Danielle M. Gray, Ed.D.

About Me

In my career, I have had a broad range of positions in public education, public relations, and not-for-profit fields. These career experiences, combined with my education and volunteer work, allow me to stay connected to my community and bring a unique perspective to educational environments.

Community Engagement Supervisor

My supervisory work includes my role as Community Engagement Supervisor for Buffalo Schools (January 2023-June 2024), where my primary role was to foster relationships between Buffalo Schools and important community partners. In this role, I also performed a variety of tasks, including multi-departmental and stakeholder committees designed to create policies related to community members and volunteers.

Supervisor of School Leadership

In my role as Supervisor for the Office of School Leadership (January 2022-January 2023), I was responsible for working with school administration to service both large and small grants, observing and coaching district employees to complete the APPR monitoring process, assisting in the design and implementation of principal meetings and correspondence, while also acting as a liaison between the building administration and the Associate Superintendents of School Leadership who oversee all schools in the Buffalo Public Schools. This position allowed me to help with a wide-reaching approach to assist schools in their academic decision-making process.

Coordinator of Curriculum Infusion and Diversity

As Coordinator of Curriculum Infusion and Diversity/Instructional Technology Coach for the Office of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives for Buffalo Schools (November 2020-January 2022), I used my passion for equity in education and curriculum design to guide committees in the creation of lessons that emphasize centering joy through the cognition of cultural diversity and healing. As Coordinator, I supervised teacher committees and designed and implemented staff and administration professional development sessions. I oversaw the development of culturally responsive curricula implemented in all classrooms in the Buffalo School District, reaching 31,000 students.

English Teacher

From 2008 until 2020, I was an English teacher. I taught at Buffalo's Alternative Academy, co-taught in classrooms with a large English Language Learner population, and designed remedial courses for struggling students. I believe in public education, and I enjoy the learning process of raising struggling students to proficiency. I also believe in student empowerment. I spearheaded student leadership programs, led student Social Academic Instructional Groups (SAIG), and participated in the Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) committee Tier 1 and Tier 2 initiatives used in my classroom and school setting.

Program Coordinator

My professional journey extends beyond teaching, encompassing additional types of leadership roles. As a Program Coordinator for Closing the Gap through Catholic Charities of Western New York(2012-2014), I orchestrated external district services to support the needs of students and families in the City of Buffalo community. I also facilitated connections between selected Buffalo schools and the surrounding communities through public events. My data-driven decision-making helped schools improve attendance and retention rates.

Events, Fundraisers, Marketing, and More!

I also have experience in the non-profit and municipality sector as an Events Coordinator, Fundraiser, and Marketing Assistant (2000-2008). In these positions I was able to learn various skills such as marketing strategies, managing press releases and press conferences, events coordination, managing fundraisers, volunteer recruitment and retention, employee enlistment and management, grant writing, budgeting, and contract development.

Education

  • 2001 - Niagara County Community College - A.A. - Liberal Arts

  • 2004 - Buffalo State College - B.A. - English with a concentration in Journalism

  • 2007 - Canisius College - M.S. - English Adolescent Education 7-12

  • 2016 - Niagara Univesity - Post Graduate Advanced Certificate - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

  • 2021 - University at Buffalo - M.S. - Educational Leadership - LIFTS Program

  • 2024- Univerity at Buffalo - Ed.D. - Educational Administration

Certifications

  • NY State Adolescent Education - English Language Arts 7-12

  • School Building Leader

  • School District Leader

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