Tyrone Brookins was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended his neighborhood school from elementary through high school where he connected with teachers and peers alike.
Upon graduating from A. Maceo Smith high school as Valedictorian of the class of 1991, Dr. Brookins continued his educational excellence at Wiley College, home of the Great Debaters. While at Wiley, Dr. Brookins served in many leadership capacities before graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in education with Magna Cum Laude honors.
After graduating from Wiley, Dr. Brookins served as a Math teacher in Dallas public schools for two years and in his first year he was awarded the honor of being named a finalist for “New Teacher of the Year” in Dallas public schools. Shortly after that Dr. Brookins was recruited by the University of Minnesota to complete a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership through the Common Ground Consortium program, which he did. As he completed his Master’s Degree he served as a Math teacher at Ramsey Jr. High School in Saint Paul before being asked to help pioneer and serve as the Principal of Higher Ground Academy, a charter school also located in Saint Paul. Higher Ground Academy was founded on the efficacy principles of setting high expectations, strong parent and community involvement, and culturally relevant curriculum. These principles have proven effective, as the school produced positive results in the areas of student achievement on MCA tests for grades 3 and 5, and BST results for grade 8 each year during his tenure as principal.
Dr. Brookins completed the Principal Licensure program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and his doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus in Educational Policy and Leadership. His doctoral dissertation is titled Perceived Influences of Relationships between District and School Level Administrators on the Achievement of Urban Black Students.
In his most recent responsibilities, Dr. Brookins simultaneously served as the principal of both Benjamin E. Mays International Magnet IB World School and Museum Magnet elementary schools. During that assignment he was charged with co-locating the two schools into one school, which became today’s Benjamin E. Mays IB World School and overseeing the Saint Paul Public Schools new Mandarin Immersion program, which was located inside of Benjamin E. Mays while also serving as supervisor of the building’s Early Childhood Special Education, Autism and Learning Center programs. In his last assignment with St. Paul Public Schools he served as the principal of Battle Creek Middle School. In addition to the above, Dr. Brookins has served as a board member of the Minnesota Elementary Schools Principal’s Association (MESPA) and the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.
Today, Dr. Brookins serves as the principal of Roseville Area Middle school, Adjunct Professor at Concordia University Saint Paul, and is a board member of Family Values For Life.
Emancipating change carries a deep meaning for Dr. Brookins as he serves children. As a servant-leader he realizes the importance of staying involved in the lives of his students through out their entire educational journey. Dr. Brookins mentor’s children directly and indirectly as
they make life-changing decisions or simply need words of motivation and encouragement. Sharing his experiences and perspectives often provides insight and options to their situations.
Dr. Brookins is a husband and father of four sons. He is a man that is after God inwardly and continually seeks ways to better himself. Daily he works towards seeing to it that children develop strong foundations academically, socially, and emotionally as a result of their interaction with him. Dr. Brookins is a strong believer in education and the power that it has to literally change lives and give hope.
Dr. Brookins has a passion for education and a love of dialogue with both pre-service and current educators on educational issues with a specific emphasis on the Urban Black Student.
Featured in the most recent publication (3rd Edition) of Reflective Practice for Renewing Schools (2016).
Participated in the founding of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Concordia University Saint Paul (2015).
Preparation for National Institute For School Leadership (NISL) facilitation - Minnesota Principals Academy (2017)
Principal|
Roseville Area Middle School
From January 2015 to Current • 11 year(s)
Focused staff to set high expectations for all students using AVID domains. Strengthened community partnerships and instilled greater sense of purpose for students.
Adjunct Professor|
Concordia University
From January 2013 to Current • 13 year(s)
Teaching Ed. Specialist Certification courses.
Principal|
Battle Creek Middle School
From January 2014 to January 2015 • 1 year(s)
Inspired school culture grounded in beliefs in teachers, students, families, and self. Strengthened community partnerships and guided students to set goals.
Principal|
Benjamin E. Mays IB World School
From January 2012 to January 2014 • 2 year(s)
Reframed IB program by adding rigor, relevance and relationships. Aligned IB thematic units with district scope and sequence.
Principal|
Museum Magnet Elementary School
From January 2006 to January 2012 • 6 year(s)
Created new vision for school with focus on STEM. Instituted school culture where teachers use data to guide instruction.
Instructor|
National American University
From January 2003 to January 2006 • 3 year(s)
Taught Intermediate Algebra courses.
Assistant Principal|
Webster Magnet Elementary School
From January 2003 to January 2006 • 3 year(s)
Supported teachers with classroom management. Instituted student leadership groups and student success assemblies.
Mathematics Teacher|
Higher Ground Academy
From January 1999 to January 2003 • 4 year(s)
Created curriculum for test preparation. Achieved 100% proficiency for students taking Minnesota Basic Standards test.
Principal|
Higher Ground Academy Charter School
From January 1999 to January 2003 • 4 year(s)
Opened charter school serving over 500 students in grades K-12. Managed state reporting requirements, facilities, and various programs.
Instructor|
Concordia University
From June 2001 to August 2001 • 0 year(s)
Taught Introduction to Education summer course.
Mathematics Teacher|
Ramey Junior High School
From January 1998 to January 1999 • 1 year(s)
Coached math team and mentored students.
Mathematics Teacher|
Thomas C. Marsh Elementary School
From January 1996 to January 1998 • 2 year(s)
Coordinated new math curriculum and coached Math Team to State Competition. Teacher of the Year nominee.
