Tonya Harris-Jones, Ed.D.
Richmond
Summary
Talented Assistant Principal with 8 years of education experience and 6 years in mental health. Resourceful and passionate leader skilled in developing and implementing effective strategies to support student success. Committed to leveraging data and strong relationships to inform decisions and provide trauma-informed support for students, staff, families, and all stakeholders.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal & Learning Facilitator
Richmond City Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
- Deliver engaging professional development sessions and team meetings that promote collaboration, growth, and data-driven instructional improvement.
- Host and facilitate Child Study and Intervention Team meetings, guiding diverse stakeholders toward shared solutions and measurable outcomes.
- Lead mathematics initiatives and schoolwide interventions, using data insights to inform decisions and improve performance.
- Led and coordinated the school’s attendance teams, ensuring consistent processes, actionable guidance, and effective support to improve daily attendance outcomes.
- Supported hiring, training, and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
Elementary School Administrator
Newport News Public Schools
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Performed classroom observations and coaching cycles, supporting teachers in strengthening instruction and student engagement.
- Facilitated parent conferences, addressing student academic performance, discipline, and social-emotional needs with empathy and clear communication.
- Partnered with the principal to monitor attendance, assessment, counseling, and pupil services, aligning resources to support student growth.
- Assisted in preparing the master schedule and school calendar, demonstrating organizational and strategic planning skills.
- Represented the school with community partners and families, fostering positive relationships and a collaborative culture.
- Served as acting principal when needed, ensuring smooth school operations and consistent leadership presence.
Elementary Teacher, Tutor, Empowerment Coach
Newport News Public Schools
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Facilitated after-school tutoring and small-group interventions, using adaptive questioning and feedback to meet diverse learner needs.
- Designed and delivered experiential learning experiences incorporating coding, robotics, and technology, ensuring interactive and multimodal engagement.
- Served as an Empowerment Coach, facilitating growth-focused sessions on leadership, confidence, and communication for young learners.
- Strengthened school–community relations by managing social media presence and authoring 20+ public releases in weeks, building a positive organizational image.
Staff Supervisor
Intercept Youth Services
05.2016 - 05.2022
- Supervised and coached a team of direct-care staff, providing training, feedback, and ongoing professional development to ensure quality care.
- Facilitated team meetings and debrief sessions, creating a supportive and psychologically safe environment for staff.
- Led crisis intervention and conflict resolution efforts, modeling calm, strategic, and adaptable leadership in high-stakes situations.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and organizational policies, balancing staff needs with operational priorities.
Teacher, Curriculum Writer, VCU’s Clinical Residency Coach
Petersburg City Public Schools
08.2018 - 07.2021
- Facilitated professional development workshops in writing and classroom practices, using interactive strategies to ensure teacher engagement and skill transfer.
- Mentored resident teachers in partnership with VCU, providing coaching, feedback, and reflective practice to accelerate professional growth.
- Authored district-wide curriculum for multiple grade levels, aligning content with standards and business objectives of instructional improvement.
- Served on the PBIS Committee, fostering positive school culture and reducing referrals through collaborative problem-solving and data analysis.
- Delivered after-school STEAM programs with multi-modal approaches, blending hands-on activities and digital platforms to create engaging learning environments.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership - Administration & Supervision
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia05-2023
M.A.T. - Elementary Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Christopher Newport Newport University
Newport News, Virginia05-2016
Skills
- Personnel reviews
- Performance standards and analysis
- Relationship building and networking
- Discipline and policy enforcement
- Social-emotional learning
- Special education
Certification
Administration & Supervision License PK-12 March 2022
Elementary Education PK-6 June 2019
Timeline
Assistant Principal & Learning Facilitator
Richmond City Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
Elementary School Administrator
Newport News Public Schools
07.2022 - 06.2023
Elementary Teacher, Tutor, Empowerment Coach
Newport News Public Schools
08.2021 - 06.2022
Teacher, Curriculum Writer, VCU’s Clinical Residency Coach
Petersburg City Public Schools
08.2018 - 07.2021
Staff Supervisor
Intercept Youth Services
05.2016 - 05.2022
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership - Administration & Supervision
Liberty University
M.A.T. - Elementary Education
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Christopher Newport Newport University