Ryan Duff
Clovis,CA
Summary
Award-winning K–8 academic executive with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience driving measurable gains in student achievement, organizational performance, and workforce-aligned learning outcomes. Proven success leading both turnaround and high-performing schools serving 600–800+ students. Expertise in data-driven instructional systems, Career Technical Education (CTE) program design, talent development, and strategic budget alignment. Recognized as 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year for sustained academic growth, closing achievement gaps, and connecting learning to real-world opportunities.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Tenaya Middle School | Fresno Unified School District
01.2022 - Current
- Lead full academic and operational performance for a comprehensive middle school serving 800+ students.
- Supervise and evaluate 100+ certificated and classified staff; strengthened instructional accountability and performance standards.
- Implement structured data cycles and instructional walkthrough systems to accelerate ELA and Math growth.
- Designed and executed MTSS framework targeting students more than one year below grade level.
- Developed and expanded Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways to connect academic standards to career exploration and workforce skills.
- Integrated real-world learning experiences, project-based learning, and career awareness initiatives to increase student engagement and relevance of instruction.
- Reduced discipline incidents and improved attendance through restorative systems and proactive culture-building practices.
- Align $500K+ site-controlled budget to district strategic priorities focused on growth, equity, and college and career readiness.
Principal
Forkner Elementary | Fresno Unified School District
01.2013 - 01.2022
- Led school to California Distinguished School (2018) and California Honor Roll recognition (2016, 2017).
- Improved academic performance through systematic PLC implementation, targeted intervention, and teacher coaching.
- Strengthened instructional alignment between core academics and applied learning opportunities.
- Built high-performance culture emphasizing measurable growth, accountability, and instructional precision.
- Managed budget, staffing, compliance, and academic programming for 600+ students.
Principal
Kratt Elementary | Fresno Unified School District
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Implemented instructional improvement systems and strengthened staff evaluation processes.
- Focused on closing achievement gaps and increasing academic growth for underserved student populations.
Vice Principal
Fresno Unified School District
01.2006 - 01.2009
Teacher on Special Assignment
Rowell Elementary -Fresno Unified School District
01.2004 - 01.2006
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Wolters Elementary, Fresno Unified School District
01.1997 - 01.2003
Education
Master of Arts - Education – Administration & Supervision
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA05.1996
Skills
- Academic Strategy & Growth Acceleration
- Career Technical Education (CTE) Design & Implementation
- Workforce & Real-World Learning Alignment
- Data-Driven Improvement & Accountability Systems
- MTSS & Intervention Implementation
- Talent Development & Performance Coaching
- Strategic Budget Alignment
- Change Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness
- Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Timeline
Principal
Tenaya Middle School | Fresno Unified School District
01.2022 - Current
Principal
Forkner Elementary | Fresno Unified School District
01.2013 - 01.2022
Principal
Kratt Elementary | Fresno Unified School District
01.2009 - 01.2013
Vice Principal
Fresno Unified School District
01.2006 - 01.2009
Teacher on Special Assignment
Rowell Elementary -Fresno Unified School District
01.2004 - 01.2006
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Wolters Elementary, Fresno Unified School District
01.1997 - 01.2003
Master of Arts - Education – Administration & Supervision
California State University, Fresno
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Fresno
HONORS & RECOGNITION
2026 Association of California Administrators – Middle School Principal of the Year, 2025 Association of California Administrators – Bullard Region Principal of the Year, Excellence in Education Award Finalist, California Distinguished School (2018), California Honor Roll School (2016, 2017)