Thelma Hickman
Tallahassee,FL
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Havana Magnet School, enhancing instructional practices and elevating student outcomes through data-driven initiatives. Expert in strategic school improvement and culture building, fostering strong community engagement while managing multimillion-dollar budgets and ensuring compliance and safety.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Havana Magnet School
Havana, FL
01.2021 - Current
- Oversee all academic, cultural, and operational aspects of a K–8 school.
- Elevated instructional practices through coaching, PLC strengthening, and standards-based monitoring.
- Improved school culture with discipline systems, SEL supports, and proactive interventions.
- Led data-driven improvement initiatives that increased teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Conducted evaluations, coaching cycles, and professional learning to improve instructional rigor.
- Strengthened family engagement and community partnerships.
- Managed multimillion-dollar budgets and resource allocation.
- Oversaw school safety, emergency preparedness, and compliance.
Assistant Principal
Crossroad Academy Charter School
Quincy, FL
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Led instructional systems, teacher evaluations, data cycles, and schoolwide discipline.
- Strengthened PLCs, assessment practices, and curriculum fidelity.
- Supported schoolwide operations, compliance, and crisis management.
Instructional Coach
Crossroad Academy Charter School
Quincy, FL
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Guided teachers through coaching cycles, modeling, and data-driven planning.
- Facilitated professional development on literacy, classroom management, and best practices.
Lead Classroom Teacher
Crossroad Academy Charter School
Quincy, FL
01.2003 - 01.2013
- Accelerated student growth through differentiated instruction and positive behavior systems.
- Led IEP meetings and implemented individualized supports for diverse learners.
Receptionist
CEDO
Quincy, FL
01.2001 - 01.2003
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Bainbridge High School
Bainbridge, GA
01.1994 - 01.2003
Education
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
University of West Florida
01.2015
M.S. - Emotional Disturbances & Learning Disabilities
Florida State University
01.2013
A.S. - Mental Retardation
Georgia Southern University
01.1994
Skills
- Strategic School Leadership & Improvement
- Instructional Coaching & Teacher Development
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Culture Building & Behavior Systems
- Academic Achievement Acceleration
- Team Leadership & Staff Evaluation
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Safety, Compliance & Crisis Management
- Program Implementation & Monitoring
- Communication, Collaboration & Relationship Building
Certification
- Educational Leadership
- Exceptional Student Education (K–12)
- Elementary Education
- ESOL Endorsement
- Gifted Endorsement
- Reading Endorsement (pending)
- Principalship (pending)
Accomplishments
- Two-time Teacher of the Year (2007–08, 2010–11)
- FLDOE Principal Leadership Level 2 Preparation Program (2019)
- Clinical Education Program Developer Award (2020)
Professional Presentations
- Critical Reading (Elementary)
- Reciprocal Teaching
- Florida Teacher Evaluation
- The Big 5 in Reading
- Data-Driven Instruction
- School Culture
- Classroom Management
- Workplace Relationships
- Home–School Partnerships
Core Leadership Strengths
- Strategic School Leadership & Improvement
- Instructional Coaching & Teacher Development
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Culture Building & Behavior Systems
- Academic Achievement Acceleration
- Team Leadership & Staff Evaluation
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Safety, Compliance & Crisis Management
- Program Implementation & Monitoring
- Communication, Collaboration & Relationship Building
Timeline
Principal
Havana Magnet School
01.2021 - Current
Assistant Principal
Crossroad Academy Charter School
01.2015 - 01.2021
Instructional Coach
Crossroad Academy Charter School
01.2013 - 01.2015
Lead Classroom Teacher
Crossroad Academy Charter School
01.2003 - 01.2013
Receptionist
CEDO
01.2001 - 01.2003
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Bainbridge High School
01.1994 - 01.2003
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
University of West Florida
M.S. - Emotional Disturbances & Learning Disabilities
Florida State University
A.S. - Mental Retardation
Georgia Southern University