Tahira DuPree Chase

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.