Doranda Scott is a highly accomplished and innovative educator with more than 20 years in the field of education in both Maryland and Virginia public schools. Her profound impact on school leaders, teachers, and students results from her expertise in climate, culture, and instructional leadership. Doranda excels in optimizing best practices for effective school design and employing data-driven approaches to make informed decisions. Additionally, she prioritizes the establishment of a positive school climate by embracing a student-centered approach, fostering a solid parent partnership, and maintaining trust among teachers and school staff. Her collaborative nature and formidable leadership skills have empowered her to guide school teams toward student achievement through teamwork, system implementation, data analysis, and robust engagement with students, staff, and the school community at large.
Throughout her career, Doranda has held key positions including teacher, Special Education Programs Coordinator, Grade Level Administrator, and Principal in urban and suburban schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (Virginia State University), as well as certifications in Special Education with endorsements in Reading (University of Virginia), Emotional Disabilities, and Specific Learning Disabilities (Old Dominion University). Doranda holds a Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership (Walden University).
Most recently, Doranda served as the School Climate, Safety, and Discipline Specialist at the Virginia Department of Education. In 2020, her exceptional leadership was acknowledged when she received the Educator of the Year award from the Virginia Middle School Association for her instrumental role in cultivating an academically thriving, positive, and engaged school community focused on care and wellness, wherein both students and staff found pride in their educational experiences.
Doranda Scott will now serve as the Executive Director of Essex County Public Schools.