Top 10 Directors of Curriculum and Development - 2025

As Director of Secondary Curriculum for Humanities & Arts at Rockford Public Schools (RPS 205), Dr. Acacia J. Ford leads with a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and collaboration. Now in her second year with the district, she has more than 27 years of public education experience, including 25 years of service in the state of Tennessee across Hardeman, Henry, Madison, and Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

Jessica Gake is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Online Learning at Northwest Christian School. With a background in music education and instructional design, she integrates technology and pedagogy to create engaging online learning experiences.She began her career as a choir teacher and adjunct professor before earning a Master’s in Educational Technology. Since 2020, she has led NCS’s online curriculum development.

Dr. Nadirah Nayo is a dynamic educational leader with a strong track record of driving instructional excellence, curriculum innovation, and equitable learning outcomes. As Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Professional Development, Educational Technology, and Language Assessment Development at Pasadena Unified School District, she plays a pivotal role in shaping transformative learning experiences across diverse student populations.

Nicole DiRanna is an experienced Director of Curriculum and Instruction with a strong track record in the education management industry. She brings deep expertise in instructional design, educational technology, and equity-driven leadership, with demonstrated strengths in nonprofit collaboration, lesson planning, Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Dr. Jerome Davis is a dedicated education leader with a proven track record in curriculum design, instructional improvement, and strategic educational planning. In his role as Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Charleston County School District, he leads efforts to strengthen teacher development, enhance instructional practices, and implement district-wide initiatives that support student success. His leadership centers on collaboration, continuous improvement, and delivering high-impact learning experiences.

Claire Shames Steele is an accomplished educational leader serving as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) in Florida. In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of district-wide curriculum strategies, ensuring alignment with educational standards and the integration of innovative instructional practices. Her leadership is instrumental in enhancing teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes across the district.

Dr. Katelyn Leitner is a passionate educator and leader with over 10 years of experience in teaching, learning, and assessment. As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Suffolk Public Schools, she is dedicated to creating innovative, student-centered learning environments that prepare students for success in the 21st century. Her approach blends creativity with evidence-based pedagogical strategies, ensuring that every student receives an education tailored to their needs.

Rose Rojas is an accomplished higher education leader currently serving at Maricopa Community Colleges, where she specializes in program development, academic affairs, and student services. She excels in strategic planning, policy development, and team management, driving improvements at both the school and district levels. Rojas is known for her ability to cultivate partnerships and lead initiatives that foster institutional growth and student success.

Erica Buckland Anderson is the Director of Curriculum and Catalog at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She specializes in accreditation, curriculum development, assessment, microcredentials, compliance, and policy-making. Known for her effective relationship-building skills, she is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and ensuring institutional alignment with regulatory standards.

Dr. Adam Wear is an accomplished higher education leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic enrollment, curriculum development, and partnership programs. As the Director of Curriculum and Assessment at Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), he focuses on fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture, advancing innovative teaching methods, and serving students, faculty, and staff through servant leadership.