WEDJ PCS

Dr. Barbara Smith, Principal
John Manahan, Chief Operating Officer
Lakeisha Bradshaw, Vice Principal for Academics and Fifth Grade Teacher
Terence Carter, Vice Principal for School Culture
Brian Harris, Dean of Fine Arts and Dance Teacher
Stevonna Miles, Dean of Special Education
Tanisha Nugent, Dean of Teacher Development and Fifth Grade Math Teacher
Anthony Sessoms, Vice Principal for School Management and Science Teacher

Dr. Barbara Smith, Principal (send email)

Dr. Smith has worked in thousands of schools internationally as a teacher from grades 1 to 12, health consultant, academic leader, and administrator. She is also a published writer on best practices in teaching and learning and has trained teachers in programs at three universities in Canada. Dr. Smith played a major role in creating and opening the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy for two years in Detroit, Michigan. She is inspired by the strength and passion of the staff at WEDJ.

John Manahan, Chief Operating Officer  (send email)

As Chief Operating Officer for WEDJ PCS, John Manahan oversees all operations of WEDJ PCS including business, facilities, human resources, enrollment, strategic planning and development. Previously, John served in the Obama administration as special assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Education, where he advised on a wide array of strategic issues including STEM education, military families, and performance management. He served on the President’s Federal Inventory of STEM Education Task Force and as co-chair of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education’s Formal Education Committee. Prior to joining the Department of Education, John served as a manager in the strategy and operations group for Deloitte Consulting, where he assisted federal government and private sector clients in financial management and strategic planning. He began his career in the United States Navy where he was a submarine officer and nuclear engineer. John deployed with USS Montpelier in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his sea duty assignment he reported to the Pentagon as a member of the chief of naval operations staff working for the director of naval intelligence. John holds a master of business administration in international business from the George Washington University, a master of education in education leadership from The Broad Center, a bachelor’s degree in physics from the United States Naval Academy, and a graduate certificate in legislative studies from the Georgetown University Government Affairs Institute.

Lakeisha Bradshaw, Vice Principal for Academics and 5^th Grade Teacher

Ms. Simmons-Bradshaw is a highly motivated, ambitious self-starter who is eager to contribute to WEDJ success. As vice principal for academics, she establishes and attains key academic goals, analyzes and uses school assessment data to develop academic and programmatic goals and achieve improvement, implements and evaluates curriculum, effectively integrates technology into learning, and creates a culture of academic excellence and continuous improvement, among other responsibilities.

She is always willing to support her colleagues with administrative and technical support. Always a learner, Miss Bradshaw attended Trinity College and loves to read about best practices in education. She also loves mysteries and old movies.

Terence Carter, Vice Principal for School Culture (send email)

Mr. Carter is a passionate educator who models great teaching, commitment to community service and leadership. As vice principal for school culture, Mr. Carter leads daily school operations when the principal is absent; mentors and evaluates teaching assistants; coordinates effective communication about teaching, learning, and activities at WEDJ with parents and community members; coordinates and promotes school spirit events, extracurricular activities, assemblies, and the student ambassador and teacher advisor programs; and co-directs the WEDJ summer school program.

Mr. Carter is dedicated to a positive school culture at WEDJ. His experience with safety, supervision, and discipline is second to none, and he goes the extra mile when forming relationships with students, families and teachers. Mr. Carter has been a branch director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington as well as the Alternative Learning Coordinator in Maryland.  Mr. Carter graduated with a degree in social work at Bowie State University where he was also the head softball coach. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree and expects to graduate in 2013. Honors include the Team Player Award, Above and Beyond Award, Unsung Hero Award and Teacher of the Year Award.

Brian Harris, Dean of Fine Arts and Dance Teacher

Mr. Harris has extensive experience in teaching using movement and dance techniques and several curriculum models. As dean of fine arts he oversees, evaluates, and supports staff members who teach fine arts; creates and implements schedules of arts activities and classes; establishes and attains arts goals; oversees the arts curriculum; and establishes a network of volunteers to support arts activities, among other responsibilities.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from Hampton University and a master of divinity degree from The Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He is an enthusiastic teacher with knowledge in planning and behavior management and modification and has earned the designation of Highly Qualified Teacher. He has worked with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Summer Intensive in Chicago, Wolf Trap Music and Movement Residency Program, and the Georgetown Law Center Early Learning Center. He is a member of Divine Dance Institute.

Stevonna Miles, Dean of Special Education

Ms. Miles is a highly motivated team player driven to exceed performance expectations. As dean of special education, Ms. Miles oversees the delivery of effective student support services for all types of learners to best help them succeed; serves as a liaison between District of Columbia Public Schools, the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and other bodies that govern special education and ensures that WEDJ complies with all regulations; supports and evaluates members of the special education team; and co-designs, implements, and monitors special services for all students who require them, among other responsibilities.

She has a business administration degree from Strayer University and a master’s degree in education and human development at George Washington University and a master’s degree in educational administration. Ms. Miles has worked as a special education coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools, DC Public Schools, and the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

Tanisha Nugent, Dean of Teacher Development and 5^th Grade Math Teacher

Ms. Nugent is energized when she works with people of various temperaments and backgrounds. As dean of teacher development, she creates a culture of effective child-centered instructional practices; designs and implements regular research-based professional development that fosters improved student achievement; and coaches, supervises, and evaluates staff, among other responsibilities.

She is currently working on her master’s degree in mathematics education and teacher leadership from John Hopkins University. She’s has been a member of Jamaica Musical Theatre and a dance member of Pro Moves Dance Company, Stephanie Belnavis Repertoire, and Father Richard Ho’Lung Missionary for the Poor Performing Arts Group with which she travels internationally to perform. Ms. Nugent has a passion for math, she believes that “all students can learn and succeed, but not on the same day or in the same way” (William Spady). For fun, she also likes travel, dance, performing, and photography.

Anthony Sessoms, Vice Principal for School Management and Science Teacher

Mr. Sessoms is an assertive professional with practical experience. As vice principal for school management, he coordinates substitute teachers and ensures coverage for classes; oversees disciplinary systems and procedures; creates and evaluates a safe, orderly, and productive school climate; and establishes and revises class rosters, among other responsibilities.

He has a solid understanding of a diverse range of educational teaching methods and possesses inspiring mentoring skills. He is tech savvy and able to adapt to new situations and systems. Mr. Sessoms is highly motivated with an elevated sense of dedication and loyalty. His university experiences include Elizabeth City State University and Howard University.