Riffat Akram

Riffat akram 

Education administration 

Griffin Academy (Griffin Technology Academies), Vallejo, CA

School Director (Principal)
 2022 – Present

• Restructured schoolwide PLCs to align middle and high school instructional practices, improving vertical curriculum articulation (6–12).
• Led Griffin High School out of CSI status by improving CAASPP scores, increasing attendance, and reducing suspensions—transforming it from a lowest-performing Title I school in 2022 to meeting state benchmarks by 2024.
• Led Griffin Middle School out of Differentiated Assistance through targeted support for English Learners and low-income students.
• Increased enrollment from 250 to 310 students—a critical achievement for a small charter dependent on ADA.
• Expanded Early College Program: grew dual enrollment/articulated course offerings from 2 to 15; created “College Learning Labs” in the master schedule to support students' success in college classes. 
• Achieved 100% high school graduation rate for two consecutive years.
• Successfully implemented and expanded AVID schoolwide within two years.

AIMS College Prep Middle School (AIMS K–12 Charter District), Oakland, CA

Head of School (Principal)
 2018 – 2022

• Led the school to receive the 2020–21 California Pivotal Practice Award and 2021–22 California Distinguished School Award.
• Introduced an innovative 5-week PLC cycle with a focus on curriculum, instruction, school culture, data, and assessment.
• Developed and implemented a new teacher evaluation system later adopted by the district.
• Championed instructional redesign using ALEKS Math, Standards Plus ELA, and Rosetta Stone.
• Strengthened student support through expanded intervention, tutoring, and enrichment programs.
• Transformed school culture by implementing PBIS and restorative justice practices.
• Created the “AIMS Podcast” led by students and increased community partnerships to empower underserved populations.

Jesse Bethel High School, Vallejo City Unified School District, Vallejo, CA

Science Department Chair & Instructional Lead
 2015 – 2018

• Led development and implementation of NGSS-aligned curriculum and strategic rollout plans.
• Revamped the department’s Professional Learning Plan and introduced content-driven teacher collaboration.
• Established science department inventory and OSHA-compliant chemical storage protocols.
• Launched AP Biology course—became one of the school’s highest-enrolled AP offerings.
• Represented the department at Curriculum Cabinet and district-level instructional planning meetings.

FAME Public Charter Schools, Alameda County, CA

Curriculum, Instruction & Academic Affairs Coordinator
 2012 – 2015

• Directed adoption of K–12 Common Core and NGSS-aligned instructional materials in ELA, Math, and Science.
• Created pacing guides, 4-year high school academic plans, and a comprehensive course catalog.
• Revised high school graduation requirements to align with CDE and College Board standards.
• Implemented dual immersion Arabic curriculum aligned with CA Common Core for K–5.
• Planned and managed master schedules across all campuses.
• Supported teacher hiring and led PD initiatives across multiple campuses.

James Logan High School, Union City, CA & Catholic Middle Schools in Southern CA

Science/Biology Teacher, Middle School Math & Science Teacher
 2000 – 2011

• Designed engaging Biology and general science instruction for diverse high school populations.
• Piloted pre-algebra program for 7th grade and redesigned middle school math/science curricula.
• Integrated instructional technology and formative assessment to drive learning outcomes.
• Facilitated science fairs, coached math and science teams for national competitions.

Professional Development

• ACSA UCLA Summer Institute for New & Aspiring Principals
• ACSA Principals Academy, Pleasant Hill, CA
• AVID District Director Leadership Training
• Restorative Justice & PBIS Framework Workshops

Awards & Honors

• California Distinguished School Award (2021–22) – AIMS College Prep MS
   
• California Pivotal Practice Award (2020–21) – AIMS College Prep MS

Education & Credentials

• Certificate in School Management & Leadership, Harvard University, Online – 2021 
• Administrative Services Credential, Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga – 2015 
• M.S. in Education (Curriculum Development), California State University, East Bay – 2011 
• B.S. in Biological Science, California State University, East Bay 
• Clear CA Single Subject Teaching Credential – Science/Biology