Today we’d like to introduce you to Contessa Kimberly Upson-Bradwell. Mrs. Bradwell shares her story with us below.
C. Kimberly Upson-Bradwell is a well-respected educator with 30 years of experience in the education arena as of 2021. Mrs. Bradwell is certified with the Florida Department of Education. She is an Orlando native, having earned a Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, a Master’s Degree (M.B.A.) from Nova Southeastern University’s – Wayne Huizenga School of Business, and an Educational Leadership Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from Nova Southeastern University. In November of 2021, Mrs. Bradwell learned that she was chosen to be awarded an honorary doctorial degree from Cornerstone Christian University for her many years of dedication and service in the field of education. She is married to Michael Bradwell and has two children ages and 21 and 25. Mrs. Bradwell is the product of two educators. Her father spent more than 24 years educating elementary and high school students in the Orlando area. Her mother dedicated 43 years to educating others; working as a classroom teacher, administrator, and University Internship Coordinator for Orange County Public Schools and Nova Southeastern University.
Mrs. Bradwell’s career began in late 1991 as a substitute teacher for Miami-Dade Public Schools. In 1992, she began working as a first-grade teacher in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She spent ten years as a grade chairperson and classroom teacher prior to relocating with her family and accepting a higher position within another school district. She has taught pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, middle school, high school, GED and collegiate courses. Her many experiences include classroom teacher, school district administrator, school principal, education consultant, and university professor.
During the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) era, Mrs. Bradwell was assigned the task of overseeing more than forty-four public schools in the West Palm Beach area. Because of her expertise in analyzing data, working with teachers and school principals, her job as a district administrator was to train, guide, and assist school principals in effectively analyzing data, thereby improving standardized test scores of students. Creating a “no excuses” data-driven strategic plan for each school, Mrs. Bradwell gained notoriety in having a 93% student improvement rate at her schools. Mrs. Bradwell has helped school principals to restructure their schools in order to meet the needs of the individual child; thereby increasing overall student success. One school demonstrated such phenomenal results after working with Ms. Bradwell, it was honored at Fordham University’s “Annual National School Change Award Ceremony”, which recognizes schools that have demonstrated significant change for the better.
Mrs. Bradwell believes that every child deserves a quality education from preschool through college.
After working to improve the education of children for more than twenty-one years in South Florida, Mrs. Bradwell was sought out by the Austin Independent School District in Austin, Texas. There was a need for change in Austin with many of the high schools having low graduation rates and failing test scores. Mrs. Bradwell put her expertise to work as a high school administrator.
Being in the trenches for numerous years allowed Mrs. Bradwell the opportunity to see the arduous challenges that so many students faced having not received a quality education and being ill-prepared to read, write, graduate, attend college or a trade school. She returned to her native Orlando, Florida and opened Dream Big Preschool of Learning on October 18, 2013 with her sister. After only a year and a half in business, the school became accredited at the state and national level. At the time, only two (2) pre-schools/daycares out of one-hundred and thirty-eight (138) in the Orlando (Pine Hills) area held this prestigious title.
Mrs. Bradwell is now preparing the next generation of children to be critical thinkers and well-rounded in the areas of math, science, and literacy. Although she feels that she has made a significant impact in the lives of many students, Ms. Bradwell knows that in order to eradicate the educational gaps that exist, quality teaching must begin at the foundational level.
Mrs. Bradwell has a love for God and enjoys traveling, reading, helping others, and working with ministries.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the main challenges in education is finding teachers that have a love for children and teaching. Another obstacle in education is always funding. Teachers are the builders of every other profession known to man, but the funding for schools and teacher’s salaries have always taken a backseat to other professions and causes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I am a Director/Principal of a small private school. It is my job to ensure that all students are receiving a quality education. I believe in helping children and families to thrive. I enjoy meeting with parents, discussing challenges that might be occurring in everyday life while providing personal testimonies and solutions that work. I am proud of the success that my students and parents have achieved. It is one of the best feelings in the world to know that you have made a positive difference in the lives of others. God has used me to help children and their parents.
My school is different from other schools because we are one family that believes in lifting one another up. We have small class sizes and a personal relationship with each student and parent.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a young child, I was always interested in playing school with my friends. I loved riding my bicycle and swimming as well. Growing up, I was very studious; both of my parents were educators. I’ve always had a love for reading beginning in elementary school. I enjoyed acting as well. I won awards in the Thespian Club in high school, but teaching has always been my first love.
Pricing:
- Student Registration – $175
- Transportation – $50
- Before Care $40
- After Care – $60
- Before and After Care $80
Contact Info:
- Email: kbradwell.dba@gmail.com
- Website: http://GBAOrlando.com
- Instagram: @gbaorlando
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/gbaorlando/
