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    principal

    Since Ms. Powell began her career as a classroom teacher in Ozark, Missouri, she has taught in a variety of classrooms. She has also held numerous positions in education including, but not limited to: Exceptional Education Director, Federal Programs Director, EE/SS Supervisor, and Coach. Over the years she has shared her knowledge and dedication to education with teachers and others.

    She holds several Masters Degrees in Special Education Administration, Elementary Education and Educational Leadership.

    Upon moving to Duval County in 2010 she first served as a Special Educator, followed by a position as an ESE supervisor, then 3 years as the Assistant Principal of GRASP Academy. In 2019 she was selected to serve as the Principal of GRASP Academy for the 2019-2020 school year. Ms. Powell believes in empowering educators and has worked with her faculty and staff in developing an “essential road map” for the advancement of students under the “GRASP Approach”. Using the seven principles of Orton-Gillingham, she has progressed GRASP Academy to a culture and community were an emotionally sound learning environment is of the highest priority.

    Her vision for GRASP Academy and its future is

    The GRASP Instructional Model provides a diverse set of teaching strategies and approaches based on Orton-Gillingham principles to address the needs of struggling readers (learners) focusing on students with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. The school incorporates project-based learning and enrichment strategies in a prescriptive format. Classroom instruction utilizes a variety of structured learning approaches, containing multisensory, sequential, cognitive, prescriptive, language based, direct instruction that is emotionally sound.

    She continues to share her knowledge and passion of education with others by working with organizations to spread awareness of dyslexia and best practices to educate students who fit the profile. She believes that students do not require a “label” to be taught in a different manner and all students regardless of ability have the skills to be positive and productive members of society.