Taiwo Kujichagulia Seitu, Ed.D.
Oakland,California
Summary
Innovative entrepreneur with strong track record in launching and scaling successful educational ventures. Skilled in strategic planning, business development, and financial management. Knowledgeable in building skilled teams, fostering collaborative environments and delivering measurable results. Known for providing excellent performing arts education, fostering enthusiasm for learning, and helping learners harness the brilliance within.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder and Music Director
Oakland Performing Arts Intensive (OUSD Expanded Learning)
Oakland, CA
06.2023 - Current
- Provide summer and Saturday performing arts instruction for Oakland students in grades K-12.
- Secure funding for teachers and student interns.
- Lead workshops for parents and community members, enhancing support for the performing arts program.
- Mentor new teachers, sharing best practices and strategies for effective teaching in the performing arts.
- Establish a safe and inclusive learning environment, promoting respect and open communication among students.
- Develop strong relationships with parents to support student growth and progress.
Performing Arts Instructor
Oakland Unified School District
Oakland, California
01.2017 - Current
- Music, theater and dance instructor for mainstream, resource, special education, and English language learners in grades Pre K - 5 (Allendale Elementary) and 6 - 8 (Madison Park Academy.
- Dance team coach and choreographer for grades 6 - 12 (Madison Park Academy).
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered creativity and critical thinking in students.
- Facilitated collaborative performances to enhance teamwork and communication skills among students.
- Implemented diverse teaching techniques to accommodate varying learning styles and abilities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design cross-curricular projects integrating performing arts with other subjects.
- Organized successful school-wide performances, showcasing student talent and fostering a sense of community pride.
CEO & Co-founder
Lyric Performing Arts Academy
Oakland, California
01.2012 - Current
- Oversee all business planning, marketing, communications, and management.
- Develop performing arts curriculum.
- Provide arts education consultations for schools and community organizations.
- Enhance marketing strategies, increasing visibility of performances and academy events.
Music Teacher
Conservatory of Vocal and Instrumental Arts
08.2015 - 06.2017
- Taught general music to K - 5th grade students.
- Taught vocal music and music fundamentals to 6 - 8th grade students.
- Directed annual school musical.
Performing Arts Instructor
Various Arts Programs
Prairie View, Texas, and San Francisco Bay Area, California
01.1999 - 01.2017
- Performing Arts Academy of Marin (2016 - 2017) - Facilitated dance, vocal and acting workshops. Directed condensed versions of Broadway musicals for elementary aged performers.
- Opera Piccola (2007 -2014) - Taught dance to elementary age students.
- Kids 'N Dance 'N Theater Arts (2010 - 2013) - Taught Mommy and Me, Pre-ballet, Ballet and Little Theater classes to students ages 1 - 12. Directed short musicals of student performers ages 4 - 12.
- Stanford University (2003 - 2005) - Taught Hip Hop, Jazz, West African, Stepping and Liturgical dance as an intervention for African American Girls enrolled in the Stanford GEMS obesity prevention research study.
- Prairie View A&M University (1999 - 2002) - Co-founded the university's first West African dance company. Secured performance opportunities and choreographed performance selections.
1st and 2nd Grade Teacher / K-8 Dance Teacher
Ile Omode
Oakland, California
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Taught 1st and 2nd grade at the independent African centered school.
- Taught West African, Jazz, Tap, Hip hop and Stepping to all K - 8th grade girls.
Adjunct Professor
Berkeley City College
Berkeley, California
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Taught choir and popular music history professor to Berkeley City College students.
- Designed engaging culminating performances highlighting students' individual talents.
- Taught popular music history to Oakland Unified School District dual enrollment students.
- Facilitated interactive historical discussions to enhance critical thinking and comprehension skills.
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership for Social Justice
California State University East Bay
Hayward, California05-2026
CTE Credential - Arts Media and Entertainment, Business and Finance, Marketing, Sales and Service
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Downey, California07-2024
MBA - Master of Business Administration - Marketing
Keller Graduate School of Management
Online12-2006
BM - Vocal Performance (major), Dance (minor)
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, Texas08-2002
Skills
- Professional Performing Artist (Voice, Dance, Theater, Theater Production)
- Entrepreneurship
- Strategic partnership development
- Strategic visionary leadership
- Operations management
- Playwright / Screenwriter
- Community Activism
- Public Speaking
- Curriculum Development
- Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Designed and conducted the first research study on the feasibility of lineage based reparations proposals for African Americans.
- Documented the percentage project participants able to trace their lineage to the 19th century and the emotional impact of the research process.
Timeline
Co-Founder and Music Director
Oakland Performing Arts Intensive (OUSD Expanded Learning)
06.2023 - Current
Performing Arts Instructor
Oakland Unified School District
01.2017 - Current
Music Teacher
Conservatory of Vocal and Instrumental Arts
08.2015 - 06.2017
CEO & Co-founder
Lyric Performing Arts Academy
01.2012 - Current
1st and 2nd Grade Teacher / K-8 Dance Teacher
Ile Omode
01.2009 - 01.2015
Adjunct Professor
Berkeley City College
01.2007 - 01.2012
Performing Arts Instructor
Various Arts Programs
01.1999 - 01.2017
MBA - Master of Business Administration - Marketing
Keller Graduate School of Management
CTE Credential - Arts Media and Entertainment, Business and Finance, Marketing, Sales and Service
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership for Social Justice
California State University East Bay
BM - Vocal Performance (major), Dance (minor)
Prairie View A&M University
Awards
- State of Black Education Oakland Impact Award (2020)
- East Oakland Youth Development Center Champion for Youth (2019)
- Friends of Negro Spirituals Heritage Keeper (2009)