


Implementing and sustaining a Shared Vision of Teaching and Learning (SVoTaL) creates a catalyst for continuous school improvement. During this session, testimonials and reflections from building-level leaders will provide clear examples of how focused administrative teams have transformed their schools. The essential ingredients to a successful data-driven school culture include consistent monitoring, continuous reflection and precise next steps. If you do not know what is working, how can it be sustained? If you do not know what is wrong, how can it be fixed? Join us as we provide evidenced-based practices for implementing and sustaining a shared vision and a culture of accountability that lead to student achievement.

R. Steven Jones is a 22-year educator who has served most of his tenure as a turnaround administrator. He served as a physical education teacher at King Elementary and principal of the following schools: L. H. Williams Elementary, Miller Middle Fine Arts Magnet, Appling Middle, and seven years at Northeast High. Under his leadership, graduation rates have improved, the number of students pursuing post-secondary options have increased, and a community was revitalized. During his last tenure, he completed the implementation of a 5-year School Improvement Grant. The graduation rate of 80% or higher was sustained for five years and continues even after his promotion to the Executive Officer of School Improvement. In his current role as Executive Officer, Mr. Jones coaches and evaluates 13 principals who lead schools identified on the state's designated school's list. Under his leadership, schools are making significant progress.
Tomika Y. Jones is a motivated, dedicated, highly effective educator equipped with 18 years of teaching, mentoring, coaching, modeling, and intervention experience in the Bibb County Public School District. Ms. Jones began her career as a kindergarten teacher, and has taught first grade, third grade, and served as an Early Intervention Program teacher for grades K-5. She has received several honors and recognitions including being identified as a Model Teacher for Balanced Literacy in 2007. In 2012, she became Teacher of the Year and placed as a Top Five Finalist for Bibb County Teacher of the Year. She is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Georgia College and State University.
Sonya has been an educator for 25 years. She has worked as a teacher, an instructional coach, program director, assistant principal and principal that span elementary, middle, and high school.
Donna Walker Thompson has dedicated over 22 years to educating and leading the public school system. A product of the Bibb County School District, she serves proudly in her second year as principal at Northeast High School, where she graduated valedictorian of her class. She received a B. S. Degree in Biology from Spelman College and an M.S. in Biology and Ed. S. Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia College. While serving in Bibb County, she has been recognized as a Northeast High School Teacher of the Year and a Finalist for Bibb County School District Teacher of the Year.