Presented by Dr. Joseph Davis, Superintendent, Ferguson-Florissant School District (MO); Dr. Jane Crawford, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary School Leadership, Ferguson-Florissant School District (MO); and Sean Joyce, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary School Leadership, Ferguson-Florissant School District (MO)
Presented by ERDI
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Principals are essential to sustainable school improvement, regardless of their experience level. In this third edLeader Panel of Trailblazing Leadership Week, we’ll highlight the crucial role principals play in guiding Instructional Leadership Teams (ILTs) to elevate student achievement. Both first-year and experienced principals will discover tools to foster collaborative environments where teachers analyze data, refine instructional practices, and align strategies with school goals.
In addition to leading ILTs, principals will explore ways to extend this work into classrooms, directly coaching teachers and providing targeted feedback to enhance instructional practices. Our session will provide practical tools tailored to help first-year principals establish a solid foundation in instructional leadership while also equipping experienced principals with strategies to deepen their impact. This hands-on approach will support principals in cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and shared responsibility for student success, especially in the complex landscape of urban schools. Join us to strengthen your leadership and make a lasting impact on your school community.
This edLeader Panel will be of interest to PreK-12 school leaders, district leaders, and teachers. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenters
Dr. Joseph Davis has served as Superintendent of Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD) since 2015, championing equity, innovation, and expanded student opportunities. His leadership has driven transformative initiatives, including the establishment of STEAM schools, the Big Picture-inspired Innovation High School, and a restorative discipline model through the district’s Restoration and Wellness Center.
A seasoned educator, Dr. Davis began his career as a mathematics teacher in North Carolina, later advancing to principal and executive leadership roles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master of School Administration, and an Education Specialist degree from East Carolina University. He earned a second master’s and a doctorate in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University.
Prior to joining FFSD, Dr. Davis held leadership roles in Chicago Public Schools and served as Superintendent of Washington County Schools in North Carolina. Dr. Davis proudly lives in Ferguson with his wife and son. His wife, LaTanya, is a school counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). His son, Joseph, graduated from STEAM High and currently attends Mizzou – University of Missouri in Columbia.
Dr. Jane Crawford serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary School Leadership in the Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD), bringing over 30 years of educational experience. Her tenure in FFSD includes roles as Assistant Superintendent of Support Services and Principal of the STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School. Dr. Crawford began her career in 1993 as an English teacher at McCluer High School and has since held various leadership positions, including principal and assistant principal at both elementary and secondary levels, as well as attendance administrator and dean of students. She earned her doctorate and Education Specialist degree in educational leadership from Saint Louis University. She also holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in English from Truman State University. Her extensive experience and dedication to education have significantly contributed to the advancement of secondary education within the district.
Sean Joyce serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary School Leadership in the Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD), bringing over 25 years of educational experience. His tenure in FFSD began in 1999, during which he has held various roles, including principal at Robinwood Elementary and Griffith Elementary, interim principal at Combs Elementary, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. Sean earned an Education Specialist degree in educational administration and a Master of Arts in educational administration from Lindenwood University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from SIU-E in elementary education. In his current role, he is committed to fostering collaborative learning environments that support staff, parents, and community members in enhancing the educational experience for all students.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
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At the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI) we work to create a rich and meaningful forum for education leaders and solution providers to collaboratively discuss, design, and shape the products and services, which support PK-12 education. We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to the highest quality learning experiences, so that they will be productive, ready stewards of the future.