Dr. Torri D. Barber

An entrepreneurial Educational Administrator, Consultant and Transformational Leader with over 15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience working across diverse educational settings. Possesses a breadth and depth of knowledge about the education system and current knowledge on best practices and innovative educational approaches. Armed with the proven ability to identify educational and training needs, take on a strategic vision, articulate plans and translate requirements, resulting in the creation of innovative and engaging educational initiatives.

Adept at quickly building rapport and establishing relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and dealing with difficult issues in a proactive, supportive, and professional manner. Technologically savvy and skilled in the application of cutting-edge teaching methodologies and learning tools to improve curriculum delivery and impart new skills to learners. A dynamic public speaker and facilitator ready to provide innovative strategies, unique insights and refreshing new perspectives which promote and enhance personal and professional growth.

Principal (6th-8th Grade)

Chester Middle School, Chester County School District | Chester, SC | July 2021 – Present

• Provided strategic leadership to faculty and staff of 72 employees. Administered the school budget of $526,000 School Level, Title 1, & Priority Funds implemented, monitored as well as revised school policies and safety protocols as required.
• Developed and tracked benchmarks for measuring institutional success (MTSS) and successfully instituted strategies to improve teaching delivery to meet the learning needs of all students.
• Research and strategically analyze instructional delivery compared to student assessment performance and identified increased academic growth (100%) in Reading and Mathematics during a 1 year period.
• Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, supervision, professional development and discipline of school employees.
• Coordinated and facilitated professional development training for staff on issues related to classroom & behavior management, special education and other educational issues in order to maximize their teaching potential.
• Monitored student achievement and encouraged parental involvement, through regular meetings and participation in school activities, successfully bridging the gap between school and the home environment.
• Employing restorative and mindfulness practices as part of the disciplinary process.
• Regularly facilitating student concerns and suggestions through regular principal and student meetings.

Virtual School Director/ Principal (K-12th Grade)

York One School District | York, SC | 2020 – June 2021

• Administrative leader responsible for defining the educational direction, policies and expectations for teachers and students, in addition to providing continuous supervision and evaluation of instructional programs and personnel.
• Oversaw the selection of new personnel and made recommendations regarding promotions, reassignments and discipline.
• Regularly assessed teaching methods and monitored instructional delivery practices of all teachers and facilitate staff professional development activities.
• Performed program audits and provided feedback and recommendations to improve academic delivery and student performance.
• Collaborated with the financial secretary on all budget related matters, ensuring all activities remained within budgetary constraints.
• Ensured all online educational portals were operational and functioning normally for all teaching and instructional activities.
• Successfully created innovative outreach activities which increased parental involvement by 40% and enhanced student learning efforts.

Principal (5th-12th Grade)

York One Academy | York, SC | 2018-2020

• Supervised and led a diverse teaching and administrative staff of 50+ employees and strategically accomplished educational objectives by analyzing training and educational needs and designing innovative programs aimed at empowering both students and staff.
• Collected, analyzed, and used multiple sources of data to guide continuous improvement in student achievement, student and staff well-being, and professional development for staff.
• Instituted a top-notch learning environment by implementing multifaceted programs and strategies to support learning initiatives and develop teaching staff’s skills such as assessments, developing Train the Trainer programs/guides and providing staff with ongoing coaching and professional development, resulting in 50% improvement in student performance on standardized tests.
• Regularly assessed teaching methods and assisted teachers in identifying pedagogical techniques that would be ideal for diverse learners.
• Efficiently managed the school budget, various purchases, requisitions and all school funds.
• Fostered increased transparency into organizational needs by regularly meeting with stakeholders to gauge conditions and build consensus, resulting in a clear understanding of evolving necessities and a defined roadmap for change improvement.

6th, 7th & 8th Grade Assistant Principal

Castle Heights Middle School | Rock Hill, SC | 2015-2018

• Provided multifaceted administrative and technical support to the principal in the day-to-day operational activities of the school. inclusive of staff supervision, professional development, personnel administration, enforcement of disciplinary actions, parent issues, safety issues and curriculum implementation.
• Supervised 76 employees and coordinated professional development for faculty and staff. Supported the principal in the implementation and monitoring of the school budget, approving new programs and expenditures as appropriate.
• Collected, analyzed, and utilized multiple sources of data such as test scores and state educational standards to guide continuous improvements in student achievement and performance.
• Enhanced the quality of school life and contributed to providing a more meaningful learning experience by revamping the school improvement plan and by implementing programs to support students' learning initiatives and social/emotional well-being.
• Maintained collaborative relationships with parents and external agencies to plan and provide effective and quality educational programming and support for students. 
• Provided leadership in establishing co-curricular programs and activities designed to foster positive relationships among students and between students and staff such as awards ceremonies and other cultural events.

Career & Technology Teacher

Dutchman Creek Middle School | Rock Hill, SC | 2011- 2015

• Positioned students for the workforce and continuing education by teaching classes using a creative combination of tactics such as simulation, video and lectures to grow student knowledge and abilities.
• Aligned program content with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare students for further educational opportunities.
• Enhanced classroom results with lessons directly correlated with varying student levels and interests based upon analysis of student performance.
• Successfully engaged students by skillfully introducing complex material in creative ways to appeal to diverse audiences, resulting in over 80% improvement in performance and productivity.

Teacher / Administrative Assistant Principal / Discipline & Instructional Coach

Great Falls High School | Great Falls, SC | 2007-2011

Bowtie Consulting

1. Consulting Firm and Non-Profit Organization established to provide outreach and educational consultancy services in the areas of Educational Leadership, Behavior and Classroom Management, Mentorship Training & Life Skills Development for Males

EdD in Education Administration & Leadership (Emphasis on Teaching & Learning)

Walden University, Minneapolis, MN | 2018

MA in Educational Leadership 

University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ | 2010

MA Teaching

University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ | (Completed 27 Credit Hours)

BA in Business Administration (Marketing & Psychology)

Charleston Southern University, N. Charleston, SC | 2005

Licensed International Trainer in Restorative Practices

International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP)

Mindfulness Trainer

Mindfulness First

Education & Teaching of the Gifted & Talented (Graduate Course)

University of La Verne