Kelli Peterson, a Michigan native navigated to Nashville to continue her work within the educational field, as she pursues her Doctoral Degree in Curriculum Planning at Tennessee State University. As the Assistant Principal of East End Preparatory School, and a second year doctoral student, she still finds time to explore the cultural and social activities Nashville has to offer.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in 2006 at Spelman College, Peterson embarked upon a journey that would change her life forever. Teaching first-grade at an All-boys charter school in Brooklyn, New York, Peterson learned that it was not just teaching that she had a passion for, but serving the families in which she came in contact with, and most importantly, diversifying the field of education. Continuing her pursuit for education, Peterson enrolled and graduated from University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign with a Masters in Educational Administration. Knowing that she wanted to impact more lives than those that remained in the four walls of a classroom, Peterson set her sights on School Administration. Peterson has served the educational field as a teacher for 3 years, and a school administrator for 4 years.
She is motivated by the faces of students that aspire to do more than she. Vowing that every day of life, and every accomplishment would not be for self notoriety, but for all the little brown girls and boys sitting in a classroom wondering if they can move past the glass ceiling, thus being self-less. She walks the hallways everyday so that her little children can see a brown woman as their Assistant Principal and thus, dream beyond it.
Philanthropically, Peterson is committed to the efforts to alleviate inadequate educational opportunities for students of color.
Peterson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Spelman College Alumnae Association, and The Links, Inc.
Peterson was recently recognized as one of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 in April 2015.
She will begin writing her dissertation in the Fall, examining teacher-student congruent demographics and the impact that it has on student academic achievement.
Assistant Principal|
East End Preparatory School
From July 2014 to Current • 12 year(s)
Facilitates culture of constant learning for instructional staff and implements professional development programs. Manages school-wide academic programming and provides teacher mentoring through classroom observation and feedback.
Academic Dean K-2|
East End Preparatory School
From July 2013 to June 2014 • 1 year(s)
Ensured alignment of common core standards within integrated curriculum and developed interim assessments. Conducted daily observations and created weekly professional development for teachers.
Principal K-8|
ICAN SCHOOLS
From July 2012 to June 2013 • 1 year(s)
Led 26 teachers, 4 deans, and 467 students to academic success. Designed scope and sequences for grades K-8 and developed trajectory goals for state assessments.
Dean of Curriculum and Instruction K-8|
ICAN SCHOOLS
From February 2012 to June 2012 • 0 year(s)
Developed action plans to improve instruction for students in grades K-8. Created comprehensive exams and conducted formal observations with coaching plans.
Dean of Student Life & Management Grades 5-8|
ICAN SCHOOLS
From July 2011 to February 2012 • 1 year(s)
Created and maintained safe and orderly environment for students and staff. Developed and implemented high-behavioral expectations and maintained communication with families.
Middle School Language Arts Teacher|
ICAN SCHOOLS
From September 2010 to June 2011 • 1 year(s)
Developed rigorous curriculum to teach reading strategies and historical context of literature. Created supplemental curriculum aligned with OAA standards.
Sixth Grade Writing Instructor|
Ivy Preparatory Academy
From July 2009 to July 2010 • 1 year(s)
Developed cross-curricular writing curriculum and implemented College Readiness Initiative. Created guest lecture series and college tours for students.
Executive Assistant|
Communities In Schools of Atlanta
From September 2008 to June 2009 • 1 year(s)
Provided administrative support to Executive Director and managed CISA scholarship fund. Implemented Saturday College Prep workshops and organized United Way campaigns.
Graduate Assistant|
University of Illinois
From January 2007 to December 2008 • 1 year(s)
Researched various educational topics and conducted classes for Professional Issues for Teachers course. Assisted with departmental admissions process and maintained student files.
First Grade Teacher|
Excellence Charter School
From January 2006 to December 2007 • 1 year(s)
Designed differentiated lesson plans for three sub-groups and implemented first grade science and social studies curriculum. Achieved strong student performance on Terra Nova assessments.
