Dr. Deidra Edwards
Good Brother Foundation
Board Member
My name is Dr. Deidra G. Edwards, I’m a Southern California born and raised individual. I love the warmth of California and I would only trade it for Florida. Anyone who knows me would note that I’m a lifelong learner with a continual zest for education. Even at an early age, I became passionate about the field of education and business. I even completed a career project in 7th grade in which I noted that I would become an accountant and teacher. I worked in the field of Business Administration for nearly 18 years in which I held numerous positions such as an Office clerk, Bank Teller, New Accounts Officer, Retail/Customer service clerk, Data Entry clerk, Remittance Processor, and lastly became a Staff Accountant/Bookkeeper for an esteemed accounting firm. Upon completing my Associate and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I later decided to embrace education as a second career at the age of 37. In essence, I held true to my projection of becoming an accountant and teacher.
Upon learning of my daughters’ learning disabilities, I changed professions to pursue the field of Special Education. Within the field of education I’ve held numerous positions during my 25 years combined within Pasadena Unified (PUSD) and Victor Valley Union High School District (VVUHSD). These positions consist of Assistant Principal, Special Education District Coordinator, Severely Handicapped/Special Day Class/Resource Specialist Program/Emotional Behavior Disability Special Education Teacher, Special Education Department Chair, Junior Varsity Softball Coach, Black Student Union Advisor, LEARNS tutor, APEX (online education) Credit Recovery Program Coordinator, Beginning Teacher Support & Assessment (BTSA) Support Provider, CAHSEE Blitz Teacher, Saturday School/Afterschool Detention Teacher, WASC Group Leader, and PUSD Afterschool Compensatory Education Teacher/Tutor.
Upon realizing my zest for education, I had the awesome opportunity to attend my first year of college at the University of Southern California (USC) through a specialized academic program that required me to maintain a “C” grade or better in all classes; it was the opportunity of a lifetime that was cut short due to maintaining a “C-” during my freshman year at USC. I was devastated as I was told that I had to attend a city college for two years with a “C” or better in order to return back to USC as a junior. I was up to the challenge; however, a sense of failure occurred and I only completed one year at the city college. I did not re-attend college for another 10 years. Suddenly after realizing that I was not excelling in my jobs, I went back to school and attained 5 degrees in a 20 year time period while being married with 4 children.
I’d like to state that even though my journey was filled with obstacles I developed steadfastness in my educational journey and attained the following educational achievements: I hold an Associates of Arts in Business Administration degree from Pasadena City College, Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix, a Masters of Arts in Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities, a Masters of Arts degree in Educational Leadership including a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and lastly, a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Teaching and Learning; all completed at the Azusa Pacific University. In other words, I like a good challenge and USC actually set the foundation for the attainment of all of my degrees. I can readily state that it does not matter when or where your journey starts does not matter, just stay the course to complete your goals.
Along my arduous journey I faced many obstacles mixed with adversity and triumphs; however, with the unwavering support of Vince, husband of 40 years, mother Carolyn, best friend Carla, four beautiful daughters: Brittany, Courtney, Alexandra, and Heather accompanied with the desire to affect education for the generation of her grandchildren Keelan and Kahniya, I finally attained my ultimate goal of becoming an Administrator who is readily impacting learning such that we enable all students to develop academically and socially in an encouraging setting of shared respect and good citizenship to develop lifelong learners with limitless potential.
I consider myself as a dedicated Administrator, who promotes equity, fairness, and respect among all members of the school community. I have extensive knowledge in administering educational, fiscal, philosophical, and legal aspects affecting educational programs. I exhibit public education principles, and best-practices, amongst implementing school-wide/district wide goals and objectives. I am able to positively impact culture and climate through PBIS/MTSS strategies and Restorative Practices. I develop long-lasting relationships with educational partners, providing conflict resolution strategies and procedures, while maintaining team-building methods and techniques. My extensive public school experience of serving students in cross-cultural, ethnically and linguistically diverse populations has led to positive outcomes. Evaluating and analyzing complex problems, issues, and concerns accompanied with the ability to recommend appropriate alternative solutions to complex situations are highly empowering to school staff and students.
In addition, within being an integral part of a dedicated team, we are committed to these common core beliefs to sustain student achievement: When given the right opportunity, all children can learn; Learning is a life-long process that can be enjoyable and exciting for everyone; Challenging expectations for students and teachers increases individual growth and performance; Educational experiences should provide opportunities for all children to succeed; A safe, orderly environment enhances students’ sense of security and promotes learning; Cultural diversity promotes student understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of self and others; High expectations affect student achievement in a positive manner; Character education affects success in school and in the community; and A successful school addresses the academic, emotional, physical, and social needs of students.
In the meanwhile, when I’m not working, my pastimes consist of reading, writing, zentangle drawing, swimming, bicycling, doing jigsaw puzzles and visiting my daughters in Florida and happily getting my steps in while enjoying Walt Disney World. I recently decided to write about my thoughts of feelings in poetic form as I truly enjoy playing with rhymes and words. I am the author of a series of poetry books titled: Thoughts and Feelings: Life in Poetry. Using poetic forms of writing truly allows me to express my thoughts and feelings as it relates to my current life experiences. I have always liked to doodle as a child and as an adult; therefore, I have taken up the fun aspect of Zentangle drawing. It is such a release to minimize my stressful moments in life. I have taken my love of drawing into creating adult coloring books. My series of coloring books titled: Mindful Coloring Designs along with my poetry can be found on Amazon.