Bio: 

Dr. LaTonja Wright is a Richmond native and a dynamic leader with over 25 years of educational experience. She is currently employed at Virginia Commonwealth University's Training and Technical Assistance Center as a Transition Program Specialist who provides support and resources to equip educators to assist students with disabilities in reaching their post-secondary goals. LaTonja holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from Virginia State University. She also earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Post Master's Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Wright has taught, led, and advocated for students with disabilities her entire career. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of all students and providing young adults with the tools and strategies needed for life after high school.

Professional Experience:

• 2022-Present Transition Specialist, VDOE’s Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) at Virginia Commonwealth University
• 2018- 2022 Secondary Program Specialist, VDOE’s Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) at Virginia Commonwealth University
• 2019-2020 Instructor, Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Special Education and Disability Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University
• 2017-2018 Coordinator of Exceptional Education, Special Education Department Richmond Public Schools
• 2017-2018 Interim Special Education Director, Special Education Department, Richmond Public Schools
• 2013-2016 Exceptional Education/Transition Specialist, Special Education Department, Richmond Public Schools
• 2009-2013 Special Education Department Chair, Varina High School, Henrico County Public Schools
• 2005-2009 Special Education Teacher, Varina High School, Henrico County Public Schools
• 2000-2005 Special Education Teacher, J. F. Kennedy High School, Richmond Public Schools
• 1999-2000 Special Education Teacher, Carver Elementary, Richmond Public Schools

Partnership Projects:

• Inclusive Practices
• Transition

Expertise Areas:

• Special Education
• Transition

Education:

• Virginia Commonwealth University - Doctor of Education: Leadership
• Virginia Commonwealth University - Post Master Certificate: Administration and Supervision
• Virginia State University- Master of Education: Special Education
• Virginia State University - Bachelor of Arts: Sociology

Certifications/Licensure:

• Post Graduate Professional Licensure

• Division Superintendent

Research Interests:

• K-20 Transition with a focus on Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and incorporating High Leverage Practices (HLP).

Accomplishments:

• VDOE Grant: Start on Success (SOS): Richmond Public School
• VDOE Grant: Secondary Transition for Middle School: Richmond Public School

Publications:

• Understanding the Role of Out of School Time (OST) Providers in Urban School Systems in a Post-COVID Context https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1145&context=merc_pubs
• Bottling the “Secret Sauce”: Capturing the Heart of the East End at Peter Paul Development Center https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1038&context=edd_capstone

Professional Affiliations:

• Division on Career Development and Training (DCDT)
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
• Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
• Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators (VAASBE)
• National Alliance of Black Educators (NASBE)

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