Dr. Cheri Hayes selected Principal of Amelia Earhart Intermediate School

Dr. Melissa Hayes, DoDEA Pacific South District Superintendent, is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Cheri Hayes as principal of Amelia Earhart Intermediate School, located at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

Dr. Cheri Hayes currently serves as an assistant principal at Kadena High School. She 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 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.