Barry Thomas

Experience

• 

  Omaha Public Schools

  May 2002 - Sept 2021

  Consultations and Strategic Planning with Inclusive Practices for Equitable Outcomes|The Omaha Public Schools is establishing a set of organizational values, norms, and attitudes that unite all constituents to prepare all students for postsecondary success. To ensure that each of these schools, departments, divisions, and groups are equity-oriented in their efforts, as the Director of Equity and Diversity, I established Strategic Framework for Equity that guides all endeavors.Compliance and Investigations of Discrimination Claims|In a diversity rich work environment opportunities often arise to mediate mishaps, differences of opinion, and oversights. As Director of Equity and Diversity, I am able to provide guidance through these moments of change including investigations, resolutions, and compliance specifically Title IX, Civil Rights, and EEO. Leadership Capacity Building and Staff Development|Our school leaders and staff are responsible for complicated work that requires complex skills and knowledge in an ever-changing work environment. As Director of Equity and Diversity, I inform and support leadership and staff about trends and patterns related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.Development and Review of Policies, Practices, and Institutional Structures| We recognize that educational institutions have been crafted with policies and structures that create unearned advantages for some while pushing others to the margins. In order to create equitable outcomes and expand access to those often excluded these systems must be disrupted.Community Engagements|Student achievement is rooted in preparation for the future and the community that awaits them. With a gaze on trends on the horizon, we must promote collaborative efforts with a diverse body of stakeholders who are seeking to enrich the experience for our students and staff while valuing inclusion. Show less As the Supervisor for Social Studies Instruction I had responsibility for supervision, coordination and improvement of social studies instruction in relation to the goals of the school district and the department of Curriculum and Learning. I also provide leadership for the district on trends and national and state initiatives related to social studies instruction, with specific focus on curriculum trends and impact on the middle and high school levels. I worked to provide educational opportunities, which enable all students to achieve their highest potential through work with principals, instructional staff, students, parents, and the community. I had the responsibility for the district wide development, coordination and articulation of the social studies program. I designed appropriate interactive coursed for trainings that demonstrated creativity, flexibility, efficiency and innovation. Additionally, I performed training analysis, develop objectives, wrote content, test questions and supplemental materials, and prepared scripts for eLearning Show less Responsible for educational development of middle/high school pupilsImplement intellectual strategies responsible for increased achievement in underprivileged studentsForm partnerships with community, local professionals, and parentsMaintain a safe, secure, and productive environment Develop specific curriculum content in direct accordance with state economics standardsEvaluate student daily progress through observations, conferences, and feedbackMaintain administrative recordsHandle sensitive issues of underprivileged and at-risk youthAdminister demographic-based assessments Show less

  • Director of Equity and Diversity

    Apr 2019 - Sept 2021

  • Supervisor for Social Studies Instruction

    Jul 2012 - Mar 2019

  • Secondary Instructor

    May 2002 - Jul 2012
• 

  University of Nebraska at Omaha

  Aug 2020 - now

  Adjunct Professor

  Instructor for Survey of Black Education course for students interested in exploring the epistemology of African and African American people throughout the Diaspora• Design engaging and rigorous assessments and projects to support student development in inquiry, research, and analysis skills• Teaches assigned class material in accordance with learning objectives that are developed by the department

• 

  BCT Partners

  Aug 2021 - Jan 2023

  Senior Consultant for HR and DEI Projects
• 

  Teach For America

  Jan 2023 - now

  Vice President of Community Engagement