Meet the TLP Team

Dr. Jendayi Gardner, Ph.D. Director of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development

Dr. Jendayi Gardner became the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development (TLP) on July 1, 2023. As Director, Dr. Gardner worked collaboratively with the TLP team to put data-driven measures and systems in place for a comprehensive and robust plan for the district’s Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development. Dr. Gardner joined Romulus Community Schools in August 2022 as the Director of Community Outreach and Special Programs (Adult & Alternative Education; CTE; META Lab; AM/PM Scholars; Community Outreach). Dr. Gardner also served as the Co-Principal of Romulus High School and Interim Curriculum Director. Prior to joining Romulus Community Schools, Dr. Gardner served as the Executive Director of the Office of Adult Education and Charter Schools for Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). As Executive Director, Dr. Gardner helped to facilitate a laser-like focus on key metrics for Adult Education through the development of a Data Dashboard. Dr. Gardner also worked to close the achievement gap and helped facilitate success in academics at every DPSCD charter school. In addition, Dr. Gardner served as Project Manager for at least 20 School Location and Program Changes for DPSCD. Dr. Gardner has been an educator for twenty-three years. Dr. Gardner began her career as a mathematics teacher. After serving 10 years as a teacher, Dr. Gardner served in various central office roles where she utilized data to drive systematic change and provided school stakeholders with intensive intervention training targeted towards improving student achievement. Dr. Gardner has a keen ability of capturing evidence of instructional strategies implemented by teachers in the classroom and helping to transform the strategies into exemplary instruction that contributed towards closing the achievement gap for all ages. Dr. Gardner graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Following her graduation, she received her master’s degree in Educational Leadership and doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State University.

Janel Edwards, Supervisor of Professional Development

Janel Edwards, serving as the Supervisor of Professional Development, provides a professional development program aligned to district improvement goals. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of the educational system, a commitment to fostering excellence in education and a culture of continuous improvement.

Edwards began her career in Romulus Schools as an Elementary Teacher in 2000. She has served as a Middle School Math Teacher and Mathematics Department Head at Romulus Middle School. Prior to her position as Supervisor of Professional Development, she was an Assistant Principal at Romulus Middle School. Throughout her professional career, she has been actively involved in many leadership roles, including committee involvement, curriculum development, staff professional development, and presenting professional development sessions at state level conferences.

Edwards holds an Education Specialist in Leadership from University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Mathematics Education and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Wayne State University. She holds professional certificates in Administration with a Central Office endorsement, Teaching, and Coaching 101 Foundations. Her expertise in curriculum development, data analysis, and instructional best practices enables her to provide valuable guidance to educators and facilitate professional development opportunities.

Akua Saulsberry-Marshall, Literacy/Social Studies Specialist

With a strong background in education, a passion for curriculum development, and instructional leadership, I am Akua Saulsberry-Marshall, a dedicated professional serving as the district's Literacy and Social Studies Specialist for grades PK-12. Additionally, I hold the position of Service Learning Institute (SLI) Coordinator.

I have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and facilitation skills throughout my professional journey. I have had the privilege of serving as Principal at Romulus Middle School. Before that, I held positions such as Department Head and Reading Apprenticeship Leader. In addition to my work in schools, I have actively contributed to adult education and college-level instruction. I served as an Adult Transition Instructor at Washtenaw Community College. Additionally, I have taught literacy courses as an Adjunct Instructor at Ferris State University, fostering a love for reading and writing among college students.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise, knowledge, and leadership skills to the betterment of our educational community. Together, we will create an environment where all students thrive and reach their full potential.

Christa Saylor, Math/Science Specialist

Christa Claxton Saylor is excited to serve Romulus Community Schools in a new capacity as the PK - 12 Mathematics and Science Instructional Specialist, and the STEAM Academy Coordinator. She joined Romulus Community Schools (RCS) in September 2022 as the Coordinator of CTE and META labs. She has had a variety of experiences in education over the past 22 years. Prior to joining RCS, Saylor worked for the Detroit Public School Community District as a Mathematics Master Teacher for grades K - 8; a Technology Integration Specialist Supervisor, and an IT Training and Development Specialist Supervisor. Her years teaching as a secondary Math Teacher included Pre-Algebra through Calculus 1 (including a dual enrolled course), and as a secondary science teacher, courses included Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Saylor has worked as an Online Adjunct Math Instructor at Grand Canyon University for 13 years. She also serves on the MTTC Bias Review and Item Review Committees. Saylor received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and her secondary teacher certification. She furthered her education and received a Master's degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She looks forward to partnering with the educators of Romulus Community Schools to enhance their scholar's growth and learning.

Scott Roark, District Data Coach

Scott Roark has been a Romulus educator since 1999. He started his career at Romulus as a middle school English Language Arts at Community High/Middle School. He then transitioned to teaching English Language Arts for the high school grade at Community High Middle. Mr. Roark has been the District’s data coach since 2010 providing professional development in using data and assessment tools to improve achievement for Romulus students.

Sarah Good, Administrative Assistant

My name is Sarah Good. I have worked in nearly every aspect of a school district in both charter schools and public. I started 18 years ago as a “professional” volunteer which led to my career within the educational system. I started working in the kitchen cooking and serving lunch to 750 elementary students. I have also worked as a special education paraprofessional, as an instructional paraprofessional in an elementary Kindergarten classroom and as an at risk paraprofessional in a middle school. At that same middle school, I was given the opportunity to become their administrative assistant, which was when I knew what I loved to do. I moved to the high school and was their administrative assistant for a year. After that year, I decided to move back to my roots and went back to elementary school where I served as their administrative assistant for the past 3 years. While I will miss the interaction with the little ones, the next logical step for me was a central office position. I am very excited and honored to be a part of RCS as an administrative assistant to the Teaching, Learning and Professional Development team.