Zerda Palmer
Principal
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Knowledgeable Instructional Leader with extensive background in educational leadership in an urban setting, fostering academic achievement, and fostering adult learning. Enhanced student performance and cultivated positive school culture through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills to drive school improvement and ensure operational efficiency.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Milwaukee Public Schools, MPS
07.2017 - Current
- Transitioned an elementary school to a traditional middle school through strong recruitment, robust programming, and community connections.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
Principal
St. Charles Youth & Family Services
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Addressed discipline issues promptly while maintaining fairness; sustaining positive relationships among faculty members.
Assistant Principal
St. Charles Youth & Family Services
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools, MPS
07.2001 - 06.2014
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Education
Master of Arts - Administrative Leadership/Curriculum & Instruction
Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee05-2008
Teaching License - Education
Lakeland College
Milwaukee, WI07-2002
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Alcorn State University
05-2000
Skills
- Employee performance evaluations
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Training, coaching, and mentoring
- Staff development
- School community relations
- Data-driven instruction
- Student and parent relations
- Student achievement
- Policy and procedure development
- Relationship building and networking
- Program creation
Accomplishments
Transitioned a K-8 school to a traditional middle school within a year. Created programming that meets the needs of adolescent students in an urban environment.
Created partnerships with community members to offer supplemental services for vulnerable populations.
Certification
Principal
DIrector of Instruction
Timeline
Principal
Milwaukee Public Schools, MPS
07.2017 - Current
Principal
St. Charles Youth & Family Services
07.2015 - 06.2017
Assistant Principal
St. Charles Youth & Family Services
07.2014 - 07.2015
Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools, MPS
07.2001 - 06.2014
Master of Arts - Administrative Leadership/Curriculum & Instruction
Cardinal Stritch University
Teaching License - Education
Lakeland College
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies
Alcorn State University