Edward DeShazer, executive director of Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy in Milwaukee, has led the effort to raise the school’s state report card scores from 52 in 2015 to 73.4 in 2021.
Once a 2.2-star level school, the academy is now considered a 4.2-star level, said Ronnie Jones, director of operations.
“In a three-month period, Edward helped purchase and then moved GHTCA into an old vacant MPS school building,” said Jones. “The building was vacant for the last 11 years, and he helped lead a multi-million-dollar remodel over the summer when everyone was telling him it couldn’t be done. It was an open concept building but now has 20 classrooms.”
DeShazer also had a workout gym installed for staff and has launched an effort, known as “Be Well Teacher,” to distribute self-care gift boxes to teachers. He has donated these boxes to schools across the Milwaukee area. He also sits on the executive committee of the “Closing the Achievement Gap” effort, which helps area schools close the equity gap in their classrooms.
