Diane Emerson Email and Phone Number

Provided leadership to 20 public and private pre-kindergarten sites.Managed multi-million dollar state and federal early childhood programs’ budgets.Created new vision and mission for the NHCS Pre-K Program.Aligned goals with the NC State Board of Education and ensured the implementation of the NC Standard Course of Study for Pre-K at all Pre-K, More at Four sites.Implemented a new assessment program for Pre-K students that aligned with the New Hanover County Schools kindergarten assessment.Obtained and maintained excellent licensure ratings and Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) scores at Pre-K facilities.Maintained positive partnerships between NHCS Pre-K Centers and feeder schools.Provided and facilitated opportunities for collaboration between the Pre-K/More at Four sites to develop a sense of unity and support for all staff.Oversaw the training and support of literacy and math workshops for teachers and administrators.Provided workshops for parents on literacy, math, social skills, nutrition and other relevant topics.Assisted principal in operation of a middle school.Provided curricular and instructional leadership.Supervised, directed, and evaluated middle school staff.

Conducted research and prepared weekly education documents and presentations for House members.Assisted the Speaker and legislators responding to constituents' requests for information on education and policy issues.Wrote education-oriented speeches for the Speaker and legislators.Represented the Speaker's Office at federal, state, and local education meetings and conferences.Collaborated with diverse state and local education organizations and agencies to design effective education policy for all public schools in North Carolina.

Provided independent research contributing to policy decisions made by NC House of Representatives.Collaborated with legislators and various education agencies to develop appropriate education policy for diverse student populations.Provided technical assistance to legislators and their constituents planning academic programs targeting students at risk of academic failure.Produced specific documents for legislators and constituents focused on educational programs, policies, and services for students at risk of failure.Planned, coordinated, and implemented a statewide education summit focused on developing and implementing key strategies and initiatives for accelerating the achievement of diverse student populations. Deans of the schools of education of the 16-campus UNC were the target audience. Summit co-sponsors included: NC Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, INC, Office of Governor James B. Hunt, Office of House Speaker James B. Black, Office of President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight, and Office of the NC State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mike Ward.

Developed studies documenting effective instructional and curricular practices; disseminated the data to schools throughout the state.Conducted comprehensive needs assessments in low-performing schools using statistical data of student test scores culminating in individualized strategic plans to increase student performance.Designed and conducted statewide professional development programs to local education agencies to improve the academic performance of diverse student populations in reading and writing.Assisted district leadership in collaborating with school leadership to improve instructional delivery and foster a culture of school support. Participated in the development of studies documenting effective instructional and curricular practices.Analyzed and provided local education agencies and schools with feedback on best instructional practices.