Vonetta Maston
Chattanooga
Summary
Results-driven elementary school principal with a proven track record of leading high-performing, student-centered learning environments. Skilled in instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, and building systems that increase student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and family engagement. Known for fostering a strong culture of belonging, accountability, and academic excellence through strategic planning, professional learning communities, and trauma-informed practices.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Orchard Knob Elementary, Hamilton County
01.2020 - Current
- Lead a PreK–5 school focused on academic achievement, student belonging, and staff development, serving a diverse student population
- Drove instructional improvement through consistent learning walks, data analysis, and targeted coaching aligned to district frameworks (T-Eval/Project Coach)
- Implemented school-wide systems to increase academic discourse, cognitive lift, and student ownership of learning
- Facilitated weekly PLCs and job-embedded professional development to strengthen Tier I instruction and reduce variability across classrooms
- Led Continuous Improvement Planning (CIP) with a focus on increasing student outcomes in literacy and math through structured intervention (RTI) and data cycles
- Strengthened family and community engagement through academic nights, parent partnerships, and community-based programming
- Established and maintained a positive school culture through PBIS, House System implementation, and student-centered incentives
- Managed school operations including staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and compliance with district/state expectations
- Monitored student data (attendance, behavior, academic performance) to inform strategic decisions and targeted interventions
- Supported inclusive practices for students with IEPs and English Learners through collaboration with specialized staff and instructional supports
- Key Accomplishments:
- Increased TVAAS scores with student growth from level 3 to level 5 through targeted instructional initiatives (2024-2025).
- Guided teams in analyzing benchmark data, resulting in a school-wide performance increase from Level 2 to Level 4. (2022-2023)
- Recognized by HCS during Principal Appreciation Month (2025-2026)
- Increased TVAAS scores with student growth from level 4 to level 5 through targeted instructional initiatives.
- Standard (5.RI.KID.2) alignment work with teachers increased 5th grade numbers correct to 65% on Q3 snapshot from 42.7% on Q2 snapshot. (2025-2026)
- Guided teams in analyzing benchmark data, resulting in a school-wide performance increase from Level 2 to Level 4. (2022-2023)
- Increased microphase data from 25.9% to 36.4% by emphasizing specific foundational skills.
- Certified Trauma Informed School (2022-2023)
- Increased student engagement and academic discourse across classrooms
- Strengthened Tier I instruction through consistent PLC structures and coaching cycles
- Improved systems for family engagement and community partnership participation
- Built a positive, inclusive school culture centered on belonging and student success
Principal
Hillcrest Elementary, Hamilton County
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Led overall school improvement efforts focused on increasing student achievement, strengthening school culture, and building staff capacity
- Established community partnerships to provide student engagement opportunities, mentorship, and school-based events
- Strengthened family and community involvement through intentional outreach and school-wide initiatives
- Supported teachers through coaching, feedback, and professional learning aligned to instructional priorities
- Monitored and responded to student data (academic, behavior, attendance) to drive targeted interventions and school-wide decisions
- Key Accomplishments:
- Partnered with district Leads to implement literacy and math labs
- Increased Tier 2 student growth to Tier 1 in literacy and math by 8%
- Increased Math proficiency to 27%
- Secured 1:1 Chromebook access for grades 3–5 through strategic advocacy and partnership with the Commissioner, expanding student access to technology and digital learning opportunities
- Modernized the school library by updating and expanding book collections, increasing student access to diverse and engaging texts
Assistant Principal
Hillcrest Elementary, Hamilton County
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Served as RTI Coordinator, leading school-wide intervention systems to support students academically and behaviorally
- Facilitated RTI meetings with teachers, interventionists, and support staff to analyze student data and develop targeted intervention plans
- Monitored student progress and ensured fidelity of interventions, adjusting supports based on data and student needs
- Supported teachers in using data to inform instruction and differentiate learning experiences for students
- Assisted in managing daily school operations including discipline, attendance, scheduling, and staff support
- Conducted classroom walkthroughs and provided feedback to improve instructional practices and student engagement
- Partnered with families to communicate student progress and support intervention efforts
- Contributed to building a positive school culture by reinforcing expectations and supporting PBIS initiatives
- Key Accomplishments:
- Strengthening the school’s RTI framework by leading consistent data meetings and progress monitoring systems, resulting in more targeted interventions and improved student support
- Increased teacher capacity in data-driven instruction by coaching staff on analyzing student data and aligning interventions to specific skill gaps
- Improved school-wide behavior systems by supporting PBIS implementation, leading to more consistent expectations and a more positive learning environment
- Enhanced family communication and engagement by partnering with parents to support student progress, particularly for students receiving academic and behavioral interventions
Teacher, 8th and 6th Grade Math
Orchard Knob Middle School, Hamilton County
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Piloted a New Math program
- STEM Club co-leader
- Girls Basketball, Volleyball, and Track Coach
- Key Accomplishments:
- Partnered with district Leads to implement literacy and math labs
- Increased Tier 2 student growth to Tier 1 in literacy and math by 8%
- Increased literacy scores by 10%, while building capacity among the 2nd grade team
Education
E.D.S. - Curriculum & Instruction
Carson Newman University
Cookeville, TN05-2024
M.A. - Instructional Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN01-2001
B.S. - Elementary Education
Knoxville College
Knoxville, TN01-1997
Skills
- Employee performance evaluations
- Staff management
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
- School culture
- Multitasking
- Community engagement
- School improvements planning
- School administration
- Instructional leadership
- Parent engagement
Accomplishments
- Overhauled ineffective processes and designed behavior modification plan which successfully reduced suspension by [20% and respectively.
- Set high-level goals for both students and teachers to encourage both parties to strive for personal best and succeeded in implementing long-term strategy with positive results.
- Instituted peer review program for teaching professionals which promoted collaborative teamwork, respect and appreciation between staff members.
- Received an award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals for outstanding leadership.
- Spearheaded [School] improvement plan implementation which redefined performance goals and achieved state's Level 5 TVAAS.
Timeline
Principal
Orchard Knob Elementary, Hamilton County
01.2020 - Current
Principal
Hillcrest Elementary, Hamilton County
01.2015 - 01.2020
Assistant Principal
Hillcrest Elementary, Hamilton County
01.2010 - 01.2015
Teacher, 8th and 6th Grade Math
Orchard Knob Middle School, Hamilton County
01.1997 - 01.2001
M.A. - Instructional Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
B.S. - Elementary Education
Knoxville College
E.D.S. - Curriculum & Instruction
Carson Newman University
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING
- Restorative Practices
- Trauma-Informed Practices
- EL Curriculum Coaching, Student-Centered Coaching, TNTP Coaching Institute
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Member, Principal Advisory Committee (District Leadership)
- Participant, Family Engagement Pilot Initiative
- Collaboration with university partners (teacher residency & research support)
- Contributor to instructional leadership initiatives and case studies
- HCS Principal Mentor (2023-2025)
- HCS Principal Leadership Academy
- Principal Mentor for new principals (2020-present)
- Leadership Fellows Cohort 6 (2004-2005)