacy strategies to support proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Monitored student growth through performance-based assessments to measure learning progress.
Education
Doctoral Candidate - Business Administration
Capella University
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) - Leadership & Administration
Rust College
Holly Springs, MSMaster of Arts - Education
Rust College
Holly Springs, MSBachelor of Science - Biology
Rust College
Holly Springs, MSBachelor of Science - Chemistry
Rust College
Holly Springs, MSSkills
- School leadership and stewardship
- Strategic planning and mission alignment
- Faculty development and instructional leadership
- Curriculum coherence and assessment
- Inquiry-based and literacy-rich learning
- STEAM program leadership
- School operations and finance
- Data-informed decision-making
- Community engagement and inclusivity
- Educational leadership
- Student mentorship and coaching
- Data analysis skills
- Enrollment management strategies
- Student retention initiatives
Languages And Technical Skills
- Spanish (Fluent)
- Portuguese (Fluent)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Instructional planning, data, and assessment platforms
Certification
- Tennessee Instructional Leadership License, K–12
- Tennessee Teaching License, Spanish, K–12
Additional Leadership Experience
- Instructional Leadership Team Member
- World Language Department Head
- New Teacher Mentor
- Professional Learning Facilitator
- Student Organization Advisor
Service And Community Engagement
- National Ambassador & Trainer, United Methodist Black College Fund
- Translator for international educational and mission-based organizations
- STEM and world language tutor
- Youth leadership mentor and student advocate
Core Leadership Strengths
- Head of School–Level Leadership & Stewardship
- Mission Alignment & Strategic Planning
- Faculty Development & Instructional Leadership
- Curriculum, Assessment & Program Coherence (K–12)
- Literacy-Rich & Inquiry-Based Learning
- STEAM & Interdisciplinary Program Leadership
- School Operations, Finance & Organizational Systems
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Community Engagement & Inclusive Practice
Timeline
DEAN OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS / INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER
Collegiate School of Memphis
01.2021 - Current
CHEMISTRY TEACHER
Southwind High School, Shelby County Schools
01.2013 - 01.2021
SPANISH TEACHER
John P. Freeman Optional School & White Station High School, Shelby County Schools
Doctoral Candidate - Business Administration
Capella University
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) - Leadership & Administration
Rust College
Master of Arts - Education
Rust College
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Rust College
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Rust College