Collin Thompson

Principal, the Learning Center @Cayuga Centers

New York, NY, US

Our program for Unaccompanied Children overseen by the United States Department of Health and Human Services\' Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), ensures the well-being and safety of unaccompanied children (ages 0-17) who cross the U.S. Southern border without an adult. The Learning Center Principal is responsible for the overall operation and management of The Learning Center. Our goal is be to provide a safe, introductory educational experience that compares to what the children we serve will experience in the traditional public school systems they will eventually enroll in to ensure their transition is as smooth as possible- Led and managed a diverse team of 87 staff members, including three assistant principals, 31 teachers, and 54 teacher aides, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with the Learning Center’s mission and goals- Spearheaded the restructuring of the Learning Center following the removal of the entire previous leadership team, implementing a comprehensive strategic improvement plan to optimize operational and organizational efficiency, enhance academic services, and bolster a positive work culture- Provided instructional leadership by setting clear academic objectives, monitoring progress, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among teachers and staff- Cultivated a positive and inclusive environment by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of Learning Center life- Supervised, mentored, and evaluated faculty and staff, offering professional development opportunities and coaching to enhance quality and effectiveness- Built and maintained strong relationships with foster parents, community members, and local organizations to foster engagement and support for Learning Center initiatives- Represented the Learning Center in meetings with organization executives, government entities, and external stakeholders to advocate for school resources and support.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Bachelor of Arts - BA

Johns Hopkins University School of Education

Master of Science - MS