Biography

A native Floridian, Dr. Dana T. Bedden has over 19 years of service in education as an impact administrator. Described as a creative and effective leader, he has demonstrated skills in standards-based education, human resource management, fiscal management, and school/community partnerships. Dr. Bedden has a results-oriented record of accomplishments using standards, improving academic achievement, working with diverse groups, increasing parental involvement, and providing a positive school climate. He has worked in a variety of school districts serving student populations ranging from 3,500 to more than 200,000 in both urban and suburban environments, with fiscal responsibilities of $300,000 to over $450,000 million, as well as indirect supervision of approximately 5,000 employees.

 On July 1, 2010, Dr. Bedden began his tenure as the Superintendent of Schools for the 35,000 student Irving Independent School District. Before coming to Irving ISD, Dr. Bedden served in a variety of positions in education as a teacher, athletic director, community and athletic resource administrator, assistant principal, high school principal, regional superintendent, and superintendent of schools in Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Dr. Bedden received his secondary education from Pinellas County Schools in Florida, earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, Master of Education from Pennsylvania State University, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. Dr. Bedden has also completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Leadership Institute for School Superintendents.

His professional and personal affiliations include past and present service or memberships in the following: Education Law Association Board, Texas Association of School Administrators, American College Testing (ACT) Education Advisory Board, SACS/CASI Appeals Committee, Georgia Department of Education of Advisory Committees, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, YMCA Board of Directors, Augusta Partnership for Children Board of Directors, University of Florida and Penn State University Advisory Boards, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Education Law Association, American Association of School Administrators, Council for Exceptional Children and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

 He also has been the recipient of several awards and recognitions to include, but not limited to, South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club Trailblazer Award, Irving Hispanic Chamber Diversity Award, Dr. Cleveland Sellers Community Service Award and nominee for Georgia Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Bedden is married to the former Ms. Ava Danelle Greene, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Howard University School of Law. Dr. and Mrs. Bedden live in Irving and have three children: Daniel, Avanna and Diana.