SUSAN FAIL
Mooresville
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Iredell-Statesville Schools, excelling in curriculum development and strategic planning. Spearheaded initiatives that elevated school performance and fostered community engagement. Expert in multi-tiered systems of support, driving data-informed decisions while cultivating a culture of instructional excellence and collaboration.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Elementary Curriculum & MTSS
Iredell-Statesville Schools
01.2023 - Current
- Led the design, delivery, and evaluation of mission-aligned workforce and professional development initiatives.
- Designed and facilitated high-impact training grounded in adult learning theory using in-person, virtual, and train-the-trainer models.
- Managed end-to-end training projects, establishing timelines, deliverables, and measurable outcomes.
- Developed engaging instructional materials, including curricula, presentations, facilitator guides, and evaluation tools.
- Supervised and coached staff and trainers, strengthening performance, leadership capacity, and accountability.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to align training initiatives with funding priorities, communications strategies, and organizational goals.
Principal
Scotts A+ Elementary
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Expanded community partnerships from 3 to 8
- Instituted data-informed continuous improvement processes
- Led a high-impact school improvement team and goal teams
- Directed implementation of MTSS for math and reading
- Fostered a culture of shared leadership and instructional excellence
- Moved the school from a D to a C
Principal
Coddle Creek Elementary (IB World School)
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Guided school through IB Authorization; expanded enrollment by 275 students
- Achieved “Exceeded Growth” status for 6 consecutive years
- Implemented a comprehensive marketing and PR plan
- Built strong community and press relationships
- Elevated school to district leader in IB compliance and standards
Assistant Principal
Troutman Elementary
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Led MTSS intervention initiatives across all grade levels
- Provided targeted PD in guided reading, math, and formative assessment
- Facilitated implementation of PDSA cycles across staff teams
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Gardner-Webb University
01.2026
Master of Arts - School Administration
Gardner-Webb University
01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Education
State University of New York College at Fredonia
01.2003
Skills
- Instructional and transformational leadership
- Strategic planning and improvement
- Curriculum development and implementation
- Multi-tiered systems of support
- Data-driven decision making
- Community engagement and stakeholder relations
- Professional development and coaching
- School marketing and branding
Certification
- LETRS Trained
- Distinguished Leadership in Practice (NCPAPA)
- BB&T Leadership Program
- IB Evaluation Leader
Leadership And Recognition
- Principal of the Year, Iredell-Statesville Schools, 2018-2019
- Assistant Principal of the Year, Iredell-Statesville Schools, 2012-2013, 2014-2015
- TIAA Difference Maker Nominee, For community impact
- Keynote & Featured Speaker, NCASA, iReady Symposium, NCPAPA, Davie Co. Leadership Day, AIM Conference, APP State
- Topic Expertise, Standards-Based Grading, Coaching Cycles, Branding Schools
Timeline
Director of Elementary Curriculum & MTSS
Iredell-Statesville Schools
01.2023 - Current
Principal
Scotts A+ Elementary
01.2021 - 01.2023
Principal
Coddle Creek Elementary (IB World School)
01.2015 - 01.2021
Assistant Principal
Troutman Elementary
01.2010 - 01.2015
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Gardner-Webb University
Master of Arts - School Administration
Gardner-Webb University
Bachelor of Science - Education
State University of New York College at Fredonia