A Leader in Education, Built Through Experience
Dr. Alisha Hayes is an experienced educator, instructional leader, and educational diagnostician with over two decades of work across K–12 education, higher education, and independent practice.
Her background spans:
-
Classroom teaching (Pre-K through middle school)
-
School leadership and administration
-
Literacy intervention and instructional coaching
-
University-level teaching and teacher preparation
This breadth of experience allows her to understand education from every level—student, teacher, leader, and system.
From Classroom
to Leadership
Dr. Hayes began her career in early childhood and elementary education, building a strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, and child development.
She later expanded her role to include:
-
Instructional coaching across K–12
-
Reading specialist and intervention services
-
Assistant principal leadership
-
Curriculum coordination and program development
She has led professional development, supported teachers, and implemented research-based instructional practices across multiple school settings.
University & Professional Contributions
In addition to her work with students, Dr. Hayes has served as a university instructor, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in:
-
Curriculum development
-
Literacy instruction
-
Classroom management
-
Science and mathematics methods
-
Reading disabilities and intervention
She has also presented at regional and national conferences on topics including literacy, math instruction, and student engagement.
Research, Expertise
& Services
Dr. Hayes’ work is grounded in research and focused on improving outcomes for diverse learners through direct, high-impact educational services.
Her expertise is not theoretical—it is actively applied across the full range of services offered through Dr. Hayes Educates Learning Center and Hayes Academy of Innovation.
Areas of Expertise & Applied Services
-
Structured Literacy & Science of Reading
Applied through dyslexia intervention, reading therapy, foundational literacy instruction, and targeted skill development using Orton-Gillingham and evidence-based practices -
Dyslexia Identification & Intervention
Delivered through comprehensive academic evaluations, reading diagnostics, and individualized intervention plans -
Executive Functioning & ADHD Support
Provided through coaching, academic support, and systems that build organization, focus, and independence -
Academic Assessments & Learning Evaluations
Comprehensive testing in reading, writing, and mathematics to identify strengths, gaps, and instructional needs with detailed reports and recommendations -
Tutoring & Academic Intervention (K–12)
One-on-one and small-group instruction in reading, writing, math, and content support tailored to each student -
Conceptual Mathematics & Skill Development
Focused math instruction emphasizing problem-solving, number sense, and deep understanding—not memorization -
Test Preparation & Academic Readiness
Preparation for private school entrance exams (ISEE), academic readiness, and confidence-building for high-stakes testing -
Homeschool Support & Academic Planning
Curriculum guidance, instructional support, progress monitoring, and partnership with homeschooling families -
Accelerated Learning & Enrichment
Advanced instruction for students who need challenge, deeper thinking, and expanded academic opportunities -
Multisensory & Differentiated Instruction
Integrated across all services to support diverse and neurodivergent learners -
Curriculum Design & Personalized Learning Plans
Development of individualized, standards-aligned plans that guide instruction and student progress -
Project-Based & Inquiry-Driven Learning
Embedded within Hayes Academy of Innovation to promote critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application
Dr. Hayes is the developer of the HAYES Method™, a research-informed instructional framework that integrates structured literacy, executive functioning, and real-world application across all services and programs.
Entrepreneurship & Program Development
Dr. Hayes is the founder of multiple organizations that reflect both her expertise in education and her commitment to creativity, innovation, and real-world application.
These include:
-
Dr. Hayes Educates Learning Center
A full-service academic center providing tutoring, intervention, educational therapy, assessments, and specialized support for K–12 students -
Hayes Academy of Innovation
A hybrid K–8 microschool built on a mastery-based, multi-age model integrating structured literacy, conceptual math, and project-based learning -
Dr. Hayes Educates, Inc. (Nonprofit)
A 501(c)(3) organization focused on expanding access to literacy programs, family education, and community-based learning initiatives -
Hayes Custom Creations (HCC)
A custom apparel and design business specializing in embroidery, printing, and product creation, which also serves as a creative extension of Dr. Hayes’ work—offering hands-on learning experiences, design thinking, and entrepreneurship opportunities for students
Dr. Hayes’ work is rooted in building connected systems—where education, creativity, and real-world skills intersect to support students, families, and the broader community.
Education & Training
Dr. Hayes holds advanced degrees, licensure, and specialized training in education, leadership, literacy, and diverse learners. Her credentials reflect extensive preparation across K–12 instruction, intervention, leadership, and teacher education.
-
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Curriculum & Instruction – Tennessee State University
-
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Administration, Supervision & Assessment – Tennessee Technological University
-
Master of Education (M.Ed.), Instructional Leadership & Elementary Education – Lipscomb University
-
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Early Childhood Education – Tennessee State University
-
Reading Specialist & English Language Learners (ELL) Endorsements – Belmont University
Specialized training and certification coursework in literacy, language development, and diverse learners (30+ graduate hours)
Credentials &
Professional Background
Certifications, Licensure & Specialized Credentials
-
Licensed Reading Specialist (PreK–12)
-
English Language Learners (ELL) Certification (PreK–12)
-
IMSE Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Certification
-
Tennessee Early Literacy Certification
-
Mathematics Interventionist Training (focused on conceptual math, intervention strategies, and data-driven instruction)
-
Instructional Leadership Licensure (ILL-B), Administrator License
-
Teaching Licensure:
-
PreK–6 (All Subjects)
-
PreK
-
K–8 English Language Arts
-
All licenses and certifications are active and in good standing in the state of Tennessee.
School & Program Leadership
Dr. Hayes is the Founder and Head of School of Hayes Academy of Innovation, a Category IV private school in Tennessee, and the Founder of Dr. Hayes Educates Learning Center, where she leads all instructional programming, assessment, and service delivery.
Professional Expertise
Dr. Hayes’ training and experience support a wide range of educational services and instructional leadership across literacy, mathematics, and whole-child academic development.
Her areas of expertise include:
-
Structured Literacy & Science of Reading
-
Dyslexia Identification & Intervention
-
Executive Functioning & ADHD Support
-
Conceptual Mathematics & Intervention
Including number sense development, problem-solving strategies, math fact fluency, and guided math instruction aligned with best practices in mathematics education -
Mathematics Curriculum & Instructional Design
Development of standards-aligned math programs focused on deep understanding, not rote memorization -
Data-Driven Math Intervention & Progress Monitoring
Using assessment and student data to identify gaps and deliver targeted math support -
Academic Assessment & Educational Diagnostics
Comprehensive evaluation across reading, writing, and mathematics -
Curriculum Design & Instructional Systems
-
Multisensory & Differentiated Instruction
-
Project-Based & Inquiry-Driven Learning (STEM Integration)
Dr. Hayes’ work reflects a combination of advanced academic training, specialized certification, and over 20 years of applied experience supporting students across literacy, mathematics, and interdisciplinary learning.
Commitment to
Students & Families
Throughout her career, Dr. Hayes has remained committed to one core belief:
Every student deserves instruction that is intentional, effective, and designed for how they learn.
Her work continues to focus on:
-
Closing learning gaps
-
Supporting neurodivergent learners
-
Providing clarity and direction for families
-
Building programs that create lasting academic growth
Beyond the Classroom
Dr. Hayes is also actively involved in:
-
Community literacy initiatives
-
Family education workshops
-
Adult literacy support
-
Educational consulting and program development
Her work extends beyond traditional settings to ensure that learning is accessible, practical, and impactful.
Category IV — Fully Licensed Private Church-Related School
Hayes Academy of Innovation is a Category IV Private Church-Related School, fully
licensed under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801 and § 49-6-3050(b)(2)(C).
This designation grants full private-school status while also offering legal umbrella coverage for families who homeschool under our supervision.
As a Category IV school, Hayes Academy of Innovation:
-
Operates as a recognized private educational institution, not a co-op or tutoring program.
-
Maintains the authority to hire certified and qualified instructors, establish academic policies, and implement research-based curriculum aligned with the HAYES Method.
-
Issues official student records, including transcripts, report cards, and diplomas recognized by colleges, universities, and the College Board.
-
Offers both on-campus instruction (two days per week) and home-based learning (three days per week), blending the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure of a private school.
-
Provides parents the freedom to participate in instruction while ensuring compliance with all Tennessee attendance, record-keeping, and academic requirements.
Families enrolled with Hayes Academy of Innovation are legally recognized as private-school students in the state of Tennessee — not independent homeschoolers — giving them access to accredited testing options, graduation pathways, and post-secondary opportunities.
🔗 View our school info in the Tennessee Non-Public School Directory:
🔗 Learn more about TACRS: