Tirza Fernandez-Brazier
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
Experienced educational leader with 20+ years in program evaluation and stakeholder engagement. Proven track record in instructional support, teacher mentoring, and curriculum development. Skilled communicator and team leader focused on creating positive learning environments for student success. Proactive and goal-oriented with strong time management and problem-solving skills. Recognized for reliability, adaptability, and ability to acquire new skills quickly. Committed to driving team achievements and organizational advancement.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Coordinator of Special Support Programs
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
03.2025 - Current
- Direct Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program, supervising specialists and ensuring alignment with state and national standards.
- Serve as the Primary Liaison for District Graduation Programming, overseeing planning and execution of high school commencement ceremonies.
- Facilitate District Summer School operations, including staffing, site support, communication, and data tracking.
- Support and strengthen the District Credit Recovery Program, ensuring equitable access for at-risk students.
- Promote initiatives that encourage on-time graduation, postsecondary readiness, and dropout prevention.
- Serves as the Primary Liaison for Special Support Programs related to graduation planning, tracking, and promotion efforts.
- Maintain responsibility for policy implementation and process design to ensure compliance and consistency across support programs for regarding graduation protocols, policy and procedures.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
Executive Director, Student and Family Support
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
07.2022 - 03.2025
- Managed multi-level offices within Student and Family Support Services, including the Department of School Counseling, Child Welfare and Attendance, Students in Transition, and District-Wide Monitoring.
- Collaborated with Senior Leadership and Department Leads to drive district-wide instructional and operational strategies.
- Cultivated strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders to foster trust, engagement, and support.
- Established and implemented organizational goals and objectives aligned with the strategic priorities of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.
- Exercised strategic fiscal oversight to maintain cost controls and support key initiatives across departments.
- Supervised and led a team of over 140 district and school-based personnel, building capacity and ensuring effective program delivery across schools.
Director of Counseling and Guidance
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
06.2016 - 07.2022
- Established a district-wide comprehensive school counseling framework aligned with national best practices.
- Launched a district mentor-mentee program to build leadership capacity and support counselor retention.
- Developed and standardized operational guidelines to ensure consistency and accountability across schools.
- Directed a district-level team of over 100 school-based counselors, providing strategic leadership and supervision.
- Monitored and managed budget allocations to ensure financial accuracy and effective resource utilization.
- Advanced and expanded professional development initiatives to enhance counselor effectiveness and role clarity.
- Strengthened district operations by driving policy reforms and procedural enhancements.
- Led strategic planning and implementation efforts to align counseling services with organizational goals and student needs.
District Instructional Specialist
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
04.2014 - 06.2016
- Designed and implemented distance learning tools and digital curriculum, supporting faculty with effective classroom integration.
- Mentored teachers and instructional staff, promoting instructional excellence and professional growth.
- Ensured full compliance with state and local education requirements, including academic standards and instructional mandates.
- Assisted in the development, review, and modification of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with special education teams.
- Collaborated with teachers to evaluate curriculum efficacy and recommend instructional adjustments.
- Leveraged student performance data to implement targeted curriculum improvements and instructional strategies.
- Planned, launched, and monitored technology-based learning initiatives to increase student engagement and digital literacy.
- Created and supported the implementation of standards-aligned course materials across multiple grade levels.
- Developed training resources that addressed diverse learning styles, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness.
- Designed and administered assessments and user feedback tools to evaluate course effectiveness and refine instructional delivery.
- Contributed to the creation of comprehensive employee training programs that enhanced instructional capacity districtwide.
- Collaborate with teachers to determine curriculum efficacy.
- Designed course materials and supported implementation.
District Coordinator, Testing & Counseling Services
Recovery School District
05.2013 - 04.2014
- Supervised and evaluated school counselors.
- Administered support in counseling and testing for a network of 83 direct-run and charter schools.
- Designed and executed comprehensive master schedules to optimize instructional services in RSD schools.
- Executed evaluations for Compass schools and classrooms.
- Oversaw and coordinated activities of all counselors in the RSD network.
- Facilitated seamless integration of Common Core State Standards.
- Coordinated testing for all RSD schools statewide.
- Oversaw JAG program implementation across all RSD schools.
- Reviewed assessment and curriculum methods, making necessary adjustments.
- Designed initiatives to fulfill specific educational needs.
- Maintained consistent communication with stakeholders.
- Employed accurate interpretation of student data for optimal utilization.
- Conducted comprehensive training for RSD Test Coordinators in district and state testing protocols across the state.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of state examination data.
- Managed instructional services for both homebound and homeless students within the RSD district.
Accountability & Assessment Coordinator
Recovery School District
07.2012 - 05.2013
- Supervised and evaluated all Counselors in direct-run RSD schools.
- Coordinated and facilitated district testing.
- Analyzed test data results and trends
- Supervised the district's operating system database.
- Facilitated testing procedures at direct-run RSD schools
- Maintained accuracy in processing school grading period data.
- Organized and allocated resources required to meet the needs of students and teachers..
- Monitored testing sites and regulation adherence.
- Stayed up to date on current assessment trends and laws.
- Collected test materials after assessments.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
Lead Counselor & School Test Coordinator
Recovery School District
07.2011 - 07.2012
- Evaluated student transcripts for accuracy and future program eligibility.
- Assisted students with college applications, admissions, FAFSA, and scholarships.
- Served as a member of the Administrative Leadership Team.
- Developed comprehensive programs that meet students' needs.
- Provided individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of students.
- Promoted a positive, caring, and safe climate for learning.
- Communicated effectively with students and staff.
- Accurately and appropriately interpret and utilize student data.
- Coordinated state testing for students
- Trained Test Administrators in appropriate District and State testing procedures
- Disaggregated, analyzed, disseminated, and prepared reports on state testing data.
Master Teacher/Grade Level Chair/Accelerated Math Instructor
Dallas Independent School District
01.2006 - 07.2011
- Facilitated and implemented instruction for elementary scholars.
- Developed and supervised multiple teacher-training sessions.
- Served as the school liaison for district departments.
- Coordinated after-school tutorials and exam prep.
- Supervised school-wide TAKS intervention plan.
- Collaborated with staff to systematize the delivery of instructional materials and training for math programs.
Teacher/Literacy
Iberville Parish School Board
08.2003 - 08.2005
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social, and emotional development.
- Served as the school-wide Literacy Chair.
- Served as a liaison between the administration and grade-level staff.
- Collaborated with teachers to evaluate program needs and updates.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district's curriculum program, and showed written evidence of preparation as required.
- Presented subject matter according to guidelines established by the Louisiana Department.
- Of education, board policies, and administrative regulations.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
Teacher
East Baton Rouge Parish School Board
08.1999 - 08.2003
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that fulfilled the district's curriculum program requirements and showed written evidence of preparation as required.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Encouraged critical thinking through questioning techniques, discussions, and problem-solving tasks.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for students needing additional help.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that maximized student engagement.
- Present the subject matter according to the guidelines established by the Louisiana Department.
- Of education, board policies, and administrative regulations.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, including grades, attendance, and homework completion.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework, and assignment records.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Education
Ph.D. - Public Policy
Southern University A & M College
Baton Rouge, LA08.2026
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX08.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Southern University A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA05.1996
High School Diploma -
St. Joseph's Academy
Baton Rouge, LA05.1992
Skills
- Educational leadership certification
- Instructional management
- Policy evaluation
- Program effectiveness evaluation
- Collaborative stakeholder relations
- Project coordination
- Polished professional presence
- Data-driven decision making
- Team leadership
- Intrinsic motivation
- Skill enhancement programs
- Strategic team guidance
- Effective organizational skills
- Effective verbal communication
- Interpersonal awareness
- Adaptable to change
- Optimistic outlook
- Strategic decision-making
- Adaptability and flexibility
Affiliations
- Board of Directors- Louisiana Academy of Production
- Charter Board Leadership Baton Rouge Fellow 2025 Class
Accomplishments
- Louisiana School Counselor Presidential Advocacy Award
- 2025 Charter Board Leadership Fellow Graduate
Certification
- Louisiana- Educational Leader 2, Teaching Certification, School Counselor Certification, Mentor Endorsement
- Texas- Teaching Certification, School Counselor Certification
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Coordinator of Special Support Programs
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
03.2025 - Current
Executive Director, Student and Family Support
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
07.2022 - 03.2025
Director of Counseling and Guidance
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
06.2016 - 07.2022
District Instructional Specialist
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
04.2014 - 06.2016
District Coordinator, Testing & Counseling Services
Recovery School District
05.2013 - 04.2014
Accountability & Assessment Coordinator
Recovery School District
07.2012 - 05.2013
Lead Counselor & School Test Coordinator
Recovery School District
07.2011 - 07.2012
Master Teacher/Grade Level Chair/Accelerated Math Instructor
Dallas Independent School District
01.2006 - 07.2011
Teacher/Literacy
Iberville Parish School Board
08.2003 - 08.2005
Teacher
East Baton Rouge Parish School Board
08.1999 - 08.2003
Ph.D. - Public Policy
Southern University A & M College
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Southern University A&M College
High School Diploma -
St. Joseph's Academy
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