Candice DeGrafinried
Hallett Academy, Denver Public Schools
Denver
1
Certification
28
Years of experience
Equity-focused school leader with 20 years in public education and 15 years as Principal. Specializes in developing educators, designing professional learning, and creating systems that attract and retain talent. Experienced in cross-department collaboration, instructional coaching, and culturally sustaining practices. Seeking Leadership & Development Specialist role to enhance district talent pipelines and support early-career teachers.
Work History
Principal
2 Years 6 Months- Collaborated across district teams to design and implement systems that enhanced teacher practice and improved student outcomes.
- Led professional learning cycles in literacy, culturally responsive teaching, and data-driven instruction aligned to district academic priorities.
- Developed capacity of Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) members to coach novice teachers, resulting in improved early-career teacher retention and instructional effectiveness.
- Analyzed assessment data and classroom observations to inform schoolwide instructional strategy and targeted teacher support.
- Modeled exemplar culturally sustaining practices, including unit/lesson planning, data meetings, and feedback conversations.
- Forged partnerships with community organizations, universities, and district departments to advance teacher development and foster student success.
Principal
10 Years- Directed talent development systems, enhancing coaching cycles, new teacher onboarding, and professional learning aligned with district goals.
- Supported early-career teachers through structured mentoring, observation cycles, and collaborative planning to strengthen teaching practices.
- Supported early-career teachers through structured mentoring, observation cycles, and collaborative planning.
- Managed budgets, contracts, and operational systems to ensure alignment with instructional priorities and facilitate staff development.
Principal/Assistant Principal
7 Years- Facilitated Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), coaching cycles, and instructional walkthroughs, enhancing teacher practice and student engagement.
- Facilitated Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), coaching cycles, and instructional walkthroughs to strengthen teacher practice.
- Collaborated with district partners to implement curriculum and assessment systems, ensuring alignment with equity-focused instructional practices.
- Led development and implementation of school improvement plans to enhance student achievement.
- Mentored and supported teachers in curriculum design and instructional strategies.
- Coordinated professional development workshops to foster teacher collaboration and skill enhancement.
- Implemented behavior management systems to improve school climate and student engagement.
Instructional Coach & Teacher
7 Years 9 Months- Coached educators in literacy, humanities, and culturally responsive instruction to enhance teaching practices.
- Facilitated scaffolding and language supports for multilingual learners, ensuring equitable access to grade-level content.
- Cultivated classroom cultures that fostered belonging, curiosity, and academic rigor, promoting student engagement and achievement.
Education
Ritchie Program for School Leaders - School Leadership Program
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction
Skills
Talent Development
Instructional Coaching
Learning facilitation
Data-driven instruction
Literacy instruction
Culturally sustaining
MTSS
PBIS
Restorative Practices
Multilingual Learner Support
Program Implementation
Equity leadership
School Budget Management
Department collaboration
Community partnerships
Accomplishments
- Talent Development: Built systems that strengthened teacher practice, improved retention, and increased instructional coherence.
- Novice Teacher Support: Designed and facilitated onboarding, induction, and coaching structures for early-career teachers.
- Pipeline Leadership: Supported Student-to-Para and Para-to-Teacher pathways through mentoring, coaching, and collaborative partnerships.
- Professional Learning Leadership: Designed district-aligned PL in literacy, culturally sustaining practices, and data-driven instruction.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with academics, MLE, HR, and universities to align teacher preparation with district priorities.
Certification
Colorado Professional Principal License — Current and Active
Candidate Snapshot
A seasoned school leader with 20+ years in public education, I bring deep experience in instructional leadership, professional learning design, and educator development. I am known for building meaningful relationships, influencing without authority, and creating environments where adults and students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to grow.
Professional Endorsement
"Candice is an exceptional educator who consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to student learning, collaboration, and instructional excellence. She has a natural ability to build meaningful relationships with both students and colleagues, creating an environment where everyone feels supported and inspired. Her leadership, positive attitude, and dedication to continuous growth make her someone others naturally turn to for support and ideas. I am confident Candice would excel as a Leadership & Development Specialist."
Leadership Philosophy
I believe that every educator deserves the support, coaching, and development needed to thrive—and that strong adult learning systems directly shape student success. My leadership centers on building trust, elevating talent, and designing equitable systems that prepare, grow, and retain exceptional educators across Denver Public Schools.
Professional Focus Areas
- Talent Development & Educator Growth: Preparing, supporting, and retaining top talent through coaching, professional learning, and collaborative systems.
- Instructional Leadership & Novice Teacher Support: Strengthening early-career teachers through learning cycles, modeling, and aligned district partnerships.
- Equity-Driven Systems Design: Ensuring culturally sustaining practices, multilingual learner supports, and equitable access to high-quality instruction.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Partnering with academics, MLE, HR, universities, and community organizations to strengthen educator pipelines.
- Organizational Leadership & Operations: Managing budgets, contracts, data reporting, and program implementation with clarity and excellence.
Timeline
Principal
Hallett Academy, Denver Public Schools
01.2024 - CurrentRead More
Principal
Southlawn Elementary & Thimmig Elementary, 27J Schools
01.2014 - 01.2024Read More
Principal/Assistant Principal
Denver Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2014Read More
Instructional Coach & Teacher
Denver Public Schools
08.1998 - 05.2006Read More
Lesley University
Master of Arts from Curriculum & Instruction
Read More
University of Denver
Ritchie Program for School Leaders from School Leadership Program
Read More