Darren Gray

Darren Gray has a diverse and extensive background in education, starting with their role as a Corps Member in Teach For America in 2014. During their time there, they were selected as one of the accepted candidates and participated in a Summer Institute for professional development. Darren went on to become an 8th Grade English Teacher and later served as an English Content Leader and Corps Member Advisor, coaching and developing incoming Corps Members.

In 2016, Darren joined RePublic Schools as an 8th Grade Literacy Teacher, where they successfully coached and developed teachers to achieve network and school goals, including increasing student achievement. Darren later became an Assistant Principal of STEM, overseeing the STEM curriculum and coaching teachers to meet academic benchmarks.

In 2019, Darren became the Founding Principal of Catalyst Academy Charter School. In this role, they focused on developing coaching and development models for teachers and leaders within the organization, establishing an instructional vision for academic programs, and cultivating partnerships with community leaders, families, and scholars.

Most recently, Darren joined Excel Academy Charter Schools in 2022 as the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. Currently, they hold the position of Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where they are responsible for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.

Darren Gray has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in History from Samford University, which they obtained between the years 2010 and 2014. In addition to their degree, they have obtained various teaching licenses and endorsements from different departments of education. In 2015, they received a Class A Teaching License with endorsements in English 7-12 and Social Studies 7-12 from the Mississippi Department of Education. In 2018, the Tennessee Department of Education awarded him Practitioner Teacher Endorsements in Middle Grades Social Studies, History 6-12, and English 7-12. Darren also possesses Pennsylvania Teaching License Endorsements in English 7-12, obtained in December 2019 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Furthermore, in July 2020, they acquired Pennsylvania Administrative Provisional I certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Additionally, in the year 2021, they attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education and obtained a Certificate in School Management and Leadership.