Nechelle Sharpe, Ed.D
Joy in Learning| Cultivate Exceptionality | Grow Strong
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
~Emile Coue
About Me
Education is far more than a career choice for me. As a proven, acclaimed educator for more than 26 years, the privilege to teach, mentor, and develop students and faculty is an intrinsic part of who I am and how I identify. For more than a quarter of a century, I have worked hard to develop actionable strategies to create schools that work for children.
I received my Bachelor’s in Middle School Education from Georgia State University and immediately began my journey in education as a middle school educator in 1995. I was privileged to work in various school systems, directly teaching middle school students until 2006. At that time, I also received my Master’s in Foundations of Education from Troy State University and my Specialist in Education for Leadership and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. In 2007, I served as an instructional and data coach, where I leveraged my extensive experience in the classroom to support educators and students alike in their performance. Serving in that capacity until 2018, I then took the role of Educator in Residence for Middle School Transformation in the Atlanta Public School District. Having received my Doctorate in Education from Walden University, I leveraged my experience and education to manage and support eight middle schools across the district to develop comprehensive plans for district initiatives and best practices in middle schools. I then transitioned into a Student Assessment Coordinator role for the district, where I was able to manage the Testing and Assessment Team, where we managed reliable benchmarks and practical assessment goals for the district’s students.
The experiences in leadership and educational oversight then prepared me to move into Educational Leadership, where I served as the Assistant Principal for Henry County Middle School. I then transitioned to Corretta Scott King YWLA School as a Dean of Academics. Finally, I landed at the Tuskegee Airmen Global (TAG) Academy, where I serve as Assistant Principal today.
Leading With Design Thinking & Program Development
I specialize in leading with creativity, harnessing design thinking and program development to propel organizational success. With an eye for detail and a deep understanding of how complex systems work together, I develop initiatives that maximize growth potential. My skillset also includes problem-solving strategies designed to uncover solutions others may have yet to consider - bringing invaluable insights into play when setting team objectives. Anchored by my commitment to driving positive change within the organization, thought leadership, and dependable project management abilities, each goal is brought closer to realization every day.
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*Below is my portfolio of initiatives that I have developed and led.
Academic House of Innovation
The Academic House of Innovation (AHOI) is a hybrid of a professional learning community and think tank that uses elements of the data science process and design thinking to create innovative, culturally relevant, cognitive-based academic systems and strategies to cultivate student-centered learning experiences and teacher synergy. Our goal is to use these learning experiences and structures to eliminate educational disparities influenced by race, socioeconomic status, instructional practices, and system designs. AHOI is a team with diverse strengths, common beliefs, and goal(s). A team with high engagement, trust, and respect for one another. The vision is this high-performing team of free thinkers will inspire and support teachers to help create learning experiences where critical thinking and creativity are nurtured.
50.2020 Campaign
The Joy In Learning Project seeks to cultivate a nourishing learning environment that sparks joy and excitement. Recent research has suggested a correlation between positive emotions, higher cognitive levels, and improved understanding of ideas (Thanos et al., 1999). When education is accessible in an engaging atmosphere - learners have the potential for tremendous growth as they uncover thrilling ''aha'' moments (Kohn 2004). Creating a warm and dynamic educational space can facilitate success through meaningful exploration with love.
IRAAP Cycle of Learning
Through IRAAP, educators transform traditional instruction into an impactful journey that fosters greater content retention and application. IRAAP empowers students to build essential life-long learning skills by creating real-world problem-solving experiences. This innovative approach connects education and relevant contexts, enabling learners to gain a deeper understanding of the material while developing their ability to use knowledge in multiple scenarios.
STEMtopia
Creativity, communication, innovation, reasoning, and problem-solving are the "Phonics" for STEM. Most students struggle with STEM and higher-order thinking in other content because of the disparity of these cognitive processes. Understanding this foundation, we must allow scholars multiple opportunities for failure-free exploration. Through the STEMtopia180 Intervention, scholars have the opportunity to explore STEM using their creativity, innovation, fine motor, and communication skills. Without limits, this strategy allows scholars to create solutions to everyday problems presented through literature, current events or fine arts. STEMtopia180 allows all scholars to develop their frontal cortex while doing enjoyable activities. This strategy also will enable scholars to self-regulate emotions while problem-solving.
The JIL Project
The Joy In Learning Project seeks to cultivate a nourishing learning environment that sparks joy and excitement. Recent research has suggested a correlation between positive emotions, higher cognitive levels, and improved understanding of ideas (Thanos et al., 1999). When education is accessible in an engaging atmosphere - learners have the potential for tremendous growth as they uncover thrilling ''aha'' moments (Kohn 2004). Creating a warm and dynamic educational space can facilitate success through meaningful exploration with love.
Leading Through Project Management
I specialize in leading with creativity, harnessing design thinking and program development to propel organizational success. With an eye for detail and a deep understanding of how complex systems work together, I develop initiatives that maximize growth potential. My skillset also includes problem-solving strategies designed to uncover solutions others may have yet to consider - bringing invaluable insights into play when setting team objectives. Anchored by my commitment to driving positive change within the organization, thought leadership, and dependable project management abilities, each goal is brought closer to realization every day.
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*Below is my portfolio of initiatives that I have developed and led.
Project Lead
Student A.C.E.S.
Students ACES- The student ACES process is a 21st-century approach to student conferencing and data talks. Through this journey, students will from efficacy to agency. Empowering their voice and cultivating ownership of their learning.
Project Lead
Apple Distinguished School
Apple Distinguished School-I led a 6 member team charged with TAG Academy is on the pathway to becoming the first public school in Georgia to become Apple Distinguished School. Apple Distinguished Schools are some of the most innovative schools in the world. They’re centres of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate our vision of exemplary learning environments. Using Apple products to inspire student creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Leadership in our recognized schools cultivate environments in which students are excited about learning, curiosity is fostered, and learning is a personal experience. I will complete my Apple Learning Coach professional development in April 2023
School-Based Lead
Operation HOPE: Child Savings Program
I served as the School-based Project Manager for Operation Hope Child Savings Initiative. I was responsible for the planning, execution, and completion of a successful program. We hosted the former and current Mayors of Atlanta, the District Superintendent, Operation Hope Executives, and other partners. This initiative will create savings accounts for students and their families to help them plan for their future.
Project Lead
Personalized Learning: Play-Based Learning
Personalized Learning (Cohort II)-I serve as the school-based co-project lead on the implementation of personalized learning cohort for TAG Academy. I collaborate with the Education Elements team and teachers to develop the personalized learning rollout for the school. Personalization allows students to get the instruction and direction they need, when they need it. This will be integrated into the classroom through digital content, targeted instruction, student reflection & ownership.
Project Lead
STEAM Extravagnze
STEM Extravaganza allows parents to immerse in the Cognia Internationally Certified STEM programming offered to their scholars. The Extravaganzas provide parents with exploration using strategies of creativity, communication, innovation, reasoning, and problem-solving are the "Phonics" for STEM.
Project Co-Lead
AVA 2021 Hiring Process
Co-developed the hiring process for the first fully functioning staff for Atlanta Public Schools AVA Direct Virtual Academy. AVA was able to take 400+ potential candidates, identify the best and brightest of the bunch, and narrow it down to 35 candidates who we look forward to welcoming in the Fall. I must extend a VERY SPECIAL thank you to Dr. Nechelle Sharpe and Creighton Bryan of Tuskegee Airman Global Academy. This amazing TAG team provided the vision, the technical expertise behind the website and just overall support on countless days and late nights to help me ensure a seamless process.
Presentations
Culturally Responsive Pedigorgo
GUITAR
DRUM
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