About Dr. Dana Chen

Building Student Success Across
Virginia Classrooms and Communities

Dr. Dana Chen has devoted more than two decades to advancing student success across Virginia schools. Her career reflects a commitment to equity, access, and measurable outcomes, with experience spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, and district-level initiatives. She earned her doctorate in Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2024, equipping her with both research-based insight and practical strategies for educational improvement.

As an assistant principal, Dr. Chen understands the challenges schools face in creating environments where students feel supported and motivated to succeed. She has led teams in addressing chronic absenteeism, designing professional learning experiences for educators, and strengthening school improvement plans. Her work blends data-driven practices with a focus on belonging, ensuring that interventions are not only effective but also sustainable.

Today, Dr. Chen continues to share her expertise with schools and districts seeking solutions that truly make a difference. By combining her background as a Virginia educator with her leadership experience as an assistant principal, she helps institutions create clear routines, build collaborative cultures, and achieve meaningful results for both students and staff. Read more of Dr. Chen’s persepctives and insights on her blog.

Virginia-based former assistant principal Dr. Dana Chen posing in front of her college's student center.