Linda O’Konek is a Professional Development Associate with The Leadership and Learning Center. Linda recently retired from Norfolk Public Schools in Norfolk, Virginia as the 2005 Broad Prize winner. Her recent assignments included Executive Director of Education Accountability, Grant Manager for an $8 million School Improvement Grant, and Executive Director of Elementary Schools. During her 40 years with Norfolk Public Schools, Linda has served as an elementary and middle school music teacher, a music specialist for the district, an instructional specialist in Title I and non-Title I schools, an assistant principal, and an elementary school principal.
As Executive Director of Education Accountability, Linda was responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the district’s Comprehensive Accountability System. She provided professional development for the School Board, central office departments, and school administrators and teachers in the development of their accountability plans. She coordinated the activities of the Council for Leadership and Strategic Planning and provided leadership support for principals in implementing their school improvement plans.
In her role as Executive Director for elementary schools, Linda was responsible for the supervision of over 8,000 students in nineteen elementary schools. She provided daily support for principals in their school improvement efforts, in the development of school accountability plans, and provided guidance in using data to drive improvement efforts. She coordinated the district support for Focus Schools, conducted Academic Audits for unaccredited schools, and provided district-wide professional development of accountability plans.
Linda has vast experience working with teachers, principals and central office administrators. She supports The Center’s work in the areas of data-driven decision making, data teams, data teams for leaders, the PIM process, accountability planning, power strategies for effective teaching, writing, Response to Intervention, leadership coaching, and other support services. Through her extensive personal school improvement experiences, she is able to share the power of data-driven decision making, frequent common assessments, a comprehensive accountability system, strategies for effective teaching, and leadership in school and district transformation efforts.
Linda is known for her high energy, enthusiasm, thoroughness, and action-oriented commitment to improving the quality of teaching and learning for all. Her entire career in public education has been dedicated to achieving excellence in all things. Her driving force is the belief that “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Linda lives with her husband, Mike, in Virginia Beach, Virginia and has two children, Michael and Courtney. Linda loves the arts, gardening, creative crafts, shopping, and laughing with friends.
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