Dr. Ann Hart is the Deputy Associate Superintendent for the Arizona Department of Education. She was appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in 2004, to oversee school Discipline and Classroom Management. She was very successful in providing professional development to over 3,000 teachers, administrators and support staff in the effective maintenance of healthy and orderly learning environments, which contribute to the academic success of students. Dr. Hart was the first to fill such a position in this state. She is now the new Deputy Associate Superintendent in the division of Highly Effective Schools. She is primary responsible for African American Outreach and the administration of Homeless Children & Youth, Refugee and Character Education Programs in Arizona’s schools.
Dr. Hart’s passion ignites her thirst in helping to engage parents’ students and the community, which foster environments of education, family and engagement, literacy and child welfare.
Dr. Hart has been involved in the field of Education since she graduated from Cheyney University, in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hart’s education has also been enhanced with 13 years of Federal Government experience, where she led Region III in investigation resolutions, as an Equal Opportunity Specialist for the Office for Civil Rights, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A visionary and an active community leader, “Inspirational” speaker and writer, Dr. Hart continues to be a woman who inspires through her leadership and leads by the principal of “Having Faith for the Journey.” Her purpose-driven passion for educating the community on various school/community issues has kept her busy in the twenty plus years that she has spent in education sectors; thus igniting a thirst which continues to embrace her commitment to raising educational and community awareness.
She has been featured in The Arizona Woman Magazine, the Az. Republic for her education, civic and community involvement and contributions, and authors a monthly Parent Involvement column for the Az. Informant She has been the recipient of “numerous” city, and state acknowledgements and awards. The Founder of the first Black Women’s Organization, (Phoenix Black Women’s Task Force), she created a platform for Emerging Women. She was the first African Woman to Chair for the Phoenix Women’s Commission, for the City of Phoenix, which provided dynamic forums for prominent speakers to address audiences of over 1,000 for International Women’s Day and chaired the Dr. Martin Luther King, Living the Dream Awards Program for five years. She has been the recipient of the YWCA Women’s Leadership, East Valley and the Maricopa Branches of the NAACP as a Humanitarian and Outstanding Educator of the Year. Additional honors and awards for her outstanding work in education endeavors and community involvement have highlighted her unselfish endeavors for the past 30 years.
Dr. Hart holds a doctorate degree from Arizona State University, in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. Also, she was named a Fellow in Morrison’s Institute of Public Policy.
She is an active member of the Phoenix Metropolitan Graduate Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Vice President of Maricopa County NAACP. She is a spiritual woman who believes that “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the staircase.” She contributes her passion to serving others, knowing that there is a purpose behind every problem…. “Those who refuse to place limitations on themselves will always succeed.”
AWARDS/RECOGNITION
• YWCA Women’s Community and Civic Award
• NAACP-East Valley and Maricopa County Humanitarian Award, Educator of the Year
• Founder: Black Women’s Task Force
• Implement Governor’s Babbitt’s Salute to Women (Luncheon 1983-1985)
• Links Inc. – Community Leader
• Top Women of a Distinction –Women of the Year
• Arizona Gazette – Teacher of the Year
• Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators –Educator of Excellence
• Dr. Martin Luther King Living The Dream Community Leader
• Outstanding Achievement – Arizona Department of Education, Student Service and Resources
• National Council of Negro Women – Outstanding Mentor and Community Leader
Most Memorable Moment:
Graduation December 1975
High School: Overbrook in Philadelphia, PA
class of 1970
Deputy Associate Superintendent|
Arizona Department of Education
From August 2011 to Current • 15 year(s)
Supervises African American Outreach, Homeless, Refugee and Character Education programs. Manages compliance with federal and state requirements and develops strategies for program implementation.
Deputy Associate Superintendent-Statewide Discipline Initiative|
Arizona Department of Education
From August 2004 to August 2011 • 7 year(s)
Developed Arizona's first Statewide Discipline Training Program and facilitated training for over 3,500 administrators and educators. Authored discipline guidelines and provided technical assistance to schools.
Adjunct Faculty Member|
University of Phoenix
From January 2006 to March 2006 • 0 year(s)
Taught Ethics in Education course.
Deputy Associate Superintendent-Health & Nutrition|
Arizona Department of Education
From May 2004 to August 2004 • 0 year(s)
Maintained compliance with National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and coordinated technical assistance to sponsors and LEAs. Supervised a staff of fifty including five Program Directors.
Dean of Student Services|
Phoenix Union High School District-North High School
From August 2000 to May 2004 • 4 year(s)
Developed and administered discipline model for 2,700 students, reducing behavior referrals by 37%. Conducted disciplinary hearings and provided staff development on classroom management.
Junior High School Instructor/Grade Level Chair|
Phoenix Elementary School District #1 - Phoenix Preparatory Academy
From January 1996 to January 2000 • 4 year(s)
Provided multi-level instruction to diverse students using SIOP methodology. Facilitated professional development and coordinated Teacher Education Partnership Program.
Title One Resource Specialist|
Phoenix Elementary School District #1 - Central Office
From January 1993 to January 1996 • 3 year(s)
Developed Para-Educator Program and established community partnerships with business sectors and faith-based organizations. Provided educational leadership and promoted parental involvement.
Elementary School Instructor|
Phoenix Elementary School District #1
From January 1985 to January 1993 • 8 year(s)
Provided multi-level instruction to grades 2nd, 3rd, and 7th at Lowell Elementary, Garfield Elementary, and Magnet Traditional School.
Project Coordinator|
Governor's Office of Affirmative Action Programs
From January 1983 to January 1985 • 2 year(s)
Developed Affirmative Action Plans and coordinated EEO resource sharing programs with colleges and private industries. Coordinated The Governor's Annual Women's Luncheon for over 1,000 members.
