Tracy Hinds
Tracy M. Hinds, Ph.D., is an inspirational, optimistic, and resolute educator who holds the highest expectations for students and advocates for creating environments that allow students to thrive. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePauw University in Indiana, a master’s degree in education/special education from Fontbonne University in Missouri, an educational specialist degree in educational administration and doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Dr.
Hinds’ impressive educational credentials do not stop there. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy, and holds professional credentials in Superintendent, Principal, Elementary Education, Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical Education, and Special Reading.
Dr. Hinds assumed the position of Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Learning Services at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in July 2020. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing seven offices including the Office Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services, the Office of Childhood, the Office of College and Career Readiness, the Office of Data Systems Management, the Office of Educator Quality, the Office of Quality Schools, and the Office of Special Education. Dr. Hinds’ diverse experience in education began as a special education teacher in the St. Louis Public School District. She has also worked in the Hazelwood School District as a reading specialist, instructional specialist, teacher induction facilitator, and district co-chair of the assessment literacy steering committee. Prior to her position as Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Hinds served as a district administrator at the School District of University City.
At the national and international level, Dr. Hinds has frequently presented at educational conferences. She has presented at the American Educational Research Association Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada; Learning Forward Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO; National Council of Teachers of English Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO; National Association of Elementary School Principals Annual Conference in both Maryland and Florida; Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Annual Conference in Chicago, IL; and the National Alliance of Black School Educators Annual Conference in both Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO. Dr. Hinds has used these platforms to support educators across the country and share her knowledge and expertise ranging from evidenced-based instructional practices to her research focused on African-American females and their ascent to the superintendency.
Dr. Hinds has received numerous special recognitions including the Top Ladies of Distinction Unsung Heroine Award, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Apple for the Teacher Award, North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice Dr. Martin Luther King Orator Award, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Teacher of the Year-Twillman Elementary School, and Outstanding Graduate Student Award at Fontbonne University.