Dr. Payne started in the Hazelwood School District
almost 9 years ago as a business education teacher
facilitating the following classes; Accounting I & II,

Computer Business Applications, Web Design, PLTW-
Computer Science Applications, and PLTW-Computer

Science Principals. He coached Girls Volleyball,
Baseball, Golf, and was an FBLA sponsor. Dr. Payne has
his Principal’s Certification, Business Education Teacher
Certification, and PLTW Certification(s) in computer science. He is the founder of “Tied to the
Power of Greatness”.
Dr. Payne earned his Doctor of Education degree with an emphasis on Educational Leadership
from Maryville University, he earned his M.Ed. from Maryville University (A bridge program to
the Ed.D.), earned his Master of Arts Degree with an emphasis on Teaching and Learning from
Lindenwood University, earned his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, and
earned his Bachelors of Science Degree with an emphasis on Finance from DeVry University.
Dr. Payne is a musician, songwriter, and lover of music from all genres. He is an author,
motivational speaker, and dedicated to leading and empowering students to academic success!