Experience

• 

  Chicago public schools

  Jan 1997 - Feb 2006

  ~ Wrote winning grant to fund Reading First Program at Granville T. Woods Math & Science Academy~ Implemented Illinois Reading First Grant at building-level~ Provided support to teachers through classroom observation, mentoring and coaching ~ Modeled effective, research-based instructional strategies; Collaborated with grade level teams for lesson planning, classroom management strategies, and small-group/one-on-one support~ Created and implemented professional development program focused on strengthening literacy instruction. Show less ~ Successfully led team of 30 instructors in achieving collaborative goals for school improvement.~ Raised 3rd grade Reading ISAT meet/exceed level from 21.7 in 2001-2002 to 27.5 in 2004-2005~ Raised 5th grade ISAT Reading meet/exceed level from 20.5 in 2001-2002 to 23.2 in 2004-2005~ Raised 8th grade ISAT Reading meet/exceed level from 32.5 in 2001-2002 to 44.2 in 2004-2005~ Displayed expert content knowledge in the areas of Fluency, Word Study, Comprehension & Writing~ Implemented balanced literacy program to infuse reading and writing strategies across the curriculum~ Coached teachers in data-analysis, self-assessment, and reflection to spur professional growth~ Conducted pull-out/after-school intervention and remediation programs with at-risk students~ Chaired Literacy Team, Family Literacy Night Program, and Instructional Leadership Team Show less

  • Reading First Coordinator

    Mar 2004 - Feb 2006

  • Reading Specialist

    Aug 2001 - Feb 2006

  • Teachers for Chicago Intern

    Jun 1999 - Aug 2001

  • Long Term Substitute Teacher

    Jan 1997 - Jun 1999
• 

  University of phoenix

  Aug 2005 - Aug 2011

  Adjunct instructor-english and communications

  ~ Courses Taught Include Effective Essay Writing, Skills for Learning in an Information Age, World Literature, Intro Writing Workshop.

• 

  Kaplan university

  Mar 2008 - Aug 2010

  Adjunct instructor-communications

  ~ Courses Taught Include Essentials of Managerial Communication, Communication and Conflict, and Research Writing.

• 

  Kendall college

  Jul 2008 - Aug 2011

  Adjunct professor-early childhood education

  ~ Prepare teacher candidates for IL state certification through instruction, mentoring, coaching, and supervision of field experiences.~ Develop and assesses candidate's understanding and application of sound pedagogy and best practices.~ Courses taught include Children’s Literature, Early Literacy Development, Educational Psychology, Classroom Management, Teaching Social Studies & the Arts, Child, Family & Community Relationships, Observation & Assessment of the Young Child, Technology & the Classroom, Intro to Early Childhood Education, History & Philosophy of Early Childhood Education Show less

• 

  Ausl (academy for urban school leadership)

  Jun 2010 - Aug 2011

  Turnaround assistant principal

  ~ Improved student achievement in Reading by 16% and in Math by 19% by instituting reseach based instructional strategies.~ Grew student attendance from 89% to 93.8% by way of implanting incentive programs for students and parents, and offered extracurricular activity that drove admission. ~ Decreased discipline referrals by 74% as a result of teaching pro-social behaviors, strengthening parent relationships, and increasing student engagement.~ Crafted and articulated a strong belief system among staff through voice and action. Fostered shared accountability through a focus on data-driven instruction~ Built positive school culture through high expectations and support for social, emotional development ~ Effectively integrated technology including Smartboard, Elmo, Mimio, Study Island, Tablet/Projector~ Implemented ANet and NWEA, led faculty in quarterly data analysis to inform classroom instruction Show less

• 

  Christ the king jesuit college preparatory school

  Aug 2011 - now

  Principal

  ~ Facilitated process for achieving early AdvancED accreditation which strengthened the school brand and improvement processes. ~ Adopted a uniform College-Ready Curriculum paired with a new school-led college access program known as College Preparation for over 350 students. Successful program contributed to 100% college acceptance for four (4) consecutive years, as well as increased ACT scores.~ Refined admissions process to meet recruitment goals, resulting in an increase in student retention. ~ Enhanced academic support programs for at-risk students, including the implementation of an executive functioning course known as “Study Skills” which led to an increase in freshman on-track rate. ~ Implemented procedures for identifying and responding to student learning needs, resulting in enhanced student recruitment and retention.~ Recognized a need to enhance school culture; designed a superior behavior management program that optimized student learning and teacher morale. ~ Coach teachers daily utilizing Charlotte Danielson’s Framework to strengthen instructional practices.~ Realigned organizational structure, resulting in enhanced organizational capacity and more effective performance management systems.~ Effectively integrates technology including Elmo, Naviance, TurnItIn, Vision 7, Gizmos, Quia, IXL, 1:1 (iPad)~ Trained faculty in data-driven instructional practices through the use of common interim assessments to inform instruction.~ Fostered the development of Professional Learning Communities. ~ Implemented common planning framework to foster collaboration across department and grade-level teams. Show less