Qualifications
My name is Lana M. Tatom, my mission is to empower and inspire everyone around me to the best they can be as they follow their dreams. I think of myself as a Leader of Education and a Visionary. We are all growing and learning together in a global society, and one of my passions is technology. One of my favorite experiences has been working with the Michigan Department of Education's Freedom to Learn one-to-one laptop initiatives and Kathleen Elementary is currently piloting and iPad project in 5th grade which is very exciting. I love creating videos for our school to promote reading, positive behavior, and the history of our school which can be found on the Honors and Recognitions link. Education is very important to me and my job is to make sure that every student is provided with a high quality education in every classroom every minute of everyday!
I have an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum, Instruction, Management and Administration from NOVA Southeastern University. I also have a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University. I have certification from that State of Florida Department of Education in Educational Leadership (all levels), School Principal (all levels), Elementary Education (grades K-6), and Mathematics (grades 5-9) which means that I am certified and highly qualified. I have spent the past seventeen years in public education serving in a variety of roles starting as a Child Care Provider; Substitute Teacher; Classroom Teacher; Title I Teacher and Literacy Leader; Director of State and Federal Programs; Directory of Elementary Education; Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; and Principal. I have received the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year Award, Michigan Association of School Board’s Education Excellence Award and the Exemplary Educational Endeavors from the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce. I have attended and led professional development at several conferences in a wide range of topics from technology in education, classroom walkthroughs, parent involvement, student-led conferences, and using data to increase student achievement.
I have had the pleasure of being the principal at Kathleen Elementary School for five years. I am actively involved in training teachers in effective teaching strategies. I meet with teachers and students to analyze data as well as discuss the types of interventions that are needed to bring about student success. We are all a part of the learning community at Kathleen Elementary School. That means we expect ALL students, staff, and parents to learn together this year whatever it takes! I love working with children and doing special assemblies every once in awhile too.
On a personal note I enjoying exercising everyday especially doing yoga, I recently started teacher training in yoga at Satya Life. I began working on my Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership but decided to take some time to write my first book Packing Grandma's China, A Journey to Heaven reflecting on life's experiences and the life of my grandmother who passed away a year ago. I am also a member of Toastmasters International and Women for Women International.
