Americas Chief of Instructional Leadership Development

Dr. Samantha J. Ingram serves as the Chief of the Center for Instructional Leadership Development (CILD) for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Americas Region as of July 2016.

As the Chief for Instructional Leadership Development for the Americas Region, Dr. Ingram is responsible for developing, coaching, and sustaining leadership ability and expanding professional capacity for over 150 district and school leaders impacting student achievement for more than 21,000 students. This includes leading a team of professional educators that serves as consultants, coaches, collaborators, presenters, and facilitators who design, develop, and implement professional learning focused on implementing and sustaining DoDEA’s systemic priorities, College and Career Ready Standards, the DoDEA Learning Walkthrough, and the DoDEA Focused Collaboration Process.

Prior to serving as the Chief, Dr. Ingram served as the Superintendent of the South Carolina/Ft. Stewart/DoDDS-Cuba School District for DoDEA. There she was responsible for leading, managing, planning, coordinating, and ensuring effective educational oversight for 10 schools spanning across four geographically dispersed installations. While serving as the superintendent, she directed the turn-around and realignment of both educational and operational services which positioned the district for significant increases in student academic proficiency and achievement across all tested grade levels in the first five years of her tenure. She was also responsible for establishing extensive partnerships with numerous organizations that resulted in the development of a comprehensive Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program for the district.

Dr. Ingram brings a wealth of experience to foster excellence in education. She has held several leadership positions with multiple challenges. Those positions have included Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor, School Administrator, School-to- Work Supervisor, Director of Program Development and Resources, Assistant Superintendent of the Division of Federal and Special Programs, Deputy Superintendent of the largest district in Alabama serving over 100 schools, and various other positions in South Carolina, Alabama, and Washington. 

Dr. Ingram earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Instructional Design and Development, an Education Specialist, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Science Education from the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. She also holds superintendent and administrative endorsements from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Throughout Dr. Ingram’s career, she has been responsible for advancing student achievement by providing targeted educational resources and support to district and school leaders. She has served as a national and international presenter focused on improving student achievement and developing leadership capacity. She also provides consultation services for public education and government agencies specializing in efficiency reviews and building leadership capacity. 

Dr. Ingram is the proud mother of two young adult daughters. During her spare time she actively participates in volunteer and community involvement activities focused on educational development.  Dr. Ingram remains committed to ensuring that all students receive excellent education led by highly qualified district and school leaders.