Dr. Cheri Hayes

Dr. Cheri Hayes began her career in education as a para-professional in 1990. Her passion for children and parent advocacy bloomed while employed with Norfolk Public Schools as a Parent Liaison. Since then, she has served as a classroom teacher at P. B. Young, Sr. Elementary School, Ikego Elementary School, Sullivans Elementary School, Southside STEM Academy at Campostella, Diamond Elementary School, and Shirley Lanham Elementary School. During her tenure at Shirley Lanham, she also served as a Language Arts Reading Specialist. Dr. Hayes was promoted to assistant principal at Kadena Elementary School in 2018 and Kadena High School in 2021.

Dr. Hayes received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Herbert Lehman College, City University of New York. She later attained her Master of Arts in Teaching at Norfolk State University. Dr. Hayes earned her Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Walden University and a doctorate in Reading and Literacy at Capella University.

Dr. Hayes is very knowledgeable in curriculum, instruction and assessment, data analysis and data use across grade levels. Dr. Hayes has an expertise in literacy and is also adept at leading professional development in this area as well as other areas related to effective teaching, active student engagement, best practices in instruction as well as College and Career Readiness. She commands knowledge of standards based instruction, lesson planning, technology integration in classroom instruction, mentoring and coaching teachers.

Dr. Hayes is knowledgeable in curriculum, instruction and assessment, data analysis and data use across grade levels. She prides herself on creating a healthy and inviting culture in schools. She is a firm believer in the student-teacher-parent-community relationship. Dr. Hayes is excited to be joining the Firebirds at Amelia Earhart Intermediate School where Amazing Educators Inspire Students every day!

Dr. Hayes and her husband, Carleton, have three children, Alexandra, Jordan, and Jaden.