LaWanda Bell Dutch
Lithia Springs,Georgia
Summary
Visionary educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in school administration, instructional leadership, special education compliance, student services, and operational management. Proven success supervising multidisciplinary teams, leading school improvement initiatives, strengthening school culture, improving compliance outcomes, and supporting student achievement. Skilled in strategic planning, staff development, data-driven decision making, stakeholder engagement, restorative practices, and fostering equitable learning environments that support academic and behavioral success for all students.
Highly organized professional with proven track record in coordinating complex tasks and ensuring seamless operations. Adept at managing schedules, resources, and stakeholders to achieve project goals effectively. Renowned for fostering teamwork and adapting to dynamic environments, making significant contributions to organizational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator & School Administrator
South Metro GNETS, Clayton County Public Schools
Forest Park, Georgia
08.2015 - Current
- Provide executive leadership and operational oversight for a specialized educational program serving students with behavioral and academic needs while supervising 51 instructional and support personnel.
- Lead schoolwide initiatives focused on instructional improvement, student achievement, attendance, behavioral interventions, and data-driven decision making.
- Collaborate with teachers, instructional staff, district leaders, families, and community stakeholders to strengthen school culture and improve student outcomes.
- Oversee student discipline systems, restorative practices, and behavioral support strategies to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Design and facilitate professional learning aligned to instructional best practices, compliance expectations, classroom management, and school improvement goals.
- Monitor and support special education compliance efforts resulting in 100% compliance during the 2015–2017 school years.
- Support curriculum implementation and instructional practices to ensure alignment with federal, state, and district expectations.
- Participate in budget planning and resource allocation to support operational effectiveness and student needs.
- Coordinate parent and community engagement initiatives that strengthen school-home partnerships and support student success.
- Provide oversight and support for FTE processes, compliance monitoring, and operational reporting.
School Social Worker
Cobb County School District
Smyrna, Georgia
08.2006 - 08.2015
- Collaborated with school administrators, teachers, families, and community agencies to address academic, attendance, behavioral, and mental health concerns impacting student achievement.
- Managed all Elementary and high school-aged students (approximately 150 students per year).
- Developed intervention plans and support strategies designed to improve student engagement, attendance, and behavioral outcomes.
- Provided leadership and consultation regarding crisis intervention, homelessness, child welfare concerns, and social-emotional supports.
- Facilitated communication between schools and families to strengthen relationships and improve access to educational and community resources.
- Supported multidisciplinary teams in implementing effective behavior management and intervention practices.
Admissions/Clinical Therapist
Mississippi Children’s Home Services
Jackson, Mississippi
08.2004 - 05.2006
- Provided individual, group, and family counseling services while supporting the behavioral and academic needs of students and families. Managed approximately 20 individuals and families per cycle.
- Developed aftercare and discharge plans to support successful student transitions and reintegration into school environments.
- Facilitated staff and parent trainings focused on student behavior, academic supports, and social-emotional development.
- Maintained collaborative relationships with stakeholders to support student growth and program effectiveness.
Educator/Coordinator
South Delta School District
Rolling Fork, Mississippi
08.2000 - 08.2004
- Supported school operations and instructional programs serving elementary, middle, and high school students with disabilities (taught approximately 40 students per semester).
- Collaborated with administrators and instructional staff to develop programs and interventions for at-risk students.
- Conducted professional learning sessions, parent workshops, and community engagement activities focused on student success.
- Served as a member of the School Leadership Team supporting implementation of schoolwide procedures and improvement initiatives.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
South College
01-2027
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) - Educational Leadership
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GeorgiaMaster of Social Work - undefined
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MississippiBachelor of Arts - Sociology
Tougaloo College
Tougaloo, MississippiSkills
- Instructional Leadership
- School Improvement Planning
- Staff Supervision & Development
- School Operations Management
- Student Discipline & Restorative Practices
- Special Education Leadership
- PBIS & MTSS Implementation
- Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Planning
- Compliance & Accountability
- Professional Learning Communities
- Crisis Intervention
- Behavioral Support Systems
- Budget Collaboration
Timeline
Coordinator & School Administrator
South Metro GNETS, Clayton County Public Schools
08.2015 - Current
School Social Worker
Cobb County School District
08.2006 - 08.2015
Admissions/Clinical Therapist
Mississippi Children’s Home Services
08.2004 - 05.2006
Educator/Coordinator
South Delta School District
08.2000 - 08.2004
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) - Educational Leadership
University of West Georgia
Master of Social Work - undefined
University of Southern Mississippi
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
South College
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Tougaloo College
Leadership & Professional Experience
- School Leadership Team Member
- PBIS Coach
- Professional Learning Community (PLC) Coordinator
- District Professional Development Facilitator for Special Education Staff
- Teacher Keys Effectiveness System Credentialed
- Leader in Special Education Compliance and Behavioral Support Systems