Administration
Kinyetta Bird
Principal
Kinyetta Bird is the newly appointed Principal of Avon Avenue School. Ms. Bird is a Newark native, and a first generation high school and college graduate. She has been with the Newark Board of Education, where she has worked for over twenty years. Ms. Bird started her career in the district as a per diem cafeteria worker, per diem aide, permanent teacher assistant, third grade teacher, literacy teacher coach, vice principal, prior to becoming the proud principal of Avon Avenue School. Ms. Bird uses her vast experience in education to understand and respect all positions within the school district. Having a wide range of experience has impacted the development of her educational philosophy. Ms. Bird’s years of experience has added value to her lookout on education. It also aligns her vision as a transformative leader. Ms. Bird's work with children and families throughout the city is only a fraction of the time she has dedicated to Newark Board of Education.
Ms. Bird’s pedagogical career began as a third grade teacher with the Newark Board of Education. There, she grew into a model classroom teacher and created a pipeline between Uncommon Schools and Newark Public School. Throughout her experience, she took on the role of mentoring new teachers and leading professional development sessions, which further developed her skills as an educational leader. She continued as a third grade teacher in Newark Board of Education, until becoming a teacher coach of literacy. Ms.Bird transitioned into the role of Vice Principal in 2018 at Rafael Hernandez Elementary School. Ms. Bird is the mother of one son, who attended Newark Public Schools. Ms. Bird is also a proud grandmother of two. Year after year, Ms. Bird pursues making sustainable progress that improves teacher instruction and impacts student learning outcomes. However, her love and passion for students, staff, families and community is unmatched.
Islah Tauheed
Vice Principal, PreK-4th Grade ELA
Islah Tauheed is a courageous advocate for teachers, students, and their families. With her extensive experience working with elementary school students, along with a background in coaching and mentoring school staff, Ms. Tauheed is dedicated to contribute to the mission and vision of Avon Avenue Elementary School. Through her experience, Ms. Tauheed has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and potential of children that others may overlook or dismiss. She has witnessed the transformative power of education and firmly believes that investing in the education system is the key to unlocking the growth of a community. Ms. Tauheed is inspired by this quote by Audre Lorde: 'When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.'
Ms. Tauheed is currently a vice principal in her hometown of Newark, NJ, where she enthusiastically strives to create a mutually-beneficial learning community centered in liberatory approaches that seek new possibilities in the field of education to encourage critical love, academic success, and student empowerment. Her journey in education began at Miller Street School in 2007. Ms. Tauheed brings with her fourteen years of elementary teaching experience and two years of school leadership in the Bronx, NY. In addition to her work in schools, Ms. Tauheed has written curricula centered on Black studies, consulted on antibias educational practices, and lectured on environmental justice at nationwide conferences. She is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University, a member of ASCD’s Emerging Leaders cohort, and sits on NCTE’s Elementary Section Steering committee.
Marianne Ramos Kramer
Vice Principal, 5th -8th Grade Math
Marianne Ramos Kramer comes to Newark Public Schools with 21 years of experience as an urban educator. She is excited to serve as Vice Principal alongside Principal Bird, VP Tauheed and the entire Avon Community. Ms. Kramer’s core beliefs are centered around the idea that education is the means to a future of success. Given the necessary support, all children are able to learn and thrive. She aims to cultivate this support through the building of a community that is committed to academic success as well as the development of a school culture that attends to the social emotional health of its students. Together with Avon’s leadership team, Ms. Kramer will strive to uphold these ideals.
Ms. Kramer is dedicated to serving students in Avon with attention to equity and inclusion.She is committed to the improvement of student outcomes by empowering our teachers and students through coaching, mentoring, book talks and discourse all while celebrating cultural, social-emotional and academic achievement. Ms. Kramer holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers Universities as well as Masters Degrees in Education from Seton Hall, Teachers College -Columbia University and most recently, Montclair University. Her previous experience as Academic Interventionist, Special Education Coordinator as well as General Education and Art teacher at multiple grade levels at schools in the tri state area has given her the requisite skills and experience to engage and involve the stakeholders of the Avon Avenue School community.
When she is not teaching and learning, she is spending time with her husband and two daughters. Reading, Writing and traveling are activities that she enjoys