Tricia Rock
Fairburn
Summary
Dedicated educational leader with a decade-long track record of implementing impactful policies and programs across various levels of the education sector, spanning local school districts to governmental bodies, both in the United States and abroad. Known for visionary leadership and a commitment to equity, I am poised to transition into a role as a Policy/Equity Manager or Supervisory Educational Leader within a progressive educational organization. Eager to apply my extensive knowledge and experiences to drive positive change and foster continuous growth, both personally and within the educational community.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
International School of Africa
01.2020 - Current
- Restructured the entire school curriculum model to align with California and Engage New York State Standards, catering to Kindergarten through Grade 12 international students
- Introduced a formal High School program encompassing Grades 9 through 12, incorporating Carnegie transcript units to promote College and Career Readiness, alongside the addition of rigorous secondary courses
- Implemented Early Childhood metrics for the Pre-School program and integrated College Board programs and assessments, including PSATs, SATs, and AP Coursework for students in Grades 9 through 12
- Launched 21st Century Learning Digital platforms utilizing Zoom for ongoing instruction during COVID-19 lockdown, supported by Google Classroom for daily interaction between students and teachers during online sessions
- Introduced multimedia communication channels such as Zoom, SMORES, ClassDojo, WhatsApp (self-created videos), and weekly YouTube videos for enhanced parental engagement
- Introduced and executed Dibels and NWEA-MAP (Reading, Math, and Language) as formal benchmark assessments to gauge student growth and evaluate the Teaching and Learning Culture
- Implemented a teacher wellness program to address fatigue and burnout, supplemented by weekly/monthly staff recognition initiatives
- Conducted daily classroom observations and provided constructive feedback to teachers utilizing the Charlotte Danielson rubric
- Delivered English Literature classes for four years to the inaugural graduating cohort
- Initiated a program titled 'Principal for the Day' aimed at enhancing teachers' leadership abilities through immersive shadowing experiences
- Established and oversaw various Global Citizens student voice programs including Student Council, Internship programs, MUN, service-learning initiatives, as well as thematic events such as French Week, English Week, Arabic Week, and an annual International Cultural Day
- Collaborated with CIS and MSA-CESS to fulfill phase 1 and phase 2 accreditation requirements
- Partnered with the Ministry of Education to execute College and Career assessments for students and teachers at a local high school
- Engaged with the Board of Trustees and school owners to deliver ongoing project and status management reports, while also furnishing long-term growth metrics to steer the school's development and trajectory
- Led College and Career transcript audits in the capacity of a Guidance Counselor
- Initiated enrollment and retention campaigns from 2020 onwards, resulting in a 40% increase in enrollment by 2024
- Introduced Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to the school community and currently serve as the professional development trainer for teachers and staff, empowering adult learners to become trainers through strategies such as Close Reading and Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) for Second Language learners
- Introduced a Saturday enrichment and recovery school program tailored for students in grades 3 through 8, providing additional learning opportunities and support.
Deputy Cluster Manager-Academic Advisor
Ministry of Education
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Orchestrated the implementation of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) teaching and learning programs across a cluster of Ministry of Education (MOE) schools catering to students from kindergarten to Cycle 3
- Conducted in-depth analysis of MOE assessments data sets to inform strategic decisions
- Collaborated closely with Emirati administrative teams and EMI lead teachers to devise comprehensive school-wide accountability evaluation metrics
- Facilitated tailored training sessions for teachers in Cycle I
- Delivered English language instruction to English as a Second Language (ESL) students in Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 schools, ensuring their linguistic development and academic success
- Served as a professional development (PD) trainer, conducting induction training programs for over 250 new teachers and leaders entering the education sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Academic Vice Principal/Curriculum and Assessments Coordinator
Philadelphia Private School
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided coaching, training, and mentorship to Heads of Departments, including those overseeing Arabic and Islamic studies, focusing on enhancing teachers' capacity and retention
- Implemented rigorous monitoring of teaching and learning instructional practices, offering continuous feedback to teacher teams to support their professional growth
- Developed tailored professional development programs for teachers spanning from kindergarten to Grade 12
- Coordinated the comprehensive review, development, and implementation of California K-12 standards in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA)
- Aligned curriculum maps, pacing guides, and course outlines to ensure cohesion and enhance individual teaching plans and curriculum-based assessments.
Principal
Fulton County Schools
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Achieved a remarkable 37% increase in growth measures across all categories (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies) for grades 6, 7, and 8 on the Georgia Milestone Assessments, distinguishing our school as the #1 performer among 2 middle schools in the south cluster, effectively closing the achievement gaps
- Implemented the 'Wildcat Academy and PAWS' Positive Behavior Intervention Support systems (PBIS) to mitigate out-of-school suspensions, resulting in a notable 45% decrease in Level II and III behavioral infractions.
Principal
Harrison School District #2
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Analyzed student achievement data comprehensively to guide strategic decisions aimed at improving school performance
- Led collaborative sessions with teaching staff to analyze state assessments and curriculum mastery, facilitating targeted interventions as needed
- Utilized walkthrough data to monitor instructional practices and assess student learning outcomes efficiently
- Ensured alignment of school programs with legal, financial, and organizational standards within the school district
- Cultivated partnerships with community and business organizations to foster coalitions and involve parent stakeholders in the educational process.
Senior Turnaround Consultant
American Institutes for Research
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Provided specialized coaching and professional development sessions to school leaders, administrators, and teachers participating in school turnaround and transformation initiatives
- Collaborated closely with the school principal and district leaders to lead efforts in school transformation and turnaround, ensuring alignment with the requirements of the school improvement grant
- Took charge of progress monitoring and reporting tasks to effectively communicate the school's progress to all stakeholders through diverse communication channels
- Orchestrated the coordination of instructional programs and structures, ensuring they were aligned with the overarching school objectives
- Conducted ongoing professional development sessions for teachers and provided constructive feedback to support their growth
- Maintained detailed records of data outcomes on the School Improvement Grant matrices and regularly distributed progress reports on school and district target goals to the School Leadership Team and members of the AIR Consultant team.
PBIS District Coordinator
Atlanta Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Identified suitable district-level personnel to serve on the District Leadership Team, ensuring representation from various departments and expertise
- Collaborated closely with the Georgia Department of Education PBIS State team to streamline the district's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) implementation strategies and objectives
- Provided assistance to administrators and PBIS teams in developing self-sustaining school-wide systems for their PBIS activities
- This included conducting monthly training sessions for school-wide PBIS teams, facilitating staff buy-in, assisting teams in acquiring district and school-wide discipline data, and offering resources to help teams monitor their data effectively through tools like SWIS (School-wide Information System) and human capital supports.
Principal
Atlanta Public Schools
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Developed school improvement milestones and performance goals, measuring progress by implementing policies, programs, and curriculum activities
- Managed both Title I and general budgets to promote the educational development of students and the professional growth of staff members
- Provided differentiated professional development activities to support the professional growth of school staff and enhance the quality of the instructional program
- Directed overall activities, including data collection and business operations, for a student body of 750 and a faculty of 77 members
- This included overseeing staff recruitment, organizational and fiscal management, record-keeping, team building, evaluation, instructional leadership, shared decision-making, and fostering a safe, respectful, and fair environment.
Founding Principal
Doris M. Johnson High School
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Restructured and provided transformational leadership to transition a large comprehensive school into a small personal learning community for students, teachers, and families
- Implemented school improvement benchmarks and milestones to measure progress in various areas: Aligning curriculum and professional learning with state standards
- Developing formative assessment strategies to address student learning needs
- Implementing support systems for struggling students and teachers
- Encouraging school-wide collaboration among staff
- Promoting shared leadership from staff and administrators
- Strengthening staff professional development
- Evaluated the effectiveness of strategies aimed at enhancing parent and community engagement
- Strengthened connections between the school, political stakeholders, community and business organizations, and social service agencies to improve teacher quality and boost student achievement.
Assistant Principal
Lake Clifton-Eastern High School
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Coordinated professional development programs for all departments, with a focus on guiding the instructional process toward smaller learning communities, particularly for the Special Education Department
- Designed the master schedule specifically tailored for special education students
- Implemented training courses in collaboration with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Baltimore City School district for staff members
- Evaluated staff performance within the science and special education program areas
- Additionally, wrote grant proposals to secure additional fiscal funds
- Utilized discipline data to inform decision-making on intervention plans for students
- Modeled effective teaching strategies for first-year teachers in conjunction with the Maryland State Department of Education Technical Assistance Team.
Instructional Coach
Calverton Middle School
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Conducted reviews of programs and services to evaluate their effectiveness in meeting the needs of students, employees, and the school division
- Modeled best practices through activities such as learning walks, teacher training programs, and classroom observations with teachers
- Developed behavior intervention plans for students identified by 7th and 8th grade teams as at 'risk of failing.' Wrote grant proposals aimed at securing funding for after-school programs with the goal of improving Maryland Functional Math scores for 7th and 8th grade students
- Managed after-school programs involving parents and the community to provide additional support and enrichment opportunities for students.
Special Education Teacher
Lake Clifton-Eastern High School
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Structured instruction in Physics, Biology, and Chemistry to cater to diverse academic learning styles of students receiving special education services, utilizing whole group, small group, and individualized approaches
- Conducted monthly STEPS (A Differentiated Instruction model) training sessions for teachers and administrators within the Baltimore City Public School System, aimed at enhancing instructional practices to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Served as a testing coordinator for the school, administering assessments such as the Woodcock Johnson and Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement
- Utilized assessment data to develop high-quality Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to the specific needs of students receiving special education services.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Northcentral University
AASA Urban Superintendents Academy Certificate -
Howard University
01.2017
Ed.S. - Administration and Supervision
Johns Hopkins University
01.2001
M.Ed. - Special Education
Coppin State University
01.1999
B.S. - Criminal Justice
Bethune-Cookman University
01.1995
Skills
- Budget Control
- Contract Negotiation
- Contract Management
- Project Management
Professional Presentations
- Implementing 21st Century Digital Learning Structures for Second Language Learners, School of Excellence, Ministry of Education, Djibouti, East Africa, March 2020
- Creating a Reading Hub to Improve Literacy attainment for English Second Language Learners, Ministry of Education MOE Talks, Ajman, UAE, January 2019
Honors And Awards
- Ministry of Education 'MOE Ted Talks' 2019 Award Recipient
- Georgia State University, Principal Program Recipient (2015-2016)
- South Fulton Youth Arrow Program 'Village Elder Award' for Outstanding Community Service (2016)
- Honored by Dream Mart International for being a Transformational Principal (2010)
- Principal Expert Series participant at Georgia State University (2009)
- Recognized by Atlanta Public Schools for being in the top ten percentile of schools who achieved the highest gains on the Georgia High School Graduation Writing Test (2010, 2009, 2008)
- Recognized by the Georgia State Department of Education as achieving gains in all areas of the 8 school keys on the GAPSS analysis (2009)
- Social Justice Community Advocate Award-Community Conferencing Center (2006)
- Principal Community Advocate Award-Unchained Talent Non-Profit Organization (2006)
- Principal Leader Award, Baltimore City Council (2006)
- Advocate/Principal of the Year Award-The College Bound Foundation (2005)
- Principal Community Leader, District #14, Baltimore City Council Member-Mary Pat Clarke
- Instructional Leader Award, Governor, State of Maryland (2005)
Community Service
- The Links Inc., Founding Member of the Colorado Springs Chapter
- NCATE Advisory Board Member-School of Education, Clark Atlanta University
- Field Supervisor, Clark Atlanta University, School of Education
- Member of Atlanta Community Impact Program, Mayor's Office of Community Outreach
- Entrepreneurship Training University Community Schools, Member of the Board of Directors and Strategic Planning Committee
- Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Community Volunteer with the Association of Bienfasance, Djibouti, East Africa
- Southern Colorado Girls STEM Board of Directors Member
- Colorado Springs City Council Community Member Program Participant
- Educational Leadership Site Supervisor, Capella University, School of Education
- Educating Children of Color Board of Directors Member, Colorado Springs
- South Fulton Youth Arrow Council-Summer Institute Facilitator
- South Fulton Youth Arrow Advisory Board of Directors Member
- UAE-Africa Networking Business Group Member
- Oxford Center English Second Language Facilitator, Djibouti
Languages
English
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Director
International School of Africa
01.2020 - Current
Deputy Cluster Manager-Academic Advisor
Ministry of Education
01.2017 - 01.2019
Academic Vice Principal/Curriculum and Assessments Coordinator
Philadelphia Private School
01.2016 - 01.2017
Principal
Fulton County Schools
01.2015 - 01.2016
Principal
Harrison School District #2
01.2013 - 01.2015
Senior Turnaround Consultant
American Institutes for Research
01.2012 - 01.2013
PBIS District Coordinator
Atlanta Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012
Principal
Atlanta Public Schools
01.2008 - 01.2011
Founding Principal
Doris M. Johnson High School
01.2003 - 01.2008
Assistant Principal
Lake Clifton-Eastern High School
01.2001 - 01.2003
Instructional Coach
Calverton Middle School
01.2000 - 01.2001
Special Education Teacher
Lake Clifton-Eastern High School
01.1996 - 01.2000
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership
Northcentral University
AASA Urban Superintendents Academy Certificate -
Howard University
Ed.S. - Administration and Supervision
Johns Hopkins University
M.Ed. - Special Education
Coppin State University
B.S. - Criminal Justice
Bethune-Cookman University
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