Deshanta Gooden

Aspire Hanley Middle School’s Assistant Principal for Student Services is Ms. Deshanta M. Gooden. A native Memphis, Ms. Gooden began her teaching career in 2014 as a science teacher with Shelby County Schools where she first became a TVAAS Level 5 teacher. In 2016, she joined the Achievement First Public Charter Schools in New York where over 70% of her students mastered the rigorous End of Year science exam. Ms. Gooden joined Aspire Public Schools in 2017 as Aspire Hanley Middle School’s 8th grade science teacher where she obtained a TVAAS Level 5 rating and helped secure the school’s highest proficiency rating in science last year.

Throughout Ms. Gooden’s time with Aspire, she has held additional roles including a mentor teacher and coordinator of 8th Grade Week activities. She is a strong classroom manager which is evident by the overall look and feel of her classroom.

Ms. Gooden is an alumna of Middle Tennessee State University where she majored in biology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy. In her free time, she enjoys serving the community with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, traveling internationally, and enjoying the food scene here in Memphis.