TONYA LITTLE409 School Drive Williamston, NC 27892252-217-3711 tlittle@martin.k12.nc.us

EDUCATION• East Carolina University/ Carnegie Educational Doctoral Leadership Cohort IV, Greenville,

N.C. August 2014 – May 2017.

• North Carolina State University/ Northeast Leadership Academy Cohort II, Raleigh, N.C. August 2011-May 2013, Master of School Administration, May 2013.

• Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, N.C.1986-1990, B.S. degree Biology, N.C. Teacher Certification.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 1984-1986.

• North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics, Durham, N.C. 1982-1984, High School Diploma.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Master's in School Administration, May 2013

• National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) / Adolescent and Young Adult Science NBCT Recertification, November 2011

• National Board Certified Teacher/ Adolescent and Young Adult Science, November 2002

• Biology, North Carolina Teaching Licensure

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

CurrentMartin County Schools, Williamston, NCCountywide STEM Coordinator

Primary Purpose/Function: Responsible for the development, delivery implementation, and monitoring of Science,

Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, initiatives, and educational opportunities.

Collaborate with stakeholders in education and the community to organize and promote interdisciplinary STEM activities that are aligned with content-area standards – including the North Carolina Essential Standards, the Common Core standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.

Responsible for the implementation, oversight, and reporting requirements of a STEM grant.

Responsible for outreach to local community organizations, schools and businesses to provide enhanced, experiential learning opportunities for all students.

Duties and Responsibilities Work with administration, guidance, and teaching staff, to develop/support programs to

enhance parent involvement Design professional development program for teachers in Project Based Learning (PBL),

curriculum development, environmental sustainability; analyze outcomes to inform future PD

Create educational opportunities for students through outreach to community and business resources.

Assist in the development of STEM curriculum aligned with career pathways that ensure integration of academic and career technical education with 21st century skills.

Work effectively with school districts, community organizations, government agencies, parents, students, and/or staff.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

August 2013 – June 2015Martin County Schools, Williamston, NCAssistant Principal. Riverside Middle School; a rural Title I, Focus school, faculty of 26 certified teachers and 6 support staff team members. The student population was 410.

Assistant Principal Jamesville Elementary School; a rural Title I school

Middle Schools STEM Coordinator First contact for student discipline matters. Worked with the principal, staff and parents in upholding a safe, non-violent learning

environment. Facilitated observations and evaluations of classroom practices with pre- and post-

conferences. Videotaped classroom teaching practices and reflected with teacher to analyze for Common Core practices.

Managed student locker assignments. Worked cooperatively with staff in the development of a school vision statement and

signage in the building reflective of school mission, vision and beliefs statements. Member of the School Improvement Team. Member of the Positive Behavior Intervention Systems team. Attended PBIS regional

training with the RMS PBIS team. Worked with staff and community partners in the development and implementation of two

Community STEM events, STEM Family Night (January 2014) and an Earth Day Community Event (April 2014).

Worked with staff and community partners in the development and implementation of the Riverside Middle School 4-H Club. Students competed and placed in regional and state events (NC Regional Science and Engineering Fair and 4-H Presentations Competition)

Published an online newsletter for faculty and staff communicating school highlights, celebrations, upcoming professional development and results of staff surveys.

Communicated school data, news and highlights to parent advisory committee, school PTA and Board of Education.

Wrote and submitted a NCDPI 21st Century Communities Learning Centers grant proposal for the 2014 - 2015 grant cycle. The grant titled, RAISE (Raising Awareness and Interest in STEM Education) would serve the middle schools of Martin County with an in-school, after-school and summer STEM program consisting of STEM modules integrating; (1) hands-on, minds-on learning experiences, (2) site visit to a STEM partner associated with the learning experience, and (3) information about higher education pathways and careers aligned to the learning experience.

Worked collaboratively with Riverside Middle School science and math teachers and North Carolina A&T State University for the development and implementation of hydroponics projects aligned to the NC Essential Standards and Common Core. Tonya Little wrote and developed the differentiated lesson plans; 6th grade, Engineering and Sustaining Hydroponics Systems; 7th Grade, Commercial Nutrient Solution vs. Aqua culturing Fish with Hydroponics for Sustainable Growth; and 8th Grade, Eutrophication and Hydroponics. The partnership led to PD opportunities for teachers (robotics, project-based learning, 5E Lesson Plan Design for Engaging Learners and PLCs).

Recipient of $300,000.00 Golden Leaf grant, “Martin County STEM Expansion”. As

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project director, duties include; continuing the STEM activities, begun in the middle school, to the high schools and elementary schools, identifying equipment needs of schools, implementing project-based learning training and aligning schools with the NCDPI STEM Attributes Rubrics for elementary, middle and high schools.

August 2012 – June 2013, Riverside Middle School, Williamston, NCAdministrative Internship. Riverside Middle School; a rural Title I, Focus school, has a faculty of 26 certified teachers and 6 support staff team members. The student population was 426.

• Assigned bus routes to students and worked with bus drivers and maintenance personnel to effectively analyze new bus routes aligned with the new location of a new school building.

• First contact for student discipline matters.• Worked with the principal, staff and parents in upholding a safe, non-violent learning

environment.• Facilitated observations and evaluations of classroom practices with pre- and post-

conferences. Videotaped classroom teaching practices and reflected with teacher to analyze for Common Core practices.

• Managed student locker assignments.• Worked cooperatively with staff in the development of a school vision statement and signage in

the building reflective of school mission, vision and beliefs statements.• Member of the School Improvement Team.• Member of the Positive Behavior Intervention Systems team. Attended PBIS regional training

with the RMS PBIS team.• Worked with staff and community partners in the development and implementation of two

Community STEM events, STEM Kickoff and Science Fair (January 2013) and an Earth Day Community Event (April 2013).

• Worked with staff and community partners in the development and implementation of the Riverside Middle School 4-H Club.

• Published an online newsletter for faculty and staff communicating school highlights, celebrations, upcoming professional development and results of staff surveys.

• Communicated school data, news and highlights to parent advisory committee, school PTA and Board of Education.

• Selected from among 350 entries to present at the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) national conference’s first Film Festival in Denver, Colorado. The film festival presented films developed by graduate students and higher education institutions featuring issues in education. Tonya Little presented her digital story on what led her on her journey towards attaining educational leadership. (http://ucea.org/ucea-2012-film-festival/?currentPage=2) November 2012.

• Presented at the 2013 Scaling STEM: Strategies That Engage the Mind Conference in Durham, NC, March 2013. With support from a Riverside Middle School 7th grade science teacher and NELA Coach, Dr. John Parker, Tonya presented Engaging Students in Community Economic Development Through a STEM Co-Curricular Project.

• Wrote and submitted a NCDPI 21st Century Communities Learning Centers grant proposal for the 2013 grant cycle. The grant titled, RAISE (Raising Awareness and Interest in STEM Education) would serve the middle schools of Martin County with an in-school, after-school and summer STEM program consisting of STEM modules integrating; (1) hands-on, minds-on learning experiences, (2) site visit to a STEM partner associated with the learning experience, and (3) information about higher education pathways and careers aligned to the learning experience.

• Worked collaboratively with Riverside Middle School science and math teachers and North Carolina A&T State University for the development and implementation of hydroponics projects aligned to the NC Essential Standards. Tonya Little wrote and developed the differentiated lesson plans; 6th grade, Engineering and Sustaining Hydroponics Systems; 7th Grade, Commercial Nutrient Solution vs. Aqua culturing Fish With Hydroponics for Sustainable Growth; and 8th Grade, Eutrophication and Hydroponics.

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August 2005 - June 2012, Riverside High School, Williamston, NC

• Science Department Chairperson• Represented the Science Department on the School Improvement Team• Selected as School Improvement Team Chairperson, 2005 -2006• Assisted students in Summer School remediation and/or credit recovery for EOC Biology,

2006-2011• Facilitated afternoon (3:30 pm - 5:30pm) and evening (6:00pm - 8:00 pm) EOC Biology exam

preparation for students, December 2009- May 2012.• Served as the Science Department representative on the Scholarship Committee Member,

August 2006- May 2011• Collaboratively worked to increase End-of-Course Biology scores from 45.0% (2004-2005) to

76.4% (2010-2011).

August 1993 - June 2005 Perquimans County High School, Hertford, NC• Served as Science Department Chairperson• Served as Science Club Advisor• Served as Science Quiz Bowl Team Advisor• Contributed to diversity awareness by coordinating and serving as the Black History Month

Program Advisor• Participated on the Strategic Action Planning Team, Strategy Team: Multicultural Awareness

and Appreciation• Promoted collegiality by completing the Peer Helper Training Institute and being a peer mentor

to fellow teachers.

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT June 29, 2016, Presenter, East Carolina University, ECU/Temple University Science

Education Against Drug Abuse Partnership Summer Teacher Professional Development- Ethics and Student Research

June 27, 2016, Presenter, North Carolina Central University Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Institute (BRITE) Summer Professional Development for Teachers- Planning a Successful STEM Family Event

June 13 -17, 2016, Planned and facilitated week-long STEM Camp in partnership with Elizabeth City State University, “Mission to Mars), for Martin County middle school students. The camp was supported by grant funding from the Biogen Foundation, Golden LEAF Foundation and ECSU NASA MUREP.

April 5, 2016, Presenter, Scaling STEM Conference- North Carolina New Schools, STEMulating STEM Electives During and After School

January 4, 2016, project entitled Mission to Mars, selected to receive $4,954.00 from the Biogen Foundation’s Ignite the Power of STEM Grant Program

November 13, 2015, Presenter, North Carolina Science Teachers Association, Science Education Against Drug Abuse Partnership, in partnership with East Carolina University, Temple University, Martin County teachers, Pitt County teachers

October 28, 2015, Presenter, Bridging the Gap Conference, North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research, Raleigh, NC, Blueprint for a Successful STEM Program

October 25, 2015, Presenter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. STEM Acceleration Day, NC Telecenter, Williamston, NC, Increasing Minority Female Presence in STEM

October 28, 2014, Presenter, NC Association for Biomedical Research Bridging the Gap Conference 2014, Re-culturing a Rural School with a STEM Identity,

July 7-8, 2014, Presenter, NCDPI Summer Institute, STEM Connect, http://si2014reg1.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/Implementation+Innovation+Sessions Tonya Little, along with Riverside Middle School STEM partners and partnering with Perquimans County Schools STEM stakeholders presented the development of STEM programs in rural schools.

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June 22-27, 2014, Presenter, Summer STEM Academy Regional Collaborative For Excellence in

STEM, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC. Presented the 2013-2014 Riverside Middle School STEM events, projects and community stakeholder partnerships utilized to help RMS begin to form a STEM identity in the community.

June 18-20, 2014, Participant, ASSIST (Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies) , Friday Institute, NCSU. Purpose: to develop project-based learning opportunities for middle school students.

April 2014, Presenter, Scaling STEM Conference, North Carolina New Schools June 29, 2013, Communities Learning Exchange, Greater Bethany Baptist Church and

University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida. “Flipping the Script: How Schools and Educators Can Learn From Communities and Families.” An opportunity for educators and community stakeholder to come together to empower schools, families, students and community.

June 27, 2013, Guest Speaker, Education in America (Session 4). University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida.

June 22, 2013, Halifax County Communities Learning Exchange, Williams R. Davie Middle School, “What About the Children?” Community discussion about how to bring together resources to make Halifax County a better place to live, work and play.

June 16-21, 2013, Presenter, Summer STEM Academy Regional Collaborative For Excellence in STEM, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC. Presented the 2012-2013 Riverside Middle School STEM events, projects and community stakeholder partnerships utilized to help RMS begin to form a STEM identity in the community.

March 11-12, 2013, Presenter, Scaling STEM: Strategies That Engage Minds Conference. Engaging Students in Community Economic Development Through a STEM Co-Curricular Project. Presented by Tonya Little & Jennifer Veverka of Riverside Middle School, Williamston, NC with John Parker of Big Ideas 4 the Common Core.

• Current. Working with community agencies and higher education institutions; i.e. NC Cooperative Extension Agency, NC A&T State University, Greenville Utilities Company Representative, NCSU Science House, and It's Your Move Now, Inc. for the development, grant funding and implementation of RAISE, Raising Awareness and Implementation of STEM Education for Martin County middle school students. This collaboration is a result of a grant written by Tonya Little as a result of participation in the NELA School & Community Engagement course.

• November 17, 2012, Presenter, University Council for Educational Administration National Conference, Denver, CO. Conference sent out requests for videos that explored the landscape of quality leadership preparation. Presented personal leadership digital story produced as a result of training with the NCSU Northeast Leadership Academy and Llano Grande Center for Research and Development.

• July 16 -August 17, 2012, Community Internship, It's Your Move Now, Inc. Williamston, NC, a non-profit agency providing counseling and academic enhancement and tutorials. Tonya Little served as a summer intern, developing and facilitating a Back-to-School Boot Camp. The three-week camp served third through eighth graders with themed days focusing on reading, writing, science and mathematics.

• June 17-22, 2012, Summer STEM Academy, Regional Collaborative for Excellence in STEM, North Carolina A&T State University. To enhance STEM education and learning outcomes for middle school aged children in six counties in eastern North Carolina: Edgecombe, Gates, Martin, Nash-Rocky Mount, Washington, Wilson.

• June 7-10, 2012, Communities Learning Exchange, PS 24, Dual Language School for International Studies, Brooklyn, NY, “Teach While Learning, Learn While Teaching.” Participants saw how community members engage in a learning environment that prioritizes relationships and collaboration. Participants also got a chance to visit the neighborhood of Sunset Park and learn about the diverse ethnic communities and history.

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•November 2011, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Ethical Leadership

Conference for Students. Served as a teacher/mentor to encourage students to think critically about their ethical roles as scientifically literate citizens.

• April 2011, Professional Learning Community (PLC) Facilitator, Using Vernier LabQuest and Probes to Engage Students in Learning, Riverside High School, Williamston, NC

• April 2011, PLC Facilitator, Understanding the New Essential Standards for Science, Riverside High School, Williamston, NC.

• March 2011, North Carolina Association of Educators National Board Certified Teachers Advocacy Training Conference, Participant, Raleigh, NC

• February 2011, Northeast Regional Education Service Alliance, Best Practices Conference, Participant, Manteo, NC

• March 2010, English as a Second Language (ESL) Northeastern Consortium Teaching ESL Students Effectively Workshop, Participant, Williamston, NC

• April 2009, North Carolina Association for Teaching Assistants, Facilitator It's In the Box! To- Go Lesson Plans for Minds-On, Hands-On Science Activities at All Grade Levels

• October 2008, National Science Teachers Association Conference, Presenter, TechMath Module Wastewater Treatment Microbes, Charlotte, NC

• June - July 2008, East Carolina University TechMath Summer Institute mentor to Cohort 3 teachers developing teaching modules connecting real-world science and mathematics with eastern NC businesses.

• June- December 2008, United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative Research Education Extension Service (USDA/CSREES) Microbial Genome Sequencing Program. High school biology teachers and students from rural eastern NC focused on the use of genomics related techniques in an archaeological context. Teachers and students collaboratively developed secondary-level teaching modules based upon research.

• June - July 2007, ECU TechMath Summer Institute Participant. Developed a secondary level teaching module in collaboration with a student, colleague mathematics teacher and a local business partner (Greenville, NC Utilities Wastewater Facility). Teaching module explored the science, mathematics, technology and engineering associated with the wastewater treatment process.

• June 2007, Training Facilitator, Aseptic Processes and Techniques, DSM Pharmaceuticals Company, Greenville, NC

• September 2006, NC Mathematics and Science Partnership Conference, Participant, Greenville, NC

• September 2006, SmartBoard Technology Training Facilitator, Williamston High School, Williamston, NC

• August 2005-July 2007, Adjunct Professor, BioWork (128-hour certification course to prepare individuals to take a process technician certification examination leading to jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agriscience and chemical manufacturing) Pitt Community College, Winterville, NC

• May- July 2004, Adjunct Professor, Intro to Biology Course and Lab, Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC

• March 2003, Satellites in Our Everyday World Conference, Raleigh, NC. It's About TIMED: Simulating the SABRE Instrument in the Classroom. Served as teacher/advisor for the NASA SABER student lesson plans activities.

• October 2002, Tek Connect II Praxis Attack Team (Math Skills Procedural Knowledge Team) Participant. Team designed a collaborative web site utilized by the Elizabeth City State University teacher education program to prepare students to take the national PRAXIS exam.

• September 2002, East Carolina University Revitalize Partnership. A four-year commitment between East Carolina University, NC rural schools and Illinois schools to examine and implement scientific visualization in classrooms to address the improvement of technology, conceptualization and computational skills of teachers and students.

• July 2002, Super Science JumpStart Lead Science Teacher, summer acceleration program for incoming freshmen and to promote independent research projects.

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•June 2001, Tek Connect II Integrated Curriculum Netscape Web Design Workshop (NC Catalyst)• April 2001, NC Technology in Schools Legislative Day at the NC House of Legislature,

Presenter, Raleigh, NC• March 2001, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Ethical Leadership

Conference for Students. Served as a teacher/mentor to encourage students to think critically about their ethical roles as scientifically literate citizens.

• October 2001 and 2000, involved young ladies of Perquimans County High School in the NASA Women's Teleconference and Women in Mathematics Symposium at Elizabeth City State University.

• July 2000, Performance Based Licensure Assessor Training, NCDPI• August 2000, Back to School Jump Start for Teachers, Presenter. Presented hands-on lessons

for K-12 teachers to incorporate multi-cultural ideas for science and mathematics, Hertford, NC.

• 1997- Current, Continuous and on-going collaboration with the NCSU Science House Eastern Satellite Center, Chowan County, NC

• 1993 - 2005, Mathematics and Science Coordinator for the National Youth Sports Program, Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC

MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS• North Carolina Science Teachers

Association• National Science Teachers Association• North Carolina Association of Educators

• National Education Association• ASCD • Community Learning Exchang

WEBSITES• NCSU NELA, http://nela2little.wikispaces.com/Digital+Portfolio+Home• Riverside Middle School, http://riversidestem.wikispaces.comAWARDS & HONORS RECEIVED• 2011, National Board for Professional Teaching Re-certification, Adolescent and Young Adult

Science• 2007 - 2008, Martin County Teacher of the Year• 2007- 2008, Williamston High School Teacher of the Year• 2003, North Carolina Science Teachers Association Region 1 Outstanding Science Teacher of

the Year• 2002, National Board for Professional Teaching Certification, Adolescent and Young Adult

Science• 2001, One of thirty teachers chosen from across NC to participate in the NASA Space Camp

for teachers, Huntsville, Alabama• 1999-2000, Perquimans County High School Cyber Teacher of the Year and grant recipient for

excellence and creativity in the use of Internet resources for teaching and learning.• 1996, Keynote speaker for the NC Region 1 Beta Club Annual Meeting• 1996, Fall convocation speaker North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Durham,

NC• 1993-1994 Perquimans County High School Teacher of the Year

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