Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Special Achievements
Community Volunteer Activities
Personal Information
Leadership Experience
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

TERRY POWE

Summary

Dynamic and dedicated educational leader with 22 years of experience seeking the role of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Successfully led learning for approximately 6000 students and 120 educators, resulting in improved attendance rates from an average of 88% to 90.9%. Recognized for achieving high levels of Organizational Health Data within the district. Committed to driving academic excellence and fostering inclusive learning environments that empower all students to succeed. Proven track record of turning around underperforming schools, with one school being named a School of Recognition for high achievement and growth. Experienced in mentoring principals who have gone on to hold administrative roles throughout the district. Eager to partner with our Superintendent, educators, administrators, caregivers, and the broader Springfield Community to collaboratively implement our vision and mission of cultivating exceptional learners who are compassionate and empowered. Together, we will provide engaging experiences that challenge students to flourish in the world.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Board of Trustees Member-Springfield Museums

Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
09.2023 - Current
  • Chair of the African Hall Committee. Facilitates Committee Meetings, builds agenda, spearheads strategic planning. provides communication to Board about the work of the committee.
  • Supports ongoing professional development for board members by organizing training sessions and sharing industry best practices.
  • Collaborates with fellow Board members to develop strategic plans, setting organizational goals and objectives.
  • Improves operational efficiency by reviewing internal processes and recommending necessary adjustments or improvements where applicable.
  • Evaluates organizational performance by examining key performance indicators, identifying areas for improvement.

Elms College Advisory Council

Springfield PublicSchools
09.2023 - Current

Analyze curriculum to align with DESE Standards


Review college course requirements for students majoring in education

Plan and analyze required course offering by college to students in the college's education department


Provides feedback about curriculum and scheduling for Educational Leadership Programs for aspiring principals and assistant principals.

Board of Trustees Member-Springfield College

Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
08.2020 - Current
  • Promoted transparency within the organization by advocating for clear communication between board members, staff, stakeholders, and donors.
  • Helped maintain a positive public image of the organization by attending events as an ambassador.
  • Strengthened governance practices through regular board self-assessments and professional development opportunities.
  • Assisted in crisis management during challenging times by offering informed input during deliberations.
  • Successfully advocated for policy changes that benefited the organization''s mission and vision.
  • Improved operational efficiency by reviewing internal processes and recommending necessary adjustments or improvements where applicable.
  • Fostered strong relationships with community partners to enhance collaboration opportunities and support for the organization.
  • Reviewed financial statements and budgets for fiscal responsibility, ensuring proper allocation of resources.
  • Gained extensive knowledge of the organization''s industry trends to provide informed guidance on strategic direction.
  • Collaborated with fellow Board members to develop strategic plans, setting organizational goals and objectives.
  • Participated actively in board meetings, sharing insights based on expertise in relevant subject matter areas.

Elementary School Principal

Elias Brookings School
02.2009 - Current

Instructional Leadership

  • Provides Instructional Leadership for teachers, consolers, students. Lead school reform. Brookings was ranked the lowest 5 percent in the state to 28 percentile. Received School of Recognition Status for demonstrating high achievement and high growth by meeting and exceeding state targets.
  • in District Contract Negotiating Team. r proposed terms, identifying areas of negotiation, proposing counter-offers, and ultimately aiming to secure the most favorable outcomes
  • Supervising all school personnel, directly and /or indirectly;
  • Serving as the chief administrator of the school in developing and implementing policies, programs, curricular activities, and budgets in a manner that promotes the educational development of each student and the professional development of each staff member;
  • Mentored new teachers through observation feedback sessions, contributing to their growth as educators within the school system and beyond.
  • Verified student grades, attendance and schedules.
  • Promoted diversity within the school community by cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that respected individual differences among students and staff members alike.
  • Ensures that school programming is compatible with the legal, financial and organizational structure of the school system, defining the responsibilities and accountability of staff members
  • Developed a comprehensive strategic plan that guided the school''s direction while adhering to state standards and requirements.
  • Develops plans for interpreting the school program to the community;
  • Managed staffing decisions by hiring qualified candidates who aligned with the school''s values and mission statement while balancing budgetary constraints effectively.
  • Provides activities which facilitate the professional growth of the school staff and enhance the quality of the instructional program;
  • Evaluated teacher performance using objective measures and constructive feedback, fostering continuous improvement in instructional practices.
  • Ensures that instructional objectives for a given subject and/or classroom are developed, and involves the faculty and others in the development of specific curricular objectives to meet the needs of the school program;
  • Provides opportunities for staff participation in the school goals and objectives;
  • Evaluates student progress in the instructional program, supervises and appraises the performance of the school staff;
  • Maintains inter-school system communication and seeks assistance from central office staff to improve performance;
  • Maintains excellent relationships with students, staff, and parents; complies with established lines of authority;
  • Encourages the use of community resources, cooperates with the community in the use of school facilities, interprets the school program for the community, and maintains communication with community members;
  • Manages, directs, and maintains records on the materials, supplies and equipment which are necessary to carry out the daily school routine;
  • Involves the staff in determining priorities for instructional purposes;
  • Organizes, oversees, and provides support to various services, supplies, material, and equipment provided to carry out the school program and makes full use of community resources

District Literacy Supervisor

Springfield Public Schools
04.2007 - 02.2009
  • Providing leadership for district-wide literacy and English language arts programming inclusive of standards-based ELA curriculum development, resource selection and staff development including summer and after school programs;
  • Designed and implemented a multi-tiered system of supports;
  • Participated in the selection and evaluation process for department staff;
  • Provided the necessary administrative and supervisory function for department staff including Instructional Leadership Specialist, reading coaches and ELA teacher leaders;
  • Used creative and critical thinking in curriculum work, staff management and problem solving;
  • Supervised staff workload of District Assistance Team members;
  • Coordinated research based methods and strategies for curriculum reform, collected and analyzed data to improve services delivered to schools to support student achievement;
  • Provided leadership in designing and developing new programs and initiatives to meet identified needs;
  • Coordinated, designed and implemented quality professional development programs in literacy and English Language Arts for principals, coaches, teachers and support staff consistent with both district and national standards for professional development;
  • Monitored the implementation of the English Language Arts programs and literacy instruction in classrooms;
  • Established collaborative relationships with other Central Office departments;
  • Collaborated with Directors to identify and coordinate targeted school-based support to improve literacy instruction with the office of Special Educations and the Office of English Language Learners to design, coordinate, and implement innovative Literacy programs that support the special needs of these student populations;
  • Developed and presented information and programs to professional staff groups and community groups;
  • Worked with community and school groups to build knowledge of effective curriculum and instruction practices;
  • Articulated literacy goals to a range of audiences and stakeholders;
  • Assisted in the development and management of budgets to support and maintain quality district literacy and English Language Arts programs K-5;
  • Performed other functions as assigned by the supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
  • Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
  • Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
  • Boosted team morale and performance, organizing regular training sessions and motivational meetings.

Literacy Coach

Freedman Elementary School
09.2005 - 04.2007
  • Coordinated quality professional development sessions in literacy in English Language Arts;
  • Conducted demonstration lessons for classroom teachers, literacy coaches, Instructional Leadership Specialist and principals;
  • Conducted school reviews in district and nationally , shared research based practices within the school and with school leaders in other districts affiliated with the Cornerstone Literacy network;
  • Participated in Lesson Study and implemented Lesson Links on identified researched based topics aligned with ELA State Frameworks
  • Served as a mentor to new educators, sharing expertise in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques.
  • Conducted professional development workshops on effective literacy strategies for colleagues, enhancing overall instructional quality.
  • Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.
  • Provided planned objectives and instruction for struggling elementary school readers.
  • Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
  • Promoted a culture of collaboration among staff members through regular team meetings focused on sharing best practices in literacy instruction.
  • Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
  • Developed cross-curricular projects that integrated literacy skills into other subject areas, deepening student understanding.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with literacy research and best practices, ensuring continued growth as an educator.
  • Organized school-wide events such as read-a-thons and author visits, promoting a passion for literature within the school community.
  • Introduced diverse literature selections into the curriculum, encouraging cultural awareness and empathy among students.
  • Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives that promoted student achievement across all subject areas.
  • Evaluated instructional materials and resources to ensure alignment with district goals and state standards for English Language Arts education.
  • Partnered with parents to reinforce at-home literacy activities, strengthening the connection between school and home environments.
  • Trained educators on best practices in literacy instruction, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Classroom Teacher

Freedman Elementary School
08.1998 - 09.2005
  • Activities included designing and implementing instructional opportunities for all students to do complex thinking and work;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of content and an understanding of how students interact with that content;
  • Provided clear instructional goals;
  • Built classroom culture, ensured that students read and wrote in all content areas and in meaningful ways on a regular basis;
  • Held students to extremely high academic standards;
  • Created a welcoming environment where every student mattered and participated;
  • Establish classroom norms and routines that fostered civility, mutual respect and provided for equitable participation in classroom discourse;
  • Promoted a culture of excellence, characterized by high levels of transparency, shared responsibility, collaboration, organization, and efficiency
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
  • Conducted small group interventions for struggling learners, providing targeted support that led to increased academic achievement.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
  • Assessed student progress using various assessment tools, adjusting instruction as needed to address identified areas of need.
  • Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
  • Provided timely feedback on assignments, allowing students to learn from mistakes and improve their performance.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, increasing students'' understanding of how subjects interconnect.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Served as a team leader for grade-level initiatives, coordinating efforts among faculty members to achieve shared goals related to curriculum and instruction improvement.
  • Mentored new teachers entering the profession and provided constructive feedback on their teaching methods, promoting growth within the school community.
  • Administered quizzes and tests to assess student understanding of material.
  • Championed illusionary practices within the classroom setting by accommodating diverse needs of students with special education plans or language barriers, enabling them to succeed alongside peers in mainstream classrooms.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.
  • Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
  • Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.


Education

MASTER OF EDUCATON -

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Amherst, MA
05.1998

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - EDUCATION

SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE
Springfield, MA
05.1998

Skills

  • Organizational awareness
  • Instructional leadership
  • Goal oriented
  • Instructional coaching
  • Community engagement
  • Organizational leadership
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Relationship building
  • People and culture

Accomplishments

    Assisted with the launch of our Springfield Public Schools National Postsecondary Institute 2025

    Developed SPS Administrators of Color Coalition

    Completed Influence 100 Influence Fellowship program for aspiring superintendents of color in MA

Certification

  • PRINCIPAL/ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PRE-K – 6 PROFESSIONAL, 2006 – PRESENT
  • SUPERVISOR/DIRECTOR – NON CORE, 2007 – PRESENT
  • ELEMENTARY 1-6 PROFESSIONAL, 2006 – PRESENT

Special Achievements

  • 2022, Parent Villages Unsung Hero Award
  • 2015, Extraordinary Woman Award
  • 2014, Partner in Progress Award
  • 2013, United in Hope Inspirer of Hope Award
  • 2012, Business West prestigious 40 Under 40 Award

Community Volunteer Activities

  • City of Springfield Mayor's Citywide Violence Prevention Task Force: Community partner
  • Springfield College: Community Partner
  • Western New England College: Community Partner
  • Maple High Six Corners: Community Partner
  • Hampden County Sheriff's Department: Community partner
  • US Taekwondo Education Foundation: Community partner
  • Springfield Parent Academy Community Outreach Team: Member
  • Victory Temple Church Religious Education: President
  • Springfield Community Carolers: Organizer
  • Greater Massachusetts Church of God in Christ: Missionary
  • Longmeadow Basketball Association: Former coach
  • A Better Chance Longmeadow: Resident Director
  • YMCA Partner: Keynote Speaker for YAIM
  • Jack and Jill of America: Teen Advisor

Personal Information

Title: PRINCIPAL

Leadership Experience

  • Principal's Advisory Committee, 2014-2012, Represent principal's during district cabinet meetings.
  • Cornerstone School Review Committee, 2005-2009, Reviewed schools in state and out of state.
  • Springfield Public Schools Interview Panel, 2012-Present, Interview personnel for potential district positions.
  • Project Lead Participant, 2007, Participated in administrative training for leaders.
  • National Institute for School Leadership, 2009, Participated in leadership training.
  • The Wallace Foundation School Leadership Team, 2009, National leadership institute.
  • Massachusetts Elementary School Principal's Association, 2009-Present, Participate in Professional Development for administrators.
  • Teachers 21 Mentor Principal, 2013-Present, Train future administrators to become principals.
  • The Springfield Birth to Grade 3 Professional Learning Community, 2012-Present, Advocate for City Wide Birth to 3 year old.
  • National Principal's Leadership Institute, 2009, Professional Development for Principals.
  • National Alliance of Black School Educators, 2013, Professional Development for diverse Educators.
  • National Post Secondary Institute Superintendent's Academy 2023-Present
  • Springfield Public Schools College Yes Committee, Raise City wide college awareness.

Affiliations

  • Church of God in Christ
  • Jack and Jill of America

Timeline

Board of Trustees Member-Springfield Museums

Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
09.2023 - Current

Elms College Advisory Council

Springfield PublicSchools
09.2023 - Current

Board of Trustees Member-Springfield College

Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
08.2020 - Current

Elementary School Principal

Elias Brookings School
02.2009 - Current

District Literacy Supervisor

Springfield Public Schools
04.2007 - 02.2009

Literacy Coach

Freedman Elementary School
09.2005 - 04.2007

Classroom Teacher

Freedman Elementary School
08.1998 - 09.2005

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - EDUCATION

SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE

MASTER OF EDUCATON -

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
TERRY POWE