Willie Brewster is the former principal of Brenda Scott Academy in Detroit, MI. While serving as the principal of Brenda Scott Academy, Willie led school improvement in every domain by lowering chronic absenteeism, increasing cumulative student attendance, decreasing suspensions, and increasing math and reading achievement. As principal, Willie also built programmatic infrastructure by establishing a conservatory for the performing arts. Willie also led a culturally responsive pedagogical approach, established by leveraging brain science, cultural competency and heritage education series to inform practices.
Prior to becoming a principal, Willie served as an assistant principal and teacher for Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, FL. Most notably, as a teacher, 100% of Willie’s students achieved or exceeded proficiency on the state assessment, boasting the highest scores in North Florida.
Willie is currently a doctoral student in the Urban Education Leaders Program at Columbia University, studying Organizational Leadership. Willie received his masters degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia University, and bachelor degrees in Communication and Political Science from Mississippi State University.
Willie is a proud Memphissippian (born in Memphis and raised in Mississippi) and Teach for America alum. Willie was also initiated into the Kappa Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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