On Thursday, May 5, the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees approved Dr. Lani Norman as the new Chief Academic Officer. Norman currently serves as Executive Director of Learning at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD (GCISD).
"We are fortunate to acquire a talent like Dr. Norman, who has quality experience in a like-sized school system in reputable Grapevine-Colleyville ISD," Tyler ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marty Crawford said. "What impresses me, even more, is her time at Life School as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, a charter school system based in southern Dallas that serves students across the economic spectrum. The diversified student populations served there, and her upbringing and undergrad experiences in and around College Station make her a fit with Tyler's nuances and values."
Norman also served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Life School. Before joining the Life School administration, Norman served as an assistant principal at Colleyville Middle School in 2016, a learning liaison at Colleyville Heritage High School (2014-2016) and Heritage Middle School (2012-2014). She began her tenure in GCISD as a teacher at Colleyville Heritage in 2007. During her time in the district, she was a four-year participant and leader in the Vanguard Academy of Learning, Observation, and Reflection, an enriched year-long professional development opportunity for teachers. Before joining GCISD, Norman began her career at Waller High School.
"I am excited to join Tyler ISD to continue the legacy of excellence and lead our academic efforts," Norman said. "I look forward to calling this vibrant city my new home and Tyler ISD my new family."
Norman earned her bachelor's degree in communication from Texas A&M University, her master's degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of North Texas.
"As we transition to a new Chief Academic Officer, I want to thank Dr. Christy Hanson for her time in Tyler ISD," Dr. Crawford said. "Our classroom teachers and campus staff are the premier influencers for continuous improvement and student achievement, and Dr. Hanson has led our Curriculum and Instruction department in support of those successes. Dr. Norman will certainly continue that school-based supportive culture."
Norman and her dog, Cooper, look forward to exploring all the East Texas parks. Norman will be joining the Tyler ISD team this summer.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.