Zenada R. Mahon - Belton
Hyattsville
Summary
Educational leader with strong background in administration, curriculum development, and student engagement. Proven ability to foster collaborative environment that drives academic achievement and continuous improvement. Adept at adapting to evolving educational needs and ensuring that team meets high standards. Recognized for leadership, effective communication, and strategic planning.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
E.L. Haynes Middle School PCS
07.2018 - Current
- Increased the use of rigorous, standards-aligned classroom tasks from 25% to 95%, ensuring a challenging learning environment and aligning academic achievement standards with district and state goals.
- Implemented advanced SPED co-teaching methods in 86% of classrooms, while providing training on evidence-based instructional practices to enhance support and outcomes for diverse learners.
- Achieved an average student attendance rate of 78% for students present 90% of the days or more, with an in-seat attendance rate averaging 90%.
- Established and implemented a clear instructional and cultural vision, leading to a significant turnaround in school performance, marked by improved student climate, academic outcomes, and overall morale.
- Designed and utilized tools to measure the effectiveness of academic and cultural initiatives, holding staff accountable for implementing best practices.
- Built the capacity of the instructional leadership team by leveraging distributed leadership models to drive school-wide improvement.
- Developed teacher leaders through targeted professional development and individualized coaching, focusing on lesson planning, instructional modeling, and follow-up to ensure implementation fidelity.
- Conducted classroom evaluations to assess teaching strategies and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
- Demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully navigating challenges, implementing virtual learning solutions, and leading the transition back to in-person learning.
- Managed school budgets and resources strategically to maximize impact and ensure optimal funding allocation for programs and initiatives.
- Established and maintained a disciplined culture of high academic and behavioral standards, incorporating restorative practices and a school-wide behavior management system to reduce disruptions and foster a positive climate; achieved a substantial reduction in suspension rates from 12% in 2018 to 0% in 2024.
- Trained teachers on classroom management strategies and restorative approaches to discipline.
- Utilized data-driven insights to identify instructional gaps, enhance student outcomes, and inform targeted interventions and professional development.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear staff performance expectations, implementing improvement plans for underperforming staff, and providing actionable feedback to ensure continuous growth.
- Improved school performance through strategic planning, collaboration with administrators, the CAO team, and alignment of instructional practices to district objectives.
- Established data-driven instructional practices to ensure measurable improvements in student achievement.
- Oversaw the development and execution of schedules, including orientation, registration, and operational protocols, ensuring efficiency and organization.
- Fostered strong relationships with stakeholders, including parents and community members, to build trust, collaboration, and shared accountability for student success.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by cultivating open communication among staff, students, and families, ensuring a cohesive school culture.
Principal
The SEED School of Washington DC
11.2015 - 06.2018
- Achieved Tier 1 status with DCPCSB by increasing school performance on the High School Performance Management Framework (PMF) from 54.5% (Tier 2) in 2016 to 66.1% (Tier 1) in 2017, demonstrating measurable success in school improvement efforts.
- Internalized the Performance Management Framework (PMF) to strategically position the school for rapid Tier 1 achievement, aligning school initiatives with district priorities and accountability measures.
- Redesigned the teacher evaluation tool to align with district expectations for effective teaching practices, ensuring consistency and clarity in performance assessments.
- Made and executed difficult decisions to drive improvement while fostering staff buy-in and trust, supporting the team with resources, guidance, and clarity to follow leadership effectively.
- Engaged staff by developing yearly school improvement plans with clear, measurable goals aligned to the PMF; publicly tracked performance against strategic milestones to maintain transparency and accountability.
- Leveraged multiple data sources to craft a strategic plan for improving student achievement, overseeing the collection, analysis, and use of data to inform targeted interventions for students, teachers, and curricula.
- Developed and implemented systems and structures that led to significant improvements in key performance indicators, including 9th-grade on-track rates and 4- and 5-year graduation rates.
- Established non-negotiable instructional best practices and created robust systems for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating school-wide initiatives to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
- Designed and facilitated teacher professional development through in-house training sessions, external opportunities, and partnerships with other schools, building instructional capacity across the team.
- Created and implemented a yearlong literacy-focused professional learning community for teachers, leveraging the Data Wise Improvement Process to promote data-driven instructional planning and collaboration.
Vice-Principal of Instruction & Principal
Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School, Capitol Hill Campus
07.2013 - 06.2015
- Achieved recognition for Capitol Hill Campus as a Reward School for exceptional student achievement, with a 26-percentage-point increase in math, 7-point increase in reading, 6-point increase in composition, and 21-point increase in science as measured by the DC CAS.
- Developed and implemented school-wide student achievement goals, monitored instructional practices, and designed targeted professional development opportunities for a staff of 30, informed by informal observations, coaching sessions, and actionable feedback.
- Led and supervised a school leadership team of five, creating a comprehensive management tool with systems and processes to ensure leadership accountability and effective team oversight.
- Selected and trained teacher leaders, establishing a school-wide, data-driven teacher leadership team to support instructional excellence and drive collaborative decision-making.
- Collaborated with the Home Office Team to design and execute a year-long implementation plan, aligning strategies with school-wide goals and ensuring measurable progress.
Data & Accountability Specialist / Resident Principal
Hospitality Public Charter High School
07.2012 - 06.2013
- Developed instructional leadership skills through iterative cycles of learning, practical application, and robust feedback from a leadership coach, administration, and teachers, refining leadership practices to drive academic success
- Achieved a 20-percentage-point increase in the number of proficient/advanced students in math and reading on mock DC CAS, demonstrating measurable progress in student outcomes
- Analyzed data trends to identify high-leverage instructional strategies and created a comprehensive data utilization plan, establishing systems and processes for data compilation, analysis, and application to improve teaching and learning
- Conducted weekly teacher observations and provided targeted feedback on instructional practices, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and alignment with academic goals
- Supported staff in implementing Math and English curricula aligned with Common Core Standards, ensuring fidelity and effectiveness in instructional delivery
- Led a root cause analysis to identify key factors impacting adult culture and academic achievement, strategically aligning improvement initiatives to foster a collaborative and results-driven environment
Reading/Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
District of Columbia Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Served as Grade Level Lead, coaching the math teacher and facilitating team collaboration as part of the Emerging Leaders Program with New Leaders, fostering instructional excellence and improved team performance.
- Dramatically increased student performance in ELA, raising proficiency rates on ANet interim assessments from 10% to 25% by the end of the school year through targeted instruction and data-driven interventions
- Designed and implemented curriculum aligned with state standards and critical learning skills, driving measurable improvements in student achievement
- Boosted student engagement through interactive, student-centered lesson plans and dynamic activities that fostered a love for learning
- Created a positive and inclusive learning environment by employing effective classroom management strategies and promoting mutual respect
- Enhanced literacy development by integrating diverse, culturally relevant reading materials and fostering critical thinking skills
- Tailored instructional methods to address diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring equitable access to academic success for all students
- Developed and administered formative and summative assessments to monitor and track student progress, using data to inform instructional adjustments
- Conducted assessments to evaluate and track student progress
- Trained in the Wilson Reading System, as a literacy intervention, applying evidence-based strategies to enhance literacy outcomes for students with diverse learning needs.
- Monitored student progress using Wilson assessments, adapting instruction to ensure mastery of phonics and spelling rules.
English Language Arts Instructor- Grades 7-8 &10
Prince George's County Public Schools
01.2003 - 01.2011
- Developed teaching expertise through intensive training and instructional coaching with America's Choice, learning to deliver an engaging and culturally relevant curriculum tailored to student needs.
- Implemented the Readers and Writers Workshop model to enhance students' reading and writing processes, resulting in improved literacy skills and critical thinking abilities.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making to personalize instruction, addressing diverse learning styles and fostering equitable academic growth.
- Designed and executed dynamic lesson plans and activities that aligned with learning objectives, engaging students in meaningful and culturally responsive learning experiences.
- Created a safe, supportive, and orderly classroom environment that promoted student collaboration, respect, and active participation.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of their learning journey by fostering curiosity, goal-setting, and self-reflection.
- Served as Department Chair, collaborating closely with administration, instructional coaches, and ELA teachers to align curriculum, support instructional strategies, and drive student achievement across the department.
Education
Executive Masters - Leadership
Georgetown University
Washington, DC01.2018
School Turn Around Leaders (STL) Program - School Leadership
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Boston01.2017
Aspiring Principals Program-Cohort 12 - School Leadership
New Leaders
Washington, DC01.2013
Emerging Leader Program-Cohort 1 -
New Leaders
Washington, D.C. 01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education and English
SUNY New Paltz
New Paltz, NY01.2003
Skills
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Budget Management
- Leadership Coaching & Development
- Change Management & Adaptive Leadership
- Curriculum & Instruction Program Implementation
- Staff Evaluation & Supervision
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Facilitating Professional Development & Staff Restorative Practices
- Organizational leadership
- Performance Improvement
Accomplishments
- Awarded Tier 1 Status for SEED DC PCS in 2017.
- Awarded Leader of the Year at SEED PCS in 2017 for exceptional leadership, driving student achievement, and fostering a positive school culture.
Timeline
Principal
E.L. Haynes Middle School PCS
07.2018 - Current
Principal
The SEED School of Washington DC
11.2015 - 06.2018
Vice-Principal of Instruction & Principal
Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School, Capitol Hill Campus
07.2013 - 06.2015
Data & Accountability Specialist / Resident Principal
Hospitality Public Charter High School
07.2012 - 06.2013
Reading/Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
District of Columbia Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012
English Language Arts Instructor- Grades 7-8 &10
Prince George's County Public Schools
01.2003 - 01.2011
Executive Masters - Leadership
Georgetown University
School Turn Around Leaders (STL) Program - School Leadership
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Aspiring Principals Program-Cohort 12 - School Leadership
New Leaders
Emerging Leader Program-Cohort 1 -
New Leaders
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education and English
SUNY New Paltz
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