DR. ZORA SMITH DENSON (586) 791-1450 • (313) 401-2585 • dr.zsd@hotmail.com

34442 Jefferson, B20 • Harrison Township, Michigan 48045

CAREER SUMMARY

Innovative dedicated educator with superior work ethics. Experienced in working with diverse learning communities and learning styles. Recognized as a well organized professional with an excellent track record in utilizing leadership and administrative skills. Outcome oriented. Key strengths include:

Planning and organization abilities

Community Connector

Leadership

Teaching/Training

Team Player

CAREER HISTORY

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH, Detroit, MI 2012 – Present

Director of Development and Community Relations

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT, Detroit, MI Wayne County Community College 2006 – 2012

Facilitator:

Facilitates parenting education groups

Coordinates parent involvement activities

DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Detroit, MI A Para-Professional/Teacher Portfolio Assessment Program 2005 – 2006

Qualified Coach for NCLB (No Child Left Behind):

Played a major role in successfully developing materials and criteria to meet the federal guidelines of NCLB.

Directed, facilitated, and coached teachers and para-professionals in the developmental process of instructional portfolios.

Facilitated sessions for district wide teacher certification through the University of Pacific

DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Detroit, MI 1998-2003

Administrative Staff Coordinator/Director:

Played a major role in the strategic planning for district growth and reorganization.

Developed and implemented a male mentoring program through the National Athletic Program (Detroit Pistons).

Coordinated and developed programs for Title 1 Federal projects.

Organized community relations team and tutoring programs in collaboration with parents

DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Detroit, MI 1978-1998

Administrative Intern, Macomb Elementary School:

Coordinated parent conferences

Participated in a district wide student improvement plan to increase student achievement.

Developed several community partnerships that enhanced reading and math skills Teacher, Elementary and High School:

Taught K-8, all subjects and adult education.

Developed, designed and implemented a remedial alternative lab within a local school.

Mentor for new teachers

Facilitated the early intervention program at the local school level

DR. ZORA SMITH DENSON Page Two

WAYNE COUNTY PRESCRIPTIVE LEARNING CENTER, Detroit, MI 1976 - 1977

Director:

Collaboratively developed a state recognized K-5 literacy program

Wrote a proposal for a specific grant to expand an early education program

Conducted professional growth and development seminars

Supervised 60 educators

Hired and trained faculty

Developed partnerships with public school districts

ROCK HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT, Rock Hill, SC 1975

Teacher:

Taught first grade

Coordinator for Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Doctor of Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 2006

Educational Specialist, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 1999

Masters of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 1975

Bachelor of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 1973

Associate of Arts, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 1972

CERTIFICATIONS

Michigan Administrative Certification

Elementary Endorsement – Educational Leadership

Michigan Continuing Teacher Certificate

Endorsements (K-9 all subjects, Early Childhood Specialist)

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS Board Member, Heartline, Inc.

Member, Metropolitan Reading Council

Member, Phi Delta Kappa

Member, National Society for the Study of Education

Member, Metropolitan Detroit Alliance of Black School Educators

Member, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Faith-Based initiatives – local and state

Social Action Director, Yorkshire Woods Community

AWARDS AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Citizen Achievement Award, City of Detroit

Spirit of Detroit Award, Mayor Kwame Kilpratrick

State Resolution for Educational Achievement, Governor Jennifer Granholm

Teacher of the Year