DeKenda Jimerson

Educational leader with 14+ years of experience spanning middle and high school student support, instructional leadership, career and technical education, AVID, athletics, and school operations. Known for relationship-centered behavior systems, staff collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and building programs that strengthen student achievement, belonging, and college and career readiness.

Student Advisor / Behavior Coach & Athletic Director at Western Sky Middle School (2024-08 – Present)

• Lead relationship-centered behavior supports, student check-ins, restorative conversations, intervention planning, and reentry follow-up to improve student success and school connectedness.
• Coach and collaborate with teachers on classroom expectations, behavior systems, de-escalation, and supports for students with diverse academic, behavioral, 504, and IEP needs.
• Review behavior and academic data, coordinate individualized supports, and maintain consistent communication with families, counselors, teachers, and administrators.
• Direct the middle school athletic program, including coach coordination, schedules, eligibility, safety, student physicals, fees, equipment, parent communication, and game-day operations.
• Develop student leadership and extracurricular opportunities while promoting accountability, sportsmanship, belonging, and positive school culture.

Career & Technical Education Teacher at Trevor G. Browne High School (2016-07 – 2023-05)

Continuous employment, July 2016-May 2023 | Business Operations & Marketing Teacher | AVID Campus Coordinator (2017-2021) | Business Department Instructional Leader (2019-2020)

• Designed inclusive, standards-aligned business and marketing instruction using authentic projects, varied instructional methods, and ongoing assessment to meet diverse learner needs.
• Led department goal setting, curriculum planning, instructional support, resource allocation, and monitoring of CTE grant expenditures and student-achievement interventions.
• Directed the AVID program for a high school campus serving more than 3,000 students, leading the site team, implementation plan, data reporting, tutorials, family meetings, student advocacy, college visits, and WICOR professional learning.
• Built partnerships with families, colleagues, community organizations, and postsecondary partners to expand college, career, leadership, and service opportunities for students.

Principal Intern at Copper Trails Elementary School (2022-11 – 2023-04)

• Served on the administrative team and supported classroom observations, teacher-evaluation input, student discipline, staff interviews, and instructional planning.
• Coordinated summer school, extracurricular and athletic activities, eighth-grade high school night, and monthly building-safety checks with district personnel.
• Partnered with families, staff, district leaders, and community groups while supporting students with behavioral, 504, and IEP needs.

Career & Technical Education Teacher at Copper Canyon High School (2012-07 – 2016-05)

• Taught Culinary Arts and restaurant operations to students in grades 9-12, integrating sanitation, food preparation, teamwork, customer service, and workplace readiness.
• Designed hands-on instruction and authentic learning experiences that connected academic standards with career skills and industry expectations.

Career & Technical Education Teacher at Westview High School (2012-01 – 2012-07)

• Taught Marketing, Career Exploration, Word Processing, Living with Children, and Financial Strategies while maintaining an inclusive, positive learning environment.

Financial Advisor at University of Phoenix (2007-08 – 2010-03)

• Advised college students on financial aid, funding options, account responsibilities, and institutional processes while providing accurate, individualized guidance.
• Interpreted financial-aid policies, maintained detailed student records, and partnered across departments to resolve concerns and support enrollment and persistence.

Doctorate in Educational Leadership – Liberty University (2026-05)

Certificate in Principal Leadership, PreK-12 – Northern Arizona University (2023-05)

Certificate in Higher Education Administration – Post University (2020-12)

Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction – University of Phoenix (2012-03)

Master of Business Administration – University of Phoenix (2007-07)

Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management Technology – Remington College (2002-07)

Associate of Occupational Studies in Business Administration – Remington College (1997-04)