Meet Dr. Tahira



Superintendent of Schools
Host, “Strictly Education”
Nationally Recognized Leader
Author
Speaker
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.



With 30 years as an accomplished educator, Dr. Chase establishes and validates her passion as a champion for children by empowering those under her leadership to deliver the best educational experiences to ALL children. Her diligence and delivery are illustrated below:

Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase is a distinguished educator with nearly three decades of experience. Her educational journey began at Norfolk State University, Virginia, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts. She furthered her studies at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center and Mercy University, New York, earning a Master of Arts in English Education and a Master of Education in School Administration and Supervision, respectively. In July 2011, Dr. Chase culminated her academic achievements with a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, Rochester, New York, where her dissertation on effective instructional leadership styles garnered significant acclaim.

Dr. Chase's professional commitment to educational excellence has profoundly impacted both elementary and secondary levels as a teacher and, later, as an administrator. Her strategic leadership has been pivotal in enhancing student outcomes, educational quality, and community engagement.

Between 2014 and 2021, she led the Greenburgh Central School District in Hartsdale, New York, as Superintendent of Schools. Her tenure was marked by the introduction of comprehensive initiatives aimed at promoting educational excellence and student well-being.

In July 2021, Dr. Chase assumed the role of Superintendent of Schools for the Westbury Union Free School District, Old Westbury, New York. In this capacity, she has adeptly addressed pandemic-related learning losses through targeted instructional programming and pedagogical innovation. Dr. Chase has been instrumental in restructuring safety protocols, refining literacy instruction, improving communication strategies among multiple platforms, and broadening academic offerings, particularly in STEM. Notably, under her leadership, an unprecedented number of second language learners have successfully transitioned out of English as a Second Language programs, and Westbury students now have the opportunity to graduate with a Seal of Biliteracy. The district is also in the candidacy phase for becoming an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme District.

Outside of her district responsibilities, Dr. Chase is a respected published author, sought-after public speaker, and host of the educational show, “Strictly Education with Dr. Tahira.” She also lends her expertise as a consultant to Pearson-Scott Foresman (Reading Street), McGraw-Hill Textbooks (Impact Social Studies) and Seesaw (Early Language Development - Social Studies). Dr. Chase's contributions to the field of education have been recognized with numerous awards, proclamations, citations, and honors. She currently serves on the board of the New York State Association for Women in Administration and Voices4Equity, demonstrating her commitment to educational equity. Additionally, Dr. Chase is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, further highlighting her engagement with community and professional networks.

Public Appearances

▪Presenter: Ghana Association for Supervision and Curriculum (ASCD) - Accra, Ghana (2024)

▪Presenter: New York State Educational Leaders of Color (Reflective Leadership) - Rochester, NY (2024)

▪Panelist: Scholastic Literacy Leadership Summit New York (2024)

▪Keynote Speaker: Kentucky Derby Athletic Gala - Louisville, KY (2023)

▪Panelist: National Alliance of Black School Educators Leading Ladies Series: Black Women and the Superintendency - New Orleans, LA (2023)

▪Panelist: NABSE Superintendents Summer Summit - Chicago, IL (2023)

▪Presenter: Thought Leadership: To Re(open) or not to Re(open) (2020)

▪Panelist: Special Report with Areva Martin (CNN Legal Analyst) “Schools in Crisis During the Pandemic” (2020)

▪Panelist: Superintendents National Panel “Communicating Your Reopening Plan” (2020)

▪National Superintendents’ Round Table “Leading During A Pandemic” NABSE (2020)

▪Presenter: “Why Women Make Effective Leaders” Women of Color Leadership Conference (2019)

▪Presenter: “Writing Your Own Narrative: How One School District Transformed a School District Through an Effective Communications Plan” National School Public Relations Association (2018)

Recognitions & Accolades

▪NAACP Presidents Award (2024)
▪Board of Voices4Equity (2023-2025 Term)
▪Top 25 Superintendents to Watch, National School Public Relations Association, 2016
▪NAACP Image Award, Education Game Changer, 2016

▪Town of Greenburgh Community Appreciation Award, 2015
▪Westchester-East Putnam Regional PTA Outstanding Service Award, 2014
▪Mercy College School of Education Celebrating Great Educators Award, 2013

▪Delta Sigma Theta, Inc, Stand on Her Shoulders Award, 2013
▪Saint John Fisher College Scholarship Award, 2012 (award-winning dissertation)
▪Distinguished Woman of the Year, City of Mount Vernon, 2011

In The News

▪Voices of Excellence: Eliciting Urgency with Strategy in the AC-Stage of Education

▪K12 Digest - There is Joy in Leading a School District: Strategies for Educational Leaders

▪Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase appeared on The Special Report, hosted by Author, Advocate and CNN Legal Analyst, Areva Martin

▪Social and Emotional Learning Isn’t a Trend, and We Can’t Treat It Like One

▪Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase was selected by McGraw-Hill Education to participate on a national authorship team to develop a social studies textbook series for elementary school studies

▪The New Normal: How Westchester Has Changed Due to the Pandemic

▪Greenburgh Schools Unveil Reopening Plan for September

▪Lacking state rules, New York school district looks at multiple ways to reopen

▪Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase appeared on the Monday edition of The Special Report, hosted by Author, Advocate and CNN Legal Analyst, Areva Martin

▪School superintendents are overwhelmingly male. What's holding women back from the top job?

▪My Brother’s Keeper Youth Leadership Summit

▪Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase Throws Out First Pitch At Mets Game

▪Greenburgh Schools Superintendent Named One Of Top 25 In The Nation

"Strictly Education with Dr. Tahira" is a platform that provides viewers with enlightening and thought-provoking discussions. The host, Dr. Tahira Dupree Chase, leads engaging conversations that delve deep into various facets of the education landscape. The topics range from innovative teaching methods to systemic challenges within the educational system. In each episode, Dr. Chase brings together esteemed guests from diverse backgrounds in education, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights that inspire and inform audiences.