“As a former educator of twenty years, I believe that education is the most powerful tool for change. The Bible says, “My people suffer for lack of knowledge.” I am on the CLC board because it’s hard to affect change from the outside. I believe in CLC and serving on the board is a great honor.”

Why Am I on the Board: Teaching is my life and dream. I've taught for thirty-five years with a master degree. I love the thought of developing young minds, and watching the students grow into prosperous young adults. When Rev. Alphonso Jackson ask me to be on the Executive Board of Directors for The Children's Learning Center, I was elated! I knew that even after my retirement it would give me the opportunity to continue working with teachers and children. It has been a rewarding experience. We meet once a month or as often as needed. We are an advisory, and assistance board for the director. We participate in planing, fund raising, support to the teachers and parents. We work as a unit to secure the accreditation of our school.

Background: Education has always played an important role in my life. My parents were not educated. They had to work to provide for their families. They continued to work to make sure their children were afforded that opportunity. Reading, writing, and math became a priority in our home. My parents believed that education was the solution to poverty. However, I was the only one to go to college out of seven children. I received a BS degree in Elementary Education and furthered my career to receive a masters degree in Early Childhood education. I was given the opportunity to move into administration. I turned it down to remain in the classroom with the students.My love for teaching reminded me that I got into teaching to educate children, not adults. After thirty-five years of teaching, I never regretted my decision.

Philosophy: I believe that every child is capable of learning when given the opportunity. Learning begins at birth. Parents are their first teachers. Teachers will develop their learning when that child enters his/her classroom. Teaches will provide the proper atmosphere and knowledge that would be conducive to the educational level of the child.

How Long Have You Been in Education: I have been teaching 35 years. I have a BS degree in Elementary Education and a masters degree in Early Childhood education. I Taught at three schools:
1973-1986 Rockway Elementary
1986-1996 Joe Hall Elementary
1996-2010 Redland Elementary

“I believe that education starts at home and is refined at school. As a former educator of thirty-five years, I feel that my expertise in education can make a positive impact on the lives of children.”

CLC Advisory Board Co-Chairperson I have been an educator in the public school system for thirty-six years. I serve on the board of the Children’s Learning Center because my desire is for the children of this community to grow and flourish in a positive environment. I believe that students must be given a strong foundation in the basics tempered with an overflow of love and guidance in principles of faith in God.

Dr. Coleman's Resume:
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OBJECTIVE:
To secure a challenging and fulfilling position that will allow me to share my wealth of knowledge and experiential background in the areas of educational leadership, school administration, early childhood education, and behavior disorders in children.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens, FL
Consultant and Recruiter
01/2012 - 01/2014
Consulted with Site Administration on strategies to enhance enrollment in the teacher education program, conducted recruitment fairs, counseled potential students, liaised with community leaders and faith-based organizations to create educational opportunities.

Miami Dade County Public Schools Miami, FL
District Director of Labor Relations 06/2004 - 07/2011 Negotiate labor contracts, mediate labor disputes, and train administrators on contractual provisions as it relates to working conditions, wages, and terms and conditions of employment.

Miami Dade County Public Schools
Kendale Lakes Elementary Miami, FL
Principal 06/1997 - 06/2004 Lead and manage the daily operations of elementary school serving as the visionary leader, curriculum role model, safety facilitator, and financial manager for all programs.

Miami Dade County Public Schools
West Homestead Elementary Miami, FL
Principal 08/1993 - 06/1997 Lead and manage the daily operations of elementary school serving as the visionary leader, curriculum role model, safety facilitator, and financial manager for all programs.

Miami Dade County Public Schools
Air Base Elementary, Kendale Lakes Elementary, Kensington Park Elementary Miami, FL
Assistant Principal 08/1988 - 08/1993 Served as an instructional leader giving guidance and assistance to teachers on the delivery of instruction, provided behavioral support and guidance to support staff, monitored the cleanliness and safety of the physical plant.

EDUCATION:
October 2001 NOVA Southeastern University Miami, FL Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership
December 1980 NOVA Southeastern University Miami, FL Master of Science - Special Education - Behavioral Disorders
March 1975 Iowa State University Ames, Iowa Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

SPECIALIZED TRAINING:
Executive Training Program for Aspiring Leaders Professional Assessment and Comprehensive Evaluation Systems Teacher Assessment and Development System Instructional Performance Evaluations and Growth Systems Money Matters for School Leaders Safe Physical Restraint Training Smart Boards Technology Training Blackboard Training for Collegiate Instructors

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Community Involvement through Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Vice-Chair Advisory Board of SBC Children’s Learning Center Advisory Board Member AEI Charter School Miami Springs
Member South Dade Elks Lodge
Superintendent of Sunday School Department/Chair of Deaconess’ at Second Baptist Church Director of Christian Education (SBC)

“As an educator for the past thirty-seven years, I am an advocate for children in every aspect. I want all students to have the best opportunity for success in life by learning all they can.”

As an educator for thirty five years, I have a deep passion for children. Learning is an ongoing process. I feel that every child should have an opportunity to grow in a well managed environment with instructional strategies to measure the growth of each child and provide learning opportunities where each child can reach their optimal potential.”