Dona Orr, Ed.D.
Director of Professional Development
Professional Overview
Dona Orr is an experienced educational leader with a strong background in professional development, secondary education, and career and technical education. As the Director of Professional Development at the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, she is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators across the state.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In her current role as Director of Professional Development, Dona oversees the development and delivery of high-quality professional learning opportunities for teachers, administrators, and staff within the Idaho Career & Technical Education system. She collaborates closely with stakeholders to identify skills gaps, develop tailored training solutions, and measure the impact of professional development initiatives. Under her leadership, the division has experienced a significant increase in educator engagement and measurable improvements in classroom instruction.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Dona served as the Director of Secondary Education at the Idaho Career & Technical Education, where she spearheaded initiatives to strengthen the alignment between secondary and postsecondary programs. She also held faculty roles at the University of Idaho and the College of Western Idaho, where she taught courses in education and business. Throughout her career, Dona has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing career and technical education, with a focus on preparing students for success in the workforce.
Academic Background
Dona holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University. Her research focused on the integration of industry-relevant skills and competencies into career and technical education curricula. She also possesses a Master of Science in Business Education and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Idaho.
Areas of Expertise
- Professional development program design and implementation
- Curriculum development and alignment for career and technical education
- Instructional coaching and teacher effectiveness
- Workforce development and industry partnerships
- Educational leadership and strategic planning
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Dona has been recognized for her contributions to the field of career and technical education. She has served as a guest speaker at numerous industry conferences and has published articles in peer-reviewed journals. Under her leadership, the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education has received several awards for its innovative professional development programs and their positive impact on student outcomes.
Conclusion
Dona Orr is a highly accomplished educational leader with a proven track record of driving positive change in the field of career and technical education. With her extensive experience in professional development, curriculum design, and industry collaboration, she is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to the advancement of the education system and the preparation of the future workforce.
