[CharterSchools] Board Member Focus: DeShonda Coleman

Tue Sep 30 16:39:20 EDT 2014

Board Member Focus: DeShonda Coleman

Founder, Getting Ready for AdvancedAcademic Destinations
Board Member, Louisiana ConnectionsAcademy

"Train up a child in theway he should go; even when heis old he will not depart from it."
– Proverbs 22:6

DeShonda Coleman, a nativeof Winn Parish, has been a coach, math specialist/trainer, educational programmanager, high school assistant principal, math tutor, and teacher since 1998.She currently serves as a math specialist for J.K. Haynes Charter Schools, Inc.,and Math for Professionals trainer for the East Baton Rouge Parish SchoolSystem.  She is also the boardsecretary of the Friends of Louisiana Connections Academy, which originated oneof the first virtual K–12 charter schools in Louisiana.

She earned a B.S. degree inEducation from Grambling State University and a M.Ed. plus 30 additionalgraduate credits from Northwestern State University. DeShonda is a LouisianaCertified Adult Educator, Educational Leader, and Teacher in Mathematics andHealth & Physical Education.

DeShonda is passionate aboutworking with high school students and student-athletes to help them find boththeir best fit in post-secondary education and develop a successful careerpath. She is the Founder/CEO of Getting Ready for Advanced AcademicDestinations, Inc. (GRAAD). GRAAD is a non-profit organization that proactivelycollaborates with elementary and secondary students, student-athletes, parents,schools, and organizations to provide integrated academic support, fosterpersonal development, and enhance educational.  

How did you become involved with LouisianaConnections Academy?
With over 10years of teaching experience and serving as the program manager of the LouisianaState University Independent and Distance Learning Program for high schoolstudents, I was recruited by board members of the Friends of LouisianaConnections Academy to serve on the founding committee of Louisiana ConnectionsAcademy.

Why did you say yes when asked to serve? 
I chose to serveon the board of Louisiana Connections Academy because I have witnessed andhonestly believed that diverse methods of educating students is vital for thefamilies in Louisiana.

What was compelling about the opportunity?
The opportunity to providestudents and families with an alternative other than the traditional classroom settingwas needed in Louisiana.  We havestudents for various reasons that cannot positively adapt to the brick andmortar setting.  The option toenroll in an online program can have an empowering impact that helps studentsto be college and career ready.  

What leadership roles have you had while serving onthe board? 
I have served asthe board Secretary, board designee on the Connections Education CurriculumAdvisory Panel, and volunteered my expertise on the academic guidance for theLACA high school students.

Is there anything you know now that you wished youhad known before?
Yes, the true meaning of“educational advocacy”. I see every day how our students and families arehungry for an effective change, for the opportunity to choose the best free andappropriate education, and to not be limited to attend a school that does notfit their needs just because of where they live.  It takes educators and community stakeholders who arewilling to go the extra miles to educate and seek various opportunities to meetthe needs of our students.  Theimpact on education has a huge affect on the future of everyone.  

How can others get involved?
I wouldencourage those who are interested in helping the students of LACA to first gainan understanding of the virtual platform and how it has benefited students thusfar.  Our wonderful staff wouldlove for them to stop by or call to find out how they can give them details ofthe school and how they can help.  

About Louisiana Connections Academy
LACA is the state’s leadingprovider of high-quality, free public virtual charter schooling for gradesK-12, offering a superior, personalized education for students by certifiedLouisiana teachers. The freedom and flexibility of online education allowsstudents to access their lessons anytime, anywhere as long as they have thetechnology, tools and support of their family. Friends of LACA, a non profitcharter board, is accountable for the school meeting high academic studentperformance, Wade Henderson, Chair. Visit www.louisianaconnectionsacademy.com for more info.

About Friendship Public Charter Schools
Friendship Public CharterSchools offers rigorous programs with a dynamic approach to learning. Programsprovide students a unique and rewarding opportunity to achieve high academicstandards. Students are motivated to achieve high academic standards, enjoylearning, and develop as ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficientcitizens who contribute actively to their communities.

The Top Shelf
The success of a charter school hinges largely on the decisions of its governing board. The Top Shelf enhances the capacity of charter school boards through professional development, board recruitment and community engagement. 

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