About Me

Dr. Adams has served in public education since 2007. Beginning her career as an 8th grade science teacher, cheerleading, and science Olympiad coach. In her early years as a teacher,  she became passionate about student learning and was driven to make a change in education starting in her classroom by implementing project based learning. 

In 2013,  she was hired as lead teacher of a new magnet school, The Health Sciences Academy, in partnership with the local hospital.  In this role, she collaborated with industry leaders to develop and authentic real world curriculum which tied in Missouri Learning Standards, aligned to experiences and expert voices and culminated in service learning, and engaging products that connected to the community. 

In 2021, Dr. Adams became the coordinator of Choice Programs and Student Experience. In this role she helped her school district create unique learning experiences for students across the district, while also supporting other magnet schools administratively. She assisted in program evaluations, provided whole school curriculum design professional development, and met with community partners to ensure success of the programs. 

While teaching in a magnet school Dr. Adams completed her doctoral degree while focusing on the impact on learning on student in educational settings like the one she taught in. The findings of her dissertation aligned to what she had personally witnessed as a teacher. These finding ignited a desire to continue this work beyond her district in hopes of being and to inspire other educational leaders to reach beyond their classrooms walls to open up students to greater possibilities by collaborating with partners to enrich learning. 

Today serves as the Principal of Choice Programs. As principal she provides building level administrative support to four different magnets schools. Supporting nearly 50 staff members and over 350 students. In this role, she aids in developing unique learning opportunities and leading a collaborative culture focused on student growth and development.  

In her 17 years in education she has presented an local and national conferences on topics related to powerful partnerships, authentic learning, and students growth in the 21st century, and had the honor of being named Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the year as well as Southwest Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year.   

As she embarks on the endeavor of opening her own consulting company, she hopes to help others on a similar journey, as well as inspire those who are looking for a change. 

In my dissertation I outline the impact of problem based learning, community partnerships and experiential learning has on students. 

1. Partnerships enrich and authenticate learning for students, making the learning real-world and meaningful. Additionally, to can help to address workforce shortages by exposing students to career possibilities at a younger age. In effect, improving outcomes for students post secondary. 

2. Students who engage in problem based learning are more likely to develop essential skills for the work force, including skills in problem-solving, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity, and public speaking. 

3. Learning about and exploring careers in a meaningful way engages students in real world exploration of learning. Additionally, early exposure to careers helps provide students with direction on potential careers and post secondary pathways. 

To view my dissertation and the results of my research click the link below. 

I have served in public education as a teacher and leader for nearly 20 years. In my career I have won awards, supported the development of programs, written curriculum and have developed an expertise in the following: 

Program Development and

Evaluation

Partner/Community

Relations,

Problem-Based Learning

21st Century Skills

Curriculum Design &

Implementation,

Professional Development,

Organizational Leadership,