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Dear Community,

Since opening our doors in 2018, we have been an important part of the Saginaw Education Community. We appreciate the close relationship we have developed with our community and are continually humbled by your generosity and support.

The dedication of our staff is inspiring. Teachers care deeply for students and work hard to help them succeed. Our priority is on student learning, ensuring every student is challenged to achieve or exceed grade level, district and state expectations. We accept no limits on the learning potential of any child.

We provide a safe, orderly and respectful environment, which promotes high levels of student engagement. We honor the diversity and unique talents of all of our students, embracing the different cultures and backgrounds that represent our community.

We are excited to offer students daily experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as service-learning, global studies, career & college awareness, leadership, financial literacy, physical education, and wellness. These enriching opportunities extend the learning that students are provided in the classroom and often inspire lifelong pursuits. This is just part of our commitment to serving your child’s unique academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.

Thank you for choosing Saginaw Academy of Excellence!

Helen Jiles, Head of School

Mrs. Helen M. Dyson-Jiles, a graduate of Douglass High School, Memphis, Tennessee, 1968. Received a License Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1973 and worked in the nursing field at Bay Medical Center for 10 years. Reentered college to pursue my calling in life. I attended Delta College and earned an Associate Degree in Education. Attended Central Michigan University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (BS) with a focus in Science. Continued my aspiration at CMU in the Master’s Program. Joined Saginaw Valley University and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education (EI). Two years later, pursued my Doctoral Degree in Education with a mindset of opening a STEM School for boys. I still hope to open this school; however, I love working with the children here at Saginaw STEM Academy of Excellence and stay optimistic of making a difference in their life.

I taught in Buena Vista School District for 19 years, became Principal of Ricker Middle School in 2007 until 2012, became Principal of Buena Vista High School in 2012 for two months and moved to Central Office as Director of Curriculum and Grants, retired in 2013 from Buena Vista School District. Began work here in 2018 because of my love and ministry in education and will remain here until I am unable to help children learn. My experiences have been great and I am not tired YET. I love being a part of educating children no matter who they are or how they learn.

Pamela Farris, Superintendent

Pamela Farris joined ACCEL Schools in 2018 with over 25 years of experience as a K-12 educator and administrator. She has dedicated most of her career to closing achievement gaps in urban school districts. As Regional Vice President at ACCEL Schools, Mrs. Farris oversees leadership development, instructional programming, operations, and strategic planning for multiple schools in Michigan. Mrs. Farris holds a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Education Specialist degree in Administration from University of Detroit Mercy. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Education Leadership & Policy at Wayne State University. She additionally studied education in Oxford, England, led several education delegations to Kusatsu, Japan, and studied/toured International Baccalaureate schools in Israel and China. Mrs. Farris was inducted into the Metropolitan Detroit Women of Excellence Class of 2017.

Staff Directory

  • Helen Jiles

    Head of School

  • Anitra Frazier

    Office Manager

  • Sabre Winchester

    Teacher ,  Grade Kindergarten

  • Andrea Tata

    Teacher ,  Grade 1

  • Elizabeth Schantz

    Teacher ,  Grade 2

  • Martha Hill

    Teacher ,  Grade 3

  • Tina Mata

    Teacher ,  Grade 4

  • Lillie Dorsey

    Teacher ,  Grade 5

  • Michelle Burks

    ELA/Social Studies Teacher ,  Grade 6-8

  • Barbara Collins

    Math Teacher ,  Grade 6-8

  • Robert Collins

    Science Teacher ,  Grade 6-8

  • Jacqueline Eichelberger

    Physical Education Teacher ,  Grade K-8

  • Brittany Cantu

    Behavioral Intervention Specialist

  • Darlene Peoples

    Special Education / Resource Room Teacher

  • Nakita Wilson

    Elementary Paraprofessional

  • Brenda Thomas

    Elementary Tutor

  • Janet Phillips

    Middle School Tutor

  • Constance Sherley

    Kitchen Lead

Charter School

Woodley Leadership Academy is a public charter school. We are our own school district sponsored by Eastern Michigan University, which provides oversight and enforces academic, fiscal, and legal accountability. We are managed by ACCEL Schools, a high performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States.

Charter schools offer families an alternative to the local public school. Charter schools are tuition-free, open to all students in the county, and focused on meeting student needs for success. Charter schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation. Read more about charter schools.