Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tonya Dennis.
Dr. Dennis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For over twenty-five years, I have served as an educator at every tier: secondary, post-secondary, collegial, and graduate levels. During my tenure, over twelve years were spent as a school administrator. Within my administrative assignments, I was assigned as a turn-around administrator to serve in the lowest performing schools. Upon completion of each assignment, our students academically excelled above the state’s requirement and in some instances performed higher than the academic magnet schools. Upon retirement, it was a professional goal of mine to provide some practical nuggets of the many tasks of an educational leader and administrator.
In 2017, I attended a writing conference, which allowed for the completion of my current book, “The Principal’s List Essential Practices for Administrative Success.” The purpose of the book is to provide some insight for educational leaders and administrators by providing practical tools while serving in these assignments.
Additionally, as a consultant, I have provided professional development training for low performing schools, presented to school districts with recommendations on how to increase academic achievement for schools with low performance and serve as an administrative advisor for identified school leaders.
Currently, I am working on a training institute for educational leaders.
Has it been a smooth road?
The journey has not always been a smooth one, but one well worth the travel. As a woman, particularly a woman of color, there have been some barriers, but I refused to compromise the gifts that I believed I possess. The best advice that I would share with young women today, is that you must surround yourself with those individuals that can support, encourage and keep you accountable.
Most importantly, distractions will present themselves, but it is imperative to stay the course. Even, when it may appear that the course has come to a crawl, keep moving forward. Movement brings activity, activity creates opportunity, an opportunity opens the door to your dreams and goals!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My work is a compilation of my life’s journey. I have often been referred to as a “kid magnet” because of my willingness to listen and assist with academic needs.
As an educational consultant, my areas of specialization/professional training are: data analysis, school culture, culturally responsive classrooms, turn-around strategies for low-performing schools, and administrative coaching.
The greatest attribute that I provide for my clients is academic knowledge coupled with years of educational experience with proven increased academic results. Educational services are customized for the specific needs of the client.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Some of the biggest barriers today to female leadership are: (1) being treated equally, (2) having support with decision-makers, and (3) trusting their own voice.
Pricing:
- The Principal’s List Essential Practices for Administrative Success, available on Amazon, $19.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drtonyadennis.com
- Phone: 615-571-7613
- Email: drtonyadennis@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/drtonyadennnis
- Twitter: @DrTonyaDennis1
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/drtonyadennis
Image Credit:
Portraits by Tondaleya
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