Angela Whitelaw currently serves Shelby County Schools as the Deputy Superintendent of Academics. The departments under her leadership include Strategy and Performance Management, Student, Family and Community Affairs, Academic Operations and School Support, Office of Academics, and Research and Accountability.
Dr. Whitelaw’s hometown is Senatobia, Mississippi. She pursued her love of education by receiving a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Special Education from Mississippi State University. She later earned a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and then received a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi.
During her 29 years of service in Shelby County Schools, she has served in the roles of Chief of Schools, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Leadership, Instructional Leadership Director, Southwest Region Coordinator, Principal, Assistant Principal, Instructional Resource Teacher, and Special Education Teacher. She has been instrumental in the District obtaining resources and partnerships to support educators. She also received the Tina Faith Martin Award for Inclusive Practices and the Citizen for Better Service Award.
Dr. Whitelaw believes that education is key to achieving one’s dreams and being successful in all future endeavors. She reminds the students of our District every day that education is the door to possibilities in life. Effective leadership is imperative in order to meet the goals of Shelby County Schools and she has worked tirelessly to cultivate strong leadership teams and provide adequate and appropriate support to school principals and teachers. Increasing student outcomes can be achieved by identifying a student’s individual needs, providing high-quality instruction, and providing school principals and teachers the right tools for success.