Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Phone: 217.362.3040

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dr. Larry D. Gray II, Ph.D.

Dr. Larry Gray graduated from Olivet College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology. Dr. Gray also holds a Masters and Doctorate of Educational Leadership degree from Western Michigan University.

Dr. Gray has honed his student-centered approach through his work as a counselor, adjunct college professor, and school administrator. He started his career in education at Starr Commonwealth School for Boys as a Counselor, then joined Battle Creek Public Schools as Director of Workforce Development. Dr. Gray’s other previous leadership roles include Principal at both the High School and Junior High School level, and as an administrator in both Illinois and Missouri.

Dr. Gray encourages students to become life-long learners and passionate about their education. His skills have allowed him to become a visionary and creative leader who promotes team and community building within a school system by working with each stakeholders on behalf of all students.

Dr. Gray is honored to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for Decatur Public Schools.

Director of Teaching & Learning - Secondary

Phone: 217.362.3040

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Dr. Edwin Robinson, Ph.D.

Dr. Edwin Robinson is the Director of Teaching & Learning - Secondary. He has a focus on curriculum and instruction at the middle and high school levels within DPS #61. Dr. Edwin Robinson graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. He also holds Master’s degrees in Higher Education and Business Administration, as well as a Doctorate of Educational Leadership degree from Mississippi State University.

Since 2009, Dr. Robinson has held positions in educational leadership in schools and school districts in Mississippi and Tennessee. He was most recently a Principal in Shelby County Schools in Memphis, Tennessee.

Director of Teaching & Learning - Elementary

Phone: 217.362.3040

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Mary Brady

Ms. Mary Brady is the Director of Teaching & Learning - Elementary. She has a focus on the Elementary level within DPS #61. Ms. Brady graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science. She also holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
 
Ms. Brady began her educational career in Decatur, while student teaching at Eisenhower High School. Ms. Brady has been an administrator with Decatur Public Schools since 2018, serving as Principal of Durfee Technology Magnet School and Michael E. Baum Elementary School.  Immediately prior to joining DPS, Ms. Brady was the Academic Vice Principal of Al Hemma School in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Her experiences within Central Illinois and internationally have allowed her to develop her passion for a student-centered approach to teaching and learning.

Department Overview

  • Decatur Public Schools recognizes that curriculum is an essential component within an effective school district. We first begin with the state adopted standards. Teams of teachers then break these standards down by defining what knowledge and skill is required for students to reach the defined objectives. These objective statements, outlining what students should know and be able to do, are written as “Students will be able to…”

    Teacher teams, often with the help of our district Instructional Coordinators, determine appropriate learning progressions and suggested pacing for units of study. They also designate aligned resources and review assessment items that help inform our progress toward these standards.

    DPS recognizes that curricular development is an ongoing process and is committed to the continual examination of our curriculum as we provide opportunities for every student to maximize his or her unique potential.