Dr. Torri D. Barber

Principal (6th-8th Grade)

Chester Middle School, Chester County School District | Chester, SC | July 2021 – Present  

• Provided strategic leadership to faculty and staff of 72 employees. Administered the school budget of $526,000 School Level, Title 1, & Priority Funds implemented, monitored as well as revised school policies and safety protocols as required.
• Developed and tracked benchmarks for measuring institutional success (MTSS) and successfully instituted strategies to improve teaching delivery to meet the learning needs of all students.
• Research and strategically analyze instructional delivery compared to student assessment performance and identified increased academic growth (100%) in Reading and Mathematics during a 1 year period.
• Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, supervision, professional development and discipline of school employees.
• Coordinated and facilitated professional development training for staff on issues related to classroom & behavior management, special education and other educational issues in order to maximize their teaching potential.
• Monitored student achievement and encouraged parental involvement, through regular   meetings and participation in school activities, successfully bridging the gap between school and the home environment.
• Employing restorative and mindfulness practices as part of the disciplinary process.
• Regularly facilitating student concerns and suggestions through regular principal and student meetings.

Virtual School Director/ Principal (K-12th Grade)

York One School District  | York, SC | 2020 – June 2021

• Administrative leader responsible for defining the educational direction, policies and expectations for teachers and students, in addition to  providing continuous supervision and evaluation of instructional programs and personnel.
• Oversaw the selection of new personnel and made recommendations regarding promotions, reassignments and discipline.
• Regularly assessed teaching methods and monitored instructional delivery practices of all teachers and facilitate staff professional development activities.
• Performed program audits and provided feedback and recommendations to improve academic delivery and student performance.
• Collaborated with the financial secretary on all budget related matters, ensuring all activities remained within budgetary constraints.
• Ensured all online educational portals were operational and functioning normally for all teaching and instructional activities.
• Successfully created innovative outreach activities which increased parental involvement by 40% and enhanced student learning efforts.

Principal (5th-12th Grade)

York One Academy  | York, SC | 2018-2020

• Supervised and led a diverse teaching and administrative staff of 50+ employees and strategically accomplished educational objectives by analyzing training and educational needs and designing innovative programs aimed at empowering both students and staff.
• Collected, analyzed, and used multiple sources of data to guide continuous improvement in student achievement, student and staff well-being, and professional development for staff.
• Instituted a top-notch learning environment by implementing multifaceted programs and strategies to support learning initiatives and develop teaching staff’s skills such as assessments, developing Train the Trainer programs/guides and providing staff with ongoing coaching and professional development, resulting in 50% improvement in student performance on standardized tests.
• Regularly assessed teaching methods and assisted teachers in identifying pedagogical techniques that would be ideal for diverse learners.
• Efficiently managed  the school budget, various purchases, requisitions and all school funds.
• Fostered increased transparency into organizational needs by regularly meeting with stakeholders to gauge conditions and build consensus, resulting in a clear understanding of evolving necessities and a defined roadmap for change improvement.

6th, 7th & 8th Grade Assistant Principal

Castle Heights Middle School  | Rock Hill, SC | 2015-2018

• Provided multifaceted administrative and technical support to the principal in the day-to-day operational activities of the school. inclusive of staff supervision, professional development, personnel administration, enforcement of disciplinary actions, parent issues, safety issues and curriculum implementation.
• Supervised 76 employees and coordinated professional development for faculty and staff. Supported the principal in the implementation and monitoring of the school budget, approving new programs and expenditures as appropriate.
• Collected, analyzed, and utilized multiple sources of data such as test scores and state educational standards to guide continuous improvements in student achievement and performance.
• Enhanced the quality of school life and contributed to providing a more meaningful learning experience by revamping the school improvement plan and by implementing programs to support students' learning initiatives and social/emotional well-being.
• Maintained collaborative relationships with parents and external agencies  to   plan and provide effective and quality educational programming and support for students. 
• Provided leadership in establishing co-curricular programs and activities designed to foster positive relationships among students and between students and staff such as awards ceremonies and other cultural events.

Career & Technology Teacher

Dutchman Creek Middle School  | Rock Hill, SC | 2011- 2015

• Positioned students for the workforce and continuing education by teaching classes using a creative combination of tactics such as simulation, video and lectures to grow student knowledge and abilities.
• Aligned program content with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare students for further educational opportunities.
• Enhanced classroom results with lessons directly correlated with varying student levels and interests based upon analysis of student performance.
• Successfully engaged students by skillfully introducing complex material in creative ways to appeal to diverse audiences, resulting in over 80% improvement in performance and productivity.

Teacher / Administrative Assistant Principal / Discipline & Instructional Coach

Great Falls High School  | Great Falls, SC  | 2007-2011

Bowtie Consulting

1. Consulting Firm and Non-Profit Organization established to provide outreach and educational consultancy services in the areas of Educational Leadership, Behavior and Classroom Management, Mentorship Training & Life Skills Development for Males

EdD in Education Administration & Leadership (Emphasis on Teaching & Learning)

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN |   2018

MA in Educational Leadership 

University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ | 2010

MA Teaching

University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ | (Completed 27 Credit Hours)

BA in Business Administration (Marketing & Psychology)

Charleston Southern University, N. Charleston, SC | 2005

Licensed International Trainer in Restorative Practices

International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP)

Mindfulness Trainer

Mindfulness First

Education & Teaching of the Gifted & Talented (Graduate Course)

University of La Verne