Dr. Lateshia Woodley, LPC, NCC
Chief Executive Officer, International Presenter, Award Winning Author, TedX Featured, Lead Dream Builder
Dr. Lateshia Woodley was an alternative education student, who became an impactful district administrator, and is now an educational consultant and speaker that specializes in working with turnaround school transformation initiatives. Since 2008, Dr. Woodley has worked as a turnaround leader to help bring about positive changes in some of the lowest performing schools in Georgia and Missouri.
As the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services for Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), Dr. Woodley served alongside the superintendent to provide oversight and leadership across the entire district. She implemented a school improvement transformation model that resulted in the school district receiving full accreditation after 22 years of challenges.
Responsible for managing a $328 million budget, Dr. Woodley cultivated human capital of more than 3,000 people and ensured a culture of caring and student success for approximately 15,000 students. Under her leadership, KCPS secured funding in access of $3 million to double the number of trauma informed clinicians and counselors, as well as implemented a four-year collective impact model that focused on trauma sensitive practices and equity throughout all departments, including a complete transformation of the student code of conduct and punitive discipline practices. These efforts resulted in 56% of KCPS schools demonstrating improvements in ELA & Math, 56% reducing the number of out of school suspensions, and 60% of schools increasing their attendance rates.
As the Principal of McClarin Success Academy, Dr. Woodley led the implementation of a community school model to assist students in overcoming barriers that hinder successful completion of high school graduation requirements. During her tenure, McClarin’s graduation rate increased from 19% in 2012 to 75% in 2017. Through her leadership, McClarin was recognized as a 2017 National Model School, 2016 NAEA Exemplary Practices School, and 2016 GAAE Spotlight School.
Dr. Woodley is an award-winning author and has received numerous award and accolades, including acknowledgements from the US Department of Education and the 2016 National Dropout Prevention Center Crystal Star Award.