Therese Shields, ABD

Experience

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  Raphael Centre for HIV and AIDS

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2008

  Volunteer English Teacher

  Developed, facilitated, and planned culturally responsive literacy lessons.Worked in partnership with students from Rhodes University toward a sustainable reading program.

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  Marble Falls ISD

  Aug 2009 - Jun 2010

  Teacher: Fifth and Fourth Grade Science

  Science TAKS Scores 83% passed, 52% CommendedScience Department Coordinator (2009 - 2010)Coordinated Interactive Web seminar between students and NASA scientistCamp Invention Counselor (Summer 2010)

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  Marble Falls ISD

  Aug 2010 - Jul 2013

  Teacher: Third Grade Math/Science

  Integrated meaningful technology into math and science curriculum to increase engagement and rigor. Planned and facilitated innovative and engaging hands-on third through fifth math and science lessons for student success.Partnered with district technology specialist to host distance learning experiences for students with NASA Astronauts. Planned and organized educational beneficial, TEKS-aligned math and science student field trips.Organized and prepared problem-based learning experiences and included parental involvement.Developed healthy teacher-parent relationships by establishing open, ongoing communication and having active parent volunteers.Science Department Coordinator (2010-2011)DEIC member (2012 - 2013)Finalist for Teacher of the Year (2012 - 2013)Top Grade Level Math Scores in District - 1,2,3 Benchmarks (2012-2013)UIL Coach 4th grade Number Sense and UIL Judge (2011/2012) Show less

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  North East ISD

  Sept 2013 - Jun 2020

  • District curriculum developer for Science K-5.o Utilized Understanding by Design methods to develop district curriculum units.o Led a team of educators to redesign the district science curriculum developing cross-curricular curricula with Social Emotional Learning strategies and technology integration utilizing various applications. o Developed and implemented district-wide benchmarks for 3-5th grade.• Provided campus support for K-5th grade teachers in seven schools.o Conducted coaching cycles with teachers by modeling instruction, classroom management, and data-based decision planning, which increased science state scores by 20-30%.o Supported AVID initiatives K-5th grade with training, mentoring, and collaborating with teachers to implement AVID strategies in the classroom.o Conducting on campus data debriefs with analysis and actionable next steps.• Developed and led innovative science professional learning experiences. o Collaborated with various stakeholders in the community to plan meaningful science professional developments for over 300 educators.o Developed a district science curriculum and benchmark assessments for third through fifth elementary science. Show less • Supported 44 teachers.o Facilitated Professional Learning Communities among grade levelso Trained educators on targeted data-based resourceso Coached and Modeled science teaching best practices• Collaborated with coaches and teachers from various departments to create engaging curriculum.• Organized Science Night with community guest speakers and local organizations.• Designed and conducted trainings for parents and guardians to support the science curriculum at home. Show less • Planned and facilitated innovative and engaging instruction for seven sections of sixth-grade science using an interdisciplinary approach.• Designed and implemented technology during centers, project-based learning, and hands-on experiments to foster student achievement.• Collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum using vertical teaming and grade-level planning. Developed healthy teacher-parent relationships by establishing open and ongoing communication.Leadership Roles:UIL Science Coach (2013 - 2015)Laboratory Safety Officer (2014-2015)6th-grade Content Coach (2014-2015)Hands-on Games and Interactive Center Ideas presenter Curriculum Day (Fall 2015)STEMSCOPES presenter curriculum day (2014) Wellness Festival Health and Fitness event booth coordinator (2013) Show less

  • Instructional Science Specialist

    Jun 2016 - Jun 2020

  • Instructional Science Coach

    Aug 2015 - Jun 2016

  • Teacher: Sixth Grade Science

    Sept 2013 - Aug 2015
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  University of the Incarnate Word

  Jan 2019 - May 2019

  Adjunt Professor

  Developed course curriculum and scope of work for undergraduates seeking a teaching certification.Facilitated authentic learning experiences with hands-on experiments to cultivate pre-service teachers’ knowledge and skills in physical and earth science concepts.Hosted office hours for continuous support throughout the semester.

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  San Antonio ISD

  Jul 2020 - Jun 2024

  Director for New Teacher Induction and Retention efforts for 697 New Teachers.o Led a high impact team of New Teacher Support Specialist.o Curated and implemented a Campus-based, people-driven induction program which has increased retention of New Teachers by 14%.o Increased the amount of engagement with New Teachers by 40%.o Coordinated district mentor program with contained 431 mentors.Director of the Teacher and School Leader grant initiatives, a multi-million-dollar grant funded through the Department of Education.o Developed and implemented instructional assistant to teacher leader pathways.o Increased the number of participating aspiring teachers involved in teacher pathways by 20% from Year 1 to Year 2.o Established strategic partnerships with 4 out 6 local Universities increasing and diversifying the educational pathway opportunities for educators and providing a master’s degree pathway.o Cultivates partnerships with the stakeholders at the Department of Education, district, and community non-profits to implement and manage grant initiatives.o Established a New Teacher Podcast series to build teacher capacity and was acknowledge by the Department of Education as an expert for other grantees to connect with. Show less • Coordinated and designed professional development district-wide professional development opportunities for over 3,000 educators.o Increased participation in culturally and historical relevant pedagogy cohort by 65%.o Increased participation in district-wide equity professional development opportunities for teachers and staff by 54%• Redesigned, implemented, and led National Board of Professional Standards Cohort to support educators seeking certification.o Increased the number of participations by 26%.o Participants showed a 100% component passing rate by Year 2 of the cohort.• Collected quantitative and qualitative data for professional development program evaluation through Likert surveys and face-to-face interviews. • Digitally marketed teacher pathways, cohorts, and professional development opportunities to recruit and retain educators. Show less

  • Director of Teacher and School Leader/ Director of Teacher Induction and Retention

    May 2022 - Jun 2024

  • Professional Development Coordinator

    Jul 2020 - May 2022
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  Our Lady of the Lake University

  Aug 2020 - May 2021

  Adjunct Professor

  Developed course curriculum and scope of work for undergraduates seeking a teaching certification.Facilitated authentic learning experiences with hands-on experiments to cultivate pre-service teachers’ knowledge and skills in physical and earth science concepts.Hosted office hours for continuous support throughout the semester.

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  The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN)

  Aug 2024 - now

  Regional Director of San Antonio

  As Regional Director of The Leaders Readers Network (TLRN) in San Antonio, I oversee the strategic implementation and evaluation of core programs, operations, and fundraising initiatives. I cultivate and strengthen relationships with local foundations to expand support for our mission. I work in close partnership with Program Coordinators to advance regional projects and sponsorship opportunities while collaborating with school districts to enhance the Literacy Fellowship and Student Ambassador programs. I ensure strict adherence to TLRN’s policies and procedures across all program activities and coordinate site visits to assess progress and outcomes. In collaboration with local educators and community partners, I lead the execution of the annual Big Give campaign, securing vital funding for educators and classrooms. I also develop and implement systems for corporate volunteer reading groups to support multiple schools throughout the academic year. Additionally, I manage various administrative and logistical tasks in alignment with TLRN’s overarching goals. Show less

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  Gardopia Gardens

  Nov 2024 - now

  Grants Writer