Tonia McDonald
Smithville,MS
Summary
Visionary educational leader with a deep and varied knowledge base and experience in: teaching, learning, improving student success, building strong district-wide instructional teams to create collegial environments to ensure both student and teacher success. Administrator that provides leadership, coordination, and supervision of all federal title programs include, Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, as well as those federal funded programs and grants assigned by the superintendent in compliance with federal, state, and district laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines. Focused educational professional with master's degree in administration and experience helping students achieve education goals. Talented at building lasting relationships and partnering with others to meet objectives. Dedicated Education Administrator adept at working with teachers and educational professionals to improve lesson plans and curriculum.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Monroe County School District
07.2023 - Current
- Federal Programs, Curriculum and Instruction and Strategic Planning Coordinator
- Human Resource and Professional Development Coordinator
- Streamlined communication between departments, fostering a collaborative environment for effective curriculum development.
- Supported the integration of social-emotional learning components within core curriculum areas, contributing to a well-rounded education for all students.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, optimizing allocation to support high-quality instruction throughout the district.
- Facilitated cross-disciplinary collaboration for the creation of comprehensive learning experiences that met diverse student needs.
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
- Studied assessment information covering students, teachers and school operations to formulate improvement plans.
- Enhanced curriculum quality by conducting regular reviews and implementing necessary updates.
- Assisted schools with intervention programs targeting at-risk students while focusing on bridging achievement gaps through targeted support measures.
- Prepared federal programs - district/school budgets and submitted to school board with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Aligned district curriculum to state and national standards, ensuring compliance and improving overall performance.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Implementing ongoing assessment strategies to monitor progress towards learning objectives on both individual and collective scales regularly.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by modeling reflective practice and encouraging feedback from educators, administrators, and stakeholders alike.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Managed budgets, schedules, and resources for multiple construction projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.
- Maintained district/school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
- MSIS coordinator - Verified student and personnel data, student grades, attendance and schedules.
- Supervised staff by checking work against project expectations.
District Instructional Coach
Monroe County School District
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with administration, faculty, ancillary staff, parents, community members and students to plan, implement, monitor, and assess all District and State initiatives, student learning and classroom instructional programs consistent with NYS initiatives, District regulations and Board of Education goals.
- This position called on me to know and/or to gain knowledge regarding every facet of contemporary education.
- Fostered data-driven decision-making processes through the implementation of assessment tools and data analysis.
- Reviewed formative and summative data and information from diagnostic tests to accurately assess students.
- Promoted a culture of collaboration by facilitating professional learning communities among teachers.
- Coached teachers to improve practices through professional development and modeling instructional strategies.
- Ensured fidelity to curriculum standards while customizing approaches to meet diverse learner needs.
- Analyzed student data, diagnosed instructional needs, and identified research-based instructional strategies.
- Supported district-wide curriculum alignment by collaborating with all district and school administrators.
- Strengthened instructional practices through modeling, co-teaching, and observing classroom instruction.
Elementary Principal
Monroe County School District
07.2013 - 06.2022
- Improved instructional practices through ongoing coaching, mentoring, and targeted professional development opportunities for teachers.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures for school faculty and staff.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Collaborated with district leaders to align school goals with broader strategic objectives focused on improving overall system performance levels across key indicators.
- Established positive, stimulating learning environment for students and exciting education-focused setting for teachers.
- Spearheaded the implementation of innovative curricular initiatives aligned with best practices in teaching and learning methodologies.
- Maintained open lines of communication with staff, parents, and community members through regular updates on school progress, challenges encountered, and future plans for continued growth.
- Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Led successful accreditation reviews by demonstrating strong leadership in curriculum planning, faculty development, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Strengthened teacher collaboration through the establishment of professional learning communities focused on student achievement.
- Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and district policies regarding curriculum standards, assessment reporting, and special education services.
- Evaluated teacher performance using multiple measures including observation data, student growth outcomes, and stakeholder feedback for informed decision-making on staffing matters.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Cultivated a positive school culture by promoting staff recognition programs and fostering open communication among all stakeholders.
7th and 8th Grade English Teacher
Monroe County School District
07.2009 - 06.2013
- Developed strong relationships with parents by maintaining open communication channels and involving them in their child''s education process.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through assessments and adjusted instruction accordingly to meet individual needs.
- Coordinated activities to encourage interest in reading.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational research and teaching strategies.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Strengthened students'' writing abilities through targeted feedback on assignments and daily writing exercises.
- Revitalized the curriculum with innovative teaching methods and materials that reflected current best practices.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment that fostered respect, cooperation, and open-mindedness among students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Mentored struggling students through individualized support strategies, resulting in improved academic performance.
- Utilized group and hands-on learning experiences for proficient teacher evaluation score.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced students'' reading comprehension skills by incorporating diverse literature selections and discussion techniques.
- Integrated Smartboard and other instructional technologies into classroom.
- Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop cross-curricular projects, enriching the learning experience for students.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
- Devised and implemented classroom management strategies, maintaining safe and pleasant learning environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Elementary Education Teacher - 2nd & 3rd Grade
Monroe County School District
07.2007 - 06.2009
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Promoted student growth by differentiating instruction based on individual needs and learning styles.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented hands-on activities to promote active learning and reinforce concepts across multiple subjects.
- Facilitated cooperative learning groups to encourage teamwork skills and peer collaboration within the classroom setting.
- Designed daily lesson plans customized to student needs.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Completed professional development courses to stay current on best practices in elementary education, applying new techniques to improve teaching methods.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
Education
Masters of Education - Educational Administration And Leadership
University of Mississippi
University, MS12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Mississippi
University, MS05.2007
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Itawamba Community College
Fulton, MS08.2005
High School Diploma -
Bald Knob High School
Bald Knob, AR05.1988
Skills
- Leading teams with listening in mind
- Using innovation to drive reform
- Creating organizational structures that work
- Using data to drive instructional decisions
- Diffusing conflicts to build solutions
- Leading with instructional focus
- Creating strong process structures, work flow and communication channels
- Community partnering
- Building strong leaders through mentoring and support
- Managing change
- Budget Creation and Requests
- Curriculum Development
Accomplishments
- Act as instructional leader for the District
- Facilitate development of a successful administrative leadership team to oversee the operations in a District of 5 school campuses, 300+ instructional employees and 2000+ students
- Provide leadership, direction, assistance, guidance and support to the School Board, Superintendent, and School District regarding all aspects of continuous district/school improvement (district/school-wide plans)
- Coordinate and chair the District's Comprehensive Education Planning Team to ensure continuous improvement and strategic, long-range planning
- Educate all administrators on evidence-based observations and using coaching conversations as observation follow-ups to improve instruction and student learning
- Oversight and control of all aspects of, including the writing and implementation of designated activities, the consolidated federal programs grant application awarded to the District
- Monitoring and evaluation of all existing and new programs, procedures and plans using data to gauge success and drive decision-making
- Oversee and assist all schools, departments and programs through data analysis and review of current school accountability statuses to identify needs to effectively develop promising long-range plans
- Monitoring all aspects of school accountability and school improvement processes in order to effectively coordinate programs, plans and initiatives
- Review, recommend and revise policies and procedures regarding all aspects of curriculum and instruction to provide a clear understanding of Board expectations for the entire school community.
- Act as a resource for all District constituent groups to advise and clarify District and State regulations, policies and procedures.
- Oversee the actions of principals and directors to ensure compliance with School Board policy, MDE mandates, and Federal regulations
- Assist with the Development of Strategic Planning Processes for the District based on Board of Education goals
- Provide leadership, mentoring, and support for all principals
- Act as the District Homeless Liaison, Foster Care District Point of Contact, EL and Migrant Coordinator,
- Oversight of all aspects of data collection for accountability including the creation of data files for ease and reliability in calculations of teacher rating information and accurate and timely completion of data collection and reporting requirements
- Advise administrators and teacher-leaders regarding student achievement and curricular and instructional development and planning
- Conduct data-driven principal and director meetings with a keen focus on student achievement and solutions-based planning
- Facilitate staff development in the writing and implementation of School Improvement Plans appropriately aligned with the District's goals
- Facilitate development of teacher-leaders
- Advise and provide leadership to principals and directors to enhance customer satisfaction and build a strong school-community link
- Successfully and effectively communicate with parents and guardians to address concerns and build capacity for success in all aspects.
- Demonstrated ability to act as a trustworthy voice of reason for all constituent groups regarding delicate matters
Certification
Career Level Administration
Elementary K - 6
Endorsements:
English 7 - 12
Social Studies 7 - 12
Special Education K - 12
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Monroe County School District
07.2023 - Current
District Instructional Coach
Monroe County School District
07.2022 - 06.2023
Elementary Principal
Monroe County School District
07.2013 - 06.2022
7th and 8th Grade English Teacher
Monroe County School District
07.2009 - 06.2013
Elementary Education Teacher - 2nd & 3rd Grade
Monroe County School District
07.2007 - 06.2009
Masters of Education - Educational Administration And Leadership
University of Mississippi
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Mississippi
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Itawamba Community College
High School Diploma -
Bald Knob High School
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