DESHA POWELL
Rockville
Summary
With 17 years of experience in leadership roles within educational institutions, I am a dedicated and accomplished education professional. My proven track record includes effective leadership, strategic planning, and successful collaboration with stakeholders to enhance academic excellence and drive student success. I am now seeking to leverage my expertise in policy development, leadership, grants, and program management to lead professional teams in continuous improvement efforts that align with the organization's mission and vision.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
22
22
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Deputy Superintendent
Virgin Islands Department of Education
6 2019 - Current
- Spearhead educational initiatives to enhance student achievement and elevate school performance
- Lead district-wide projects aimed at improving student outcomes and fostering a positive school culture
- Conduct district collaborative walkthroughs to ensure alignment with educational standards
- Develop and execute strategic plans to meet educational objectives and boost student success
- Drive District Improvement Planning initiatives for enhanced educational outcomes
- Monitor School Improvement Plans and evaluate their implementation progress.
Principal, Assistant Principal, Elementary School, High School and Adult Continuing Education Evening Diploma Program
Virgin Islands Department of Education
08.2013 - 06.2019
- Administered, supervised, and led school programs in alignment with educational objectives and community goals
- Fostered collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to cultivate a conducive learning environment
- Managed day-to-day school operations and implemented improvement strategies as necessary
- Developed and enforced programs, policies, and maintained program budgets effectively
- Supervised and evaluated staff performance, providing necessary support for instructional objectives and program success
- Monitored student progress and collaborated with the Leadership Team to set annual objectives for instructional, extracurricular, and athletic programs
- Oversaw and evaluated all facets of the instructional process, including collaboration with external agencies for community resources
- Directly supervised specialized school programs such as the Ninth Grade Academy, 504 Program, Foreign Language, PBIS, Special Education, and English Language Learner programs.
Assistant Director, Acting Director (Division of Federal Grants)
Virgin Island Department of Education
06.2009 - 08.2013
- Oversaw the management of the department's federal grants, ensuring compliance with federal regulations
- Coordinated and assisted in the development of applications for federal formula and discretionary grants, submitted to the relevant federal agencies
- Prepared and implemented grant management tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency
- Supervised a team responsible for grant management activities, providing guidance and support as needed
- Offered technical assistance and guidance to State and District Programs to enhance grant management capabilities
- Conducted annual training sessions for staff involved in federal fund management to ensure proficiency and compliance
- Managed grant closure activities, including reporting on program activities and expenditures to meet federal requirements.
Federal Grants Manager (Division of Federal Grants)
Virgin Island Department of Education
01.2008 - 06.2009
- Developed comprehensive grant proposals, including budgets, program descriptions, and evaluation plans, leading to successful grant acquisitions from federal, state, and private funding sources
- Managed end-to-end grant implementation, encompassing project planning, resource allocation, and reporting to ensure project success
- Fostered collaboration with school district personnel and community partners to align and coordinate grant-funded initiatives effectively
- Monitored federal programs for compliance with programmatic and fiscal requirements, ensuring adherence to regulations
- Reviewed and approved bid quotes, RFPs, and requisitions to oversee procurement processes
- Prepared quarterly Compliance Reports for the Office of Management and Budget and assisted in the preparation of various local and federal reports
- Provided valuable technical assistance and training to State and District Programs to enhance their grant management capabilities.
Program Coordinator for Research and Community and Engagement-Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities-(VIUCEDD)
University of The Virgin Islands
10.2005 - 01.2008
- Prepared grant proposals for submission to federal agencies
- Ensured programmatic compliance with federal guidelines through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
- Coordinated and conducted professional development activities on disability-related topics for professionals and parents
- Utilized research methodologies to identify issues impacting individuals with disabilities in the Virgin Islands
- Collaborated with the Local Education Agency on disability-related projects
- Provided technical assistance and services to schools in the areas of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Inclusion.
Special Education Teacher
Virgin Islands Department of Education
08.2003 - 10.2005
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students
- Designed and executed curriculum-based lesson plans tailored to students' needs
- Implemented disciplinary programs to foster student accountability and responsibility
- Taught Science, Math, and Study Skills in resource settings using hands-on activities, differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, and technology in the curriculum
- Coordinated extracurricular activities to promote students' social development.
Special Education Teacher
Dekalb County School System
08.2000 - 05.2003
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students
- Designed developmentally appropriate, curriculum-based lesson plans
- Implemented disciplinary programs to foster student accountability and responsibility
- Taught Language Arts, Social Studies, and Study Skills in resource and inclusive settings using hands-on activities, differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, and technology in the curriculum
- Mentored at-risk students who have since become successful adults
- Coordinated Exceptional Children's Week activities.
Special Education Teacher/Speech Therapist (Various Sites)
Virgin Islands Department of Education
08.1992 - 06.1999
- Conducted screenings and evaluations to determine necessary services for referred students
- Developed and implemented individualized educational programs for speech and language
- Provided speech therapy sessions for students requiring these services
- Collaborated with various stakeholders in planning student programs.
Education
Ph.D. - Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change
University of The Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 05.2001 - 05.2023
Master of Science - Educational Research
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA05.2004
Master of Arts - Education Administration
University of The Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands06.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Pathology and Audiology
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA05.1992
Skills
Strategic planning and execution
Team leadership and development
Decision-making and problem solving
Project Management
Monitoring and evaluating progress towards objectives
Resource allocation and optimization
Budgeting and Financial Management
Change management
Technology and technology trends
Managing multiple priorities
Planning and coordination of events
Research and analytical skills
Stakeholder and relationship building
Conflict resolution and negotiation
Public Speaking and presentations
Mentorship and advisement
Interpersonal and emotional intelligence
Curriculum development and lesson planning
Assessment and evaluation methods
Planning and goal setting
Grant proposal writing
Grant and compliance reporting
Risk management and compliance
Policy analysis and development
Differentiated instruction
Meeting facilitation
Collaborative mindset
Staff Oversight
Meetings and presentations
Program coordination
Proposal Writing
Staff Management
Certification
Educational Leadership - Tier II [Fld710], Georgia Professional Standards Commission
Professional Development
- Harvard University, Graduate School of Education - District Leaders and Superintendents 2024
- Harvard University, Graduate School of Education - New and Aspiring School Leaders Institute 2014
- Employee Effectiveness Systems - Danielson Framework for Teaching Overview Trainer
- Coursework Master of Public Administration - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support
Presentations
- Dissertation, April 2023 - Factors Related to the Implementation of Social Emotional Learning among Pre-K-12 Students in the U. S. Virgin Islands' public schools
- Leading Through Observation & Coaching - Observation and Coaching Site Visits Preparation - National Symposium on Instructional Leadership, Anguilla 2024
Data Drivendecisionmaking - Responsibilities
- Utilize data analysis and best practices to evaluate instructional programs and recommend enhancements.
- Conduct Data Chats to facilitate evidence-based decision-making and refine instructional strategies.
Policydevelopmentandimplementation - Responsibilities
Formulate and enforce district-wide policies, curriculum standards, and assessment methodologies.
Promotionofsafelearningenvironments - Responsibilities
- Advocate for safe and healthy schools through the MTSS Framework (PBIS), Social and Emotional Wellness, and Crisis Response Planning.
- Offer guidance to school leaders, educators, and staff to cultivate a conducive learning environment with a student-centric focus.
Oversightofspecialeducationprograms - Responsibilities
District intervention services, alternative education, English Language Learners, Career and Technical Education and Adult Education programs.
Effectiveeducationsystems
Direct and oversee all facets of district operations encompassing curriculum development, budget management, staff supervision, and community engagement., Efficiently manage district resources to enhance student learning outcomes while upholding fiscal responsibility standards., Provide supervision of the District's Federal Program operations., Prepare and manage the district's budget to ensure optimal resource utilization in alignment with the district's strategic goals and objectives., Monitor, coordinate, and supervise various school operations, including instructional support, staff development, educator performance evaluations, parent involvement, school safety, personnel decisions, staff attendance, facility issues, school climate, and budget development., Manage the design and delivery of leadership development programs, coaching initiatives, and performance management processes., Collaborate with senior leadership to align talent management strategies with organizational goals and objectives., Develop and implement training programs to improve employee skills, knowledge, and performance, fostering enhanced employee engagement and productivity., Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement professional development programs aimed at enhancing teaching effectiveness and student engagement., Topics of focus include Instructional Leadership, Teacher Leadership and Coaching, Science of Reading, and MTSS., Implement best practices in talent assessment and leadership development to cultivate a robust talent pipeline., Lead professional development initiatives for instructional and support staff, including programs such as Grow Your Own Programs, New Teacher Mentoring Program, Teacher Leadership Programs, and Leadership Training and Development.
Stakeholderengagement - Responsibilities
- Provide administrative leadership and guidance to schools and district offices.
- Collaborate effectively with senior district leadership staff, faculty at all organizational levels, and foster productive professional relationships in complex, high-pressure environments.
- Represent the district at community events, senate hearings, board meetings, and various public forums to enhance transparency.
Principalexperience
Principal, Assistant Principal, Elementary School, High School and Adult Continuing Education Evening Diploma Program, Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Thomas, VI, 08/2013, 06/2019, Administered, supervised, and led school programs in alignment with educational objectives and community goals., Fostered collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to cultivate a conducive learning environment.
Assistantdirectorexperience
Assistant Director, Acting Director (Division of Federal Grants), Virgin Island Department of Education, St. Thomas, VI, 06/2009, 08/2013, Oversaw the management of the department's federal grants, ensuring compliance with federal regulations., Coordinated and assisted in the development of applications for federal formula and discretionary grants, submitted to the relevant federal agencies., Prepared and implemented grant management tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency., Supervised a team responsible for grant management activities, providing guidance and support as needed., Offered technical assistance and guidance to State and District Programs to enhance grant management capabilities., Conducted annual training sessions for staff involved in federal fund management to ensure proficiency and compliance., Managed grant closure activities, including reporting on program activities and expenditures to meet federal requirements.
Federalgrantsmanagerexperience
Federal Grants Manager (Division of Federal Grants), Virgin Island Department of Education, St. Thomas, VI, 01/2008, 06/2009, Developed comprehensive grant proposals, including budgets, program descriptions, and evaluation plans, leading to successful grant acquisitions from federal, state, and private funding sources., Managed end-to-end grant implementation, encompassing project planning, resource allocation, and reporting to ensure project success., Fostered collaboration with school district personnel and community partners to align and coordinate grant-funded initiatives effectively., Monitored federal programs for compliance with programmatic and fiscal requirements, ensuring adherence to regulations., Reviewed and approved bid quotes, RFPs, and requisitions to oversee procurement processes., Prepared quarterly Compliance Reports for the Office of Management and Budget and assisted in the preparation of various local and federal reports., Provided valuable technical assistance and training to State and District Programs to enhance their grant management capabilities.
Programcoordinatorexperience
Program Coordinator for Research and Community and Engagement-Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities-(VIUCEDD), University of The Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, VI, 10/2005, 01/2008, Prepared grant proposals for submission to federal agencies., Ensured programmatic compliance with federal guidelines through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting., Coordinated and conducted professional development activities on disability-related topics for professionals and parents., Utilized research methodologies to identify issues impacting individuals with disabilities in the Virgin Islands., Collaborated with the Local Education Agency on disability-related projects., Provided technical assistance and services to schools in the areas of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Inclusion.
Leadership Experience
Deputy Superintendent, Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Thomas, VI, 06/2019, Present, Spearhead educational initiatives to enhance student achievement and elevate school performance., Lead district-wide projects aimed at improving student outcomes and fostering a positive school culture., Conduct district collaborative walkthroughs to ensure alignment with educational standards., Develop and execute strategic plans to meet educational objectives and boost student success., Drive District Improvement Planning initiatives for enhanced educational outcomes., Monitor School Improvement Plans and evaluate their implementation progress.
Associations
- Virgin Islands Advisory Panel on Special Education (VIAPSE)
- Search Committee, Educational Leadership University of the Virgin Islands
- University of the Virgin Islands, Professional Education Advisory Committee for School Counseling (PEAC-SC)
- University of the Virgin Islands, PEAC Sub Committee on Educational Leadership
References
References Available Upon Request
Timeline
Principal, Assistant Principal, Elementary School, High School and Adult Continuing Education Evening Diploma Program
Virgin Islands Department of Education
08.2013 - 06.2019
Assistant Director, Acting Director (Division of Federal Grants)
Virgin Island Department of Education
06.2009 - 08.2013
Federal Grants Manager (Division of Federal Grants)
Virgin Island Department of Education
01.2008 - 06.2009
Program Coordinator for Research and Community and Engagement-Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities-(VIUCEDD)
University of The Virgin Islands
10.2005 - 01.2008
Special Education Teacher
Virgin Islands Department of Education
08.2003 - 10.2005
Ph.D. - Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change
University of The Virgin Islands
05.2001 - 05.2023
Special Education Teacher
Dekalb County School System
08.2000 - 05.2003
Special Education Teacher/Speech Therapist (Various Sites)
Virgin Islands Department of Education
08.1992 - 06.1999
Deputy Superintendent
Virgin Islands Department of Education
6 2019 - Current
Master of Science - Educational Research
Georgia State University
Master of Arts - Education Administration
University of The Virgin Islands
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Pathology and Audiology
Norfolk State University
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