1. DEBORAH A. HOOKS-WARD
331 Bridgegate Drive, Cary, NC 27519
Cell: 281.229.0286 - debbiehward@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished, dynamically positive educator and leader with PhD in Administration,
Leadership, and Policy. Over 15 years of teaching experience and 6 years of leadership
experience. Possesses excellent communication, interpersonal, and planning abilities.
Committed to serving students, research, and scholarly work.
SKILLS
Conference presentation Organizational change expert
Curriculum development and test Gap Analysis
writing Extensive knowledge of leadership
Graduate advising Trained for online instruction (one week
Qualitative, quantitative data-analysis course through Miller-Motte)
skills Personable and approachable
Quick learner Involved in scholarly activity/research?
Staff motivator Budget development
Intuitive people management skills Staff training/development
PowerPoint Deadline-oriented
Hiring and recruitment knowledge Highly culturally-sensitive,
Proactive mindset inclusionary trained and trainer of
Intuitive people skills others
AFFILIATIONS
Gold Key International Honour Society, Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society
WORK HISTORY
08/2011 to 06/2014 Principal Intern and Occupational Studies Teacher Florence One
School District, West Florence High School – Florence, SC
Fostered students' commitment to lifelong learning by connecting course materials to
broader themes and current events.
Served on committees and acted as chair of multiple Committees.
Developed and delivered engaging lectures to students.
Wrote course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments and handouts.
Wrote, administered and graded midterm and final examinations.
Guided students in using technology to support educational research.
Coached students on public speaking and presentation skills.
Advised and mentored students placed on academic probation. Completed all
tasks associated with being a principal from maintenance issues, budgeting,
scheduling, fire drills, discipline issues, mentoring and observing teachers, leading
faculty meetings, and monitoring students.
01/2011 to 06/2011 World History Teacher Marion School District, Mullins
High School – Mullins, SC
Taught courses in geography and world history.
Came on board to resolve, turn around a highly contentious situation.
Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks.
Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and
maximize learning. Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to
meet and exceed teaching goals.

2. Consistently received positive feedback from board members and supervisors.
07/2009 to 06/2010 Reading and Math Teacher Asheville Middle School,
Asheville City Schools – Asheville, NC
Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed
teaching goals.
Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with the
master schedule.
Communicated nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort,
encouragement and positive reinforcement.
Created strategies to meet the needs of mentally and physically disabled students.
Instructed students with disabilities, including autistic students.
Gave one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on the entire
group.
Planned, implemented, monitored, and assessed a classroom instructional program which
consistently raised students reading levels. Implemented reading and writing workshops
to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
07/2008 to 06/2009 Inclusion/Co-Teacher/Teacher
Pinecrest High School – Pinehurst, NC
Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with the
master schedule.
Increased student's English test scores exponentially through tutoring and special
attention.
Assisted in developing student-led after-school tutoring program to teach under-
privileged students.
Developed program to work with students and increase interest in higher learning.
Collaborated with a team of faculty to develop after-school tutorial program for
students in need of extra help.
Modified the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a
variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
Collaborated with teachers and department heads to meet quarterly and yearly
educational goals.
08/1995 to 06/2008 History Teacher Team Leader, Cadre/Trainer of Teachers, Inclusion
Coordinator League City Intermediate School, Clear Creek Independent
School District – League City, TX
Implemented strategies to increase program effectiveness.
Managed all internal, external and crisis communications.
Achieved objectives by leveraging internal resources and collaborating with
colleagues.
Led a comprehensive educational training for all staff members as a cadre lead.
Resolved disputes through proactive communication.
Coordinated meetings, developed meeting content and presented material.
Consistently received exemplary teacher evaluations. Successfully improved student
participation in the classroom through integration of creative role-playing exercises.

3. Served on School Affiliation Board and revised the institute's policies and rules.
Developed student-led after-school tutoring program to teach under- privileged
students.
Improved student's analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program
technologies.
Collaborated with a team of faculty to develop after-school tutorial program for
students in need of extra help.
Improved average scores on state history exam to near perfect averages (97% and
above).
Educated students in the basics of English grammar and main concepts in application
of all subject matter (English as a Second Language).
Oversaw inventory and office supply purchases.
Interviewed and trained new teachers.
Monitored other teachers and developed improvement plans.
Attended conferences to broaden knowledge.
EDUCATION
May, 2016 Ph.D.: Administration, Leadership, and Policy
University of South Carolina - Columbia, SC
GPA: 3.9
Dissertation: Examining Organizational Change through a Socio-Cultural Lens: A
Case Study of Persistent Educational Inequity in a Rural, Mid-Sized School District in
South Carolina. Chairperson: Dr. Zachary Kelehear
Master of Science: Education (Special Education)
University of Houston - Clear Lake - Houston, TX
Education (Special Education)
Bachelor of Arts: Historical Studies
University of Houston at Clear Lake - Houston, TX