Open to opportunities

Grace Wu

@gracewu

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Experienced program manager dedicated to educational improvement and innovation.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration and innovation in educational programs.

I am a seasoned program manager with a robust background in educational initiatives and project management. With a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and a Master of Science in Education, I have successfully led high-impact projects that enhance educator effectiveness and student achievement. My experience includes managing multi-million dollar budgets and cross-functional teams, ensuring that programs are delivered on time and within budget.

Throughout my career, I have developed and implemented strategic initiatives that have transformed educational systems. At the Texas Education Agency, I spearheaded the Teacher Incentive Allotment, the nation’s first fully funded educator incentive program, which significantly improved recruitment and retention of educators. My ability to analyze data and communicate effectively with stakeholders has been instrumental in driving program success and fostering collaboration across various educational entities.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

H-

Current

Enterprise Program Manager

Current

H-E-B

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Developed and implemented the PeopleSoft Financials Replacement and Technology Automation programs by negotiating project scope and defining roles and responsibilities across cross-functional teams. Led high-priority projects by tracking metrics, documenting milestones, and implementing routines that lead to on-time, on-budget project completion.

Program Management Project Management Cross Functional Team Leadership Risk Mitigation

Program Director - District Talent Systems

Texas Education Agency

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 6 months)

Strategized, implemented, and maintained program initiatives tied to recruiting, retaining, and developing educators, including the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). Developed and managed budgets totaling $60M+ annual program funding, 5+ multi-year vendor contracts, and a team of 14 members.

Program Management Budget Management Vendor Management Project Management Continuous Improvement Data Analysis

Program Director - Educator Testing and Preparation

Texas Education Agency

Jan 2017 - Present (8 years 6 months)

Set strategy design and proposed solutions that became the basis of the Texas teacher and leader certification redesign initiatives. Led the statewide change management process to influence agency executives, legislative staff, and state board education members.

Strategy Change Management Budget Management Policy Development Stakeholder Engagement Resource Management

Senior Campus Advisor

Uplift Education

Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 6 months)

Created a network of support for campus administrators on topics including curriculum development, hiring, and school organization and systems. Designed programming, presented training sessions, and directly coached writing and science teachers.

Curriculum Development Training Delivery Coaching School Organization Instructional Design Program Design

Program Director - Teacher Effectiveness

Uplift Education

Jan 2011 - Present (14 years 6 months)

Led the district-wide change management process to establish consistent assessment, instruction, and curricular resources. Founded and directed a district coaching team of 13 coaches to support the growth and development of 100+ teachers.

Change Management Coaching Professional Development Curriculum Development Assessment Design

6th Grade Teacher

KIPP: Austin

Jan 2010 - Present (15 years 6 months)

Achieved an average of 1.5 years of growth on a national science assessment in one year’s time. Provided targeted intervention using data-driven instruction.

Data Driven Instruction Science education Assessments Classroom Management

Program Director

Teach For America

Jan 2008 - Present (17 years 6 months)

Designed programming, presented training sessions, and directly coached 36 teachers in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Conducted data analysis to identify the root cause of lack of learning and created action plans for improvement.

Curriculum Development Coaching Data Analysis Training Delivery Program Design

Middle School Teacher

School District of Philadelphia

Jan 2006 - Present (19 years 6 months)

Increased by 45% student Science district benchmark scores by providing opportunities for hands-on learning. Selected as a regional finalist for the Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teacher Leadership Award.

Science education Classroom Instruction

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Project Management Institute

Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management

Obtained certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute. This certification demonstrates expertise in project management principles and practices.

University of Pennsylvania

Master of Science in Education, Urban Education

Completed a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Urban Education. This program provided in-depth knowledge of educational theories and practices relevant to urban environments.

University of Texas

Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing

Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. This degree provided a strong foundation in business principles and marketing strategies.