Dr. JoAnn Berkley named director of student services

Most recently, Dr. Berkley served as a field supervisor for principal interns at Grand Canyon University, where she supervised and evaluated principal interns and student teacher candidates while providing coaching and performance feedback to aspiring educational leaders. In that role, she also collaborated with school administrators, university personnel and teacher candidates to strengthen leadership development.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. La'Quetta S. Small welcomed Dr. Berkley to the district, saying her experience will help strengthen services and support for students across Atlantic City Public Schools.

"Dr. Berkley has dedicated her career to helping students succeed by supporting educators, strengthening schools and building meaningful partnerships with families," Small said. "Her expertise in student services, special education and school leadership will be an asset as we continue ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally."

Dr. Berkley has served as Title I program manager for the Delaware Department of Education, where she managed federal Title I programs, oversaw compliance initiatives and supported school improvement efforts through data analysis and strategic planning. She also provided technical assistance on program implementation, fiscal accountability and student support services while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Before joining the Delaware Department of Education, Dr. Berkley served as deputy assistant superintendent of school supports and deputy chief of student services for the Camden City School District. In that position, she oversaw districtwide student support, guidance and family engagement programs, supervised multidisciplinary student services teams and analyzed attendance, discipline and achievement data to improve student outcomes.

Her leadership experience also includes serving as assistant principal of scholar support and supervisor of special education at Universal Audenried Charter High School, where she directed special education programming and collaborated with families, community agencies and service providers to support student success. Earlier in her career, Dr. Berkley worked for the New Jersey Department of Education as a state turnaround coach and statewide culture and climate specialist, providing technical assistance and professional development on student support systems, school improvement initiatives, MTSS, PBIS, Universal Design for Learning and classroom management.

“I’m thankful for each experience,” said Dr. Berkley. “Each experience has helped me get to the next level.”

Dr. Berkley said she looks forward to working with Dr. Small and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. LaKecia Hyman in addition to staff, students and families.

“I want to ensure that students and families have the support and resources they need so that young people can be successful, not only during their time in school, but also throughout their lives,” Berkley said.

Dr. Berkley's professional background reflects a strong commitment to creating equitable learning environments and improving outcomes for all students. Her résumé highlights extensive experience supervising multidisciplinary student support teams, implementing data-driven intervention programs and strengthening inclusive practices to improve academic, behavioral and social-emotional success. She also holds New Jersey standard certificates for chief school administrator and principal.

Dr. Berkley earned a Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation from Wilmington University, a Master of Education in educational administration from Cheyney University and a Bachelor of Science in elementary and secondary education from Temple University.

As director of student services, Dr. Berkley will oversee programs and initiatives designed to support the academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs of Atlantic City Public Schools students while working collaboratively with educators, families and community partners to ensure every student can succeed.

“I will focus on communication, cooperation, collaboration, and consistency,” Dr. Berkley said. She also thanked Dr. Small and the Board of Education for the opportunity.

“I consider it a blessing and a privilege to serve,” Dr. Berkley said.