Tamika Quao
Lumberton,NJ
Summary
Student-centered educational leader with 25+ years of experience across K–12 settings, including service as a Dean of Students and classroom educator. Skilled in fostering a positive, inclusive school culture through restorative practices, student accountability, and strong relationship-building with students, families, and faculty. Experienced in leading PBIS initiatives, supporting teachers through coaching and professional development, and strengthening school-wide systems to improve student engagement and outcomes. Committed to aligning daily practice with values of equity, reflection, and community.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning Specialist & Second Grade Teacher |Clerk
Westfield Friends School
Cinnaminson, NJ
04.2024 - Current
- Deliver targeted small-group and individualized literacy interventions based on assessment data to support diverse learners
- Design and implement differentiated reading and writing instruction aligned to student needs and growth goals
- Collaborate with colleagues and families to develop and support individualized learning plans
- Serve as School Clerk, facilitating community meetings grounded in Quaker SPICES and fostering a culture of reflection, shared voice, and consensus
- Cultivate an inclusive, relationship-centered classroom environment that promotes student confidence, engagement, and joyful learning
Dean of Students — School Culture & Student Life
Camden Charter School Network
Camden, NJ
01.2010 - 01.2024
- Oversaw student life, discipline systems, and restorative practices for grades 6–12, ensuring a structured, supportive, and student-centered school environment
- Led schoolwide culture initiatives that promoted accountability, belonging, and positive student engagement
- Managed the student discipline process, including investigation, restorative conferencing, family communication, and student re-entry
- Partnered with guidance, social work teams, and families to support students’ academic and social-emotional success
- Supported faculty through classroom observations, walk-throughs, and coaching to strengthen instructional alignment and classroom management
- Designed and facilitated professional development focused on restorative practices and effective behavior systems
- Planned and implemented schoolwide programming, including student incentives, events, and community-building initiatives
- Collaborated with school leadership to strengthen systems for communication, behavior tracking, and student support
- Participated in hiring, onboarding, and mentoring of new staff to support a cohesive and positive school culture
ELA Teacher & Special Education Coordinator
Sankofa Academy Charter School
West Chester, PA
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Taught ELA across grades 5–11, emphasizing writing, grammar, and comprehension through rigorous, student-centered instruction
- Delivered targeted pullout reading instruction for students with special needs, ensuring access to grade-level content
- Developed and implemented a Special Education program, including SDI in the least restrictive environment (LRE), to better support diverse learners
- Led professional development for faculty on accommodations, inclusive practices, and differentiated instruction
- Analyzed student data to design and implement targeted intervention plans, improving student access and progress
Education
Master of Education - Reading
Lincoln University
Philadelphia, PASupervisor Certification Program - undefined
Caldwell College
Caldwell, NJBachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Lincoln University
PASkills
- Student Life Leadership & School Culture Development
- Restorative Practices, Discipline & Student Support Systems
- Classroom Management & Faculty Support
- Family Engagement & Community Partnerships
- Collaboration, Communication & Team Leadership
- Program Coordination & Event Planning
- Instructional Coaching & Professional Development
- Data-Informed Decision Making (DRA, F&P, Running Records)
- Literacy Development & Early Learning Foundations
- Curriculum & Intervention Design (RTI/MTSS)
Certification
- NJ Standard Certificate – Elementary Education K–5
- NJ CEAS – Teacher of Students with Disabilities
- NJ Standard Certificate – Supervisor
Timeline
Learning Specialist & Second Grade Teacher |Clerk
Westfield Friends School
04.2024 - Current
Dean of Students — School Culture & Student Life
Camden Charter School Network
01.2010 - 01.2024
ELA Teacher & Special Education Coordinator
Sankofa Academy Charter School
01.2006 - 01.2010
Supervisor Certification Program - undefined
Caldwell College
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Lincoln University
Master of Education - Reading
Lincoln University