Barbara Kimzey
Executive Ed.D. in Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership - K-12 Administration
Education
- 2019, William & Mary, Doctor of Education in Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership - K-12 Administration
- 2004, Midwestern State University, Masters in Educational Leadership
- 1986, Texas Tech University, Bachelor of Arts in German, Minor in Portuguese
What is your current job?
Chief Schools Officer for Norfolk Public Schools
What are your research interests?
Teacher Retention; Systemic change in historically low-performing schools and districts that result in significant improvement in student outcomes
Why did you choose W&M?
- Emphasis upon using research to inform practice.
- Highly experienced faculty who have been leaders in schools and have since built renown as researchers.
- Faculty who genuinely care and connect with students
- Smaller program with a blended learning approach (online elements partnered with intensive, in-person learning)
- Cohort model –learning from each other’s diverse perspectives and making lasting connections with colleagues
What is your favorite thing about the program?
The faculty pushed me, while supporting and encouraging me in my practice. I really learned how to cut through the plethora of theories and “research” to find, plan, implement, and evaluate programs that will make a significant difference for even our most challenged students and schools. For example, many educational products, platforms, strategies, and programs tout “research” indicating their success; however, I learned how to carefully evaluate claims of efficacy and do my own research to find and develop effective approaches to increasing student outcomes.
How has attending W&M impacted your career to date?
My action research dissertation documented not only most of my journey as a principal (which is quite handy when applying for promotions), but also serves as practical experience and research upon which I have continued to develop strategies for building the capacity of teachers, and now principals and district leaders, to meet the challenges with which we are faced. My advancement is a direct result of the work I began at William & Mary. In short, learning how to take theory, evaluate its potential, and then implement it with fidelity in practice has been invaluable in my career advancement.
Learn more
EXECUTIVE ED.D. IN educational policy, planning & leadership - K-12 ADMINISTRATION
