Taisha Payne

O. Perry Walker

Dr. Taisha Williams-Payne has proudly served as in educator in New Orleans for the past 15 years. She began her career as a classroom teacher with New Orleans Public Schools where she enlightened, inspired, and invigorated young people to strive for academic success. In December of 2005, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Taisha would join the staff of O. P. Walker College and Career Preparatory High School and Community Center where they would work collaboratively with the Algiers Charter School Association to restore public education in the City of New Orleans. During her tenure at O.P. Walker, the school achieved local, state, and national recognition for its rigorous academic program and significant gains in student achievement.

In 2013, Dr. Payne would co-founded Educate U, an education consultant company dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning at all levels of education. Currently, Dr. Payne serves as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at L.B. Landry-O.P. Walker College &Career Preparatory High School and the Executive Director at Educate U.

In addition to her service as an educator, Taisha is a committed public servant, mentor, and advocate. She has partnered with the Comforts of Home Adult Health Care and McDonogh #32 Literacy Charter School as a volunteer working with the elderly and mentoring and tutoring students, respectively. Dr. Payne has also advocated for equality in education by speaking on behalf of students and school communities at local school board meetings and BESE meeting held in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Payne received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics Education from Southern University at New Orleans. A Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New Orleans and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University.