Tessa Ward

Dedicated Educational Leader with a solid history of strengthening school communities and helping students thrive. Looking for a role that allows me to use my talents in relationshipbuilding, team guidance, and creative problem-solving to advance key initiatives.

Dean of Students - Pinellas County Schools

(2023-01)

Assistant Principal - Freedom High School - Pinellas County Schools

(2020-01 - 2023-12)

Assistant Principal - Middleton High School - Pinellas County Schools

(2020-01 - 2023-12)

Climate and Culture - Jefferson High School - Pinellas County Schools

(2020-01 - 2023-12)

ASL Teacher/Fine Arts Department Head - Pinellas County Schools

(2005-01 - 2020-12)

Dean of Students - SailFuture Academy

(2023-01)

Assistant to the Head of School- Responsible for recruitment, enrollment, climate and culture, discipline, attendance, and overall supervision of the staff and campus operations.

Behavior Specialist - SailFuture Academy

(2005-01 - 2020-12)

Oversaw all discipline, behavior intervention and family support. Utilized data to bring professional development to the staff and families in order to support student retention and growth.

Administrative Support - Hillsborough County Schools

(2005-01 - 2020-12)

Administrative Support at all schools providing differentiated discipline, databased decision-making, parent, families and community connections, and developed multiple business partnerships to enrich our students real world experiences.

CEO/President - New Beginnings Youth Homes, Inc

(2018-01)

Non-profit organization that provides residences for At-Risk individuals and families- people in recovery, military veterans with service dogs, domestic abuse survivors, single parents with kids, aging out foster youth.

Interpreter for the Deaf - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpreting

(2003-01)

• Interprets for daily meetings, quarterlies, special events, and concerts

Director of the Florida Telecommunications Relay Program, Inc. - Friends of the Deaf Service Center, Inc.

(1997-01 - 2003-12)

• Secured a grant worth 125K to supply telecommunication devices to anyone with hearing loss for the Tri-county area, creating phone accessibility
• Presented public presentations to deaf and hard of hearing educating people on their rights and available services provided by the State of Florida

MaED - EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP - ARGOSY UNIVERSITY (2012-01 - 2012-12)

B.A. - LEADERSHIP AND MINISTRY - TRINITY COLLEGE OF FLORIDA (2005-01 - 2005-12)

A.S. - INTERPRETER FOR THE DEAF - HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE (1998-01 - 1998-12)