SHAWN HAYES
Director, Constellations Program
Joined the Team in 2025
Mr. Shawn Hayes is the Director of the Constellations Program, a new initiative supporting students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities. The program helps students achieve their highest potential academically, socially, and independently to build choice-filled lives.
Since 2011, Shawn has served students in both traditional public and public charter schools. His experience includes roles as a special education teacher, mentor teacher, demonstration classroom teacher, instructional coach, policy advocate, and district leader across multiple systems and states. He has worked with Memphis City Schools, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Calcasieu Parish School Board, and Jefferson Parish Schools.
Most recently, Shawn served 8½ years as Director of Teacher Development for Jefferson Parish Schools, Louisiana’s largest school system. There, he developed a robust teacher leadership pipeline, launching three teacher leader pathways (IGNITE Jefferson), a new teacher program (EMBARK Jefferson), and an in-house alternative certification program (EMBARK Aspiring Educators).
Shawn earned his bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis. A lifelong learner, he is currently completing his doctoral dissertation at the University of New Orleans.
Shawn is excited to bring his experience and passion to Crescent City Schools, advancing educational equity for all students.