René Baker

René baker

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location of René BakerOgden, Utah, United States
Phone number of René Baker+91 xxxx xxxxx
Followers of René Baker3000 followers
  • Timeline

    Jun 1998 - Jun 2000

    Educator

    Living Classrooms Foundation
    Sept 2000 - Jun 2002

    Assistant Director of Extended Day Program

    Friends School of Baltimore
    May 2001 - Aug 2001

    Site Director

    YMCA of Central Maryland
    Aug 2002 - Jun 2006

    Biology / Anatomy Teacher

    Hereford High School
    Jun 2004 - Aug 2004

    Chesapeake Research Fellow

    Center for Marine Biotechnology
    Aug 2006 - Sept 2007

    Teacher and Teacher Specialist

    Ogden City School District
    Sept 2007 - Jul 2009

    Science Department Chair

    Kenwood High School
    Sept 2008 - Jun 2012

    Associate Graduate Faculty Member

    Towson University
    Aug 2009 - Jun 2017

    Supervisor, Secondary Science

    Baltimore County Public Schools
    Towson, MD
    May 2012 - Jul 2016

    STEM Curriculum Writer & Reviewer

    Maryland State Department of Education
    Baltimore, Maryland Area
    Jun 2012 - Nov 2012

    STEM Curriculum Writer

    Maryland Public Television
    Apr 2013 - Apr 2015

    Curriculum Writer & Reviewer

    Maryland Business Roundtable for Education
    Aug 2014 - Jun 2017

    Content Specialist

    Teach For America
    Jan 2015 - Jun 2017

    Associate Faculty

    Notre Dame of Maryland University
    Jul 2017 - Dec 2019

    Director

    Maria Montessori Academy
    Jul 2020 - Sept 2022

    District K-12 Science Specialist

    Ogden School District
    Ogden, Utah, United States
    Oct 2022 - Jan 2024

    Director, Program and Partnerships

    New Teacher Center
    Current Company
    Jun 2024 - now

    Director of Professional Learning

    School Specialty
  • About me

    DIRECTOR OF LEARNING Building up strong individuals poised to improve society by creating diverse, inclusive, effective educational environments that address the needs of the whole child and the whole staff.

  • Education

    • Notre dame of maryland university

      2009 - 2017
      Abd - phd instructional leadership for changing populations

      Pursuing a PhD researching alternative education by conducting qualitative research honoring student voice

    • College of notre dame of maryland

      1997 - 2001
      Ba biology

      Activities and Societies: President of the Student Environmental Association, Member of Tri-Beta (National Biological Honor Society)

    • College of notre dame of maryland

      2001 - 2002
      Ma secondary education
  • Experience

    • Living classrooms foundation

      Jun 1998 - Jun 2000
      Educator

      • Manage and direct up to 15 students in the field at a nature conservancy to teach outdoor education concepts and team building initiatives• Plan and implement activities to foster academic improvement and social skills development for at-risk and special needs elementary and middle school students

    • Friends school of baltimore

      Sept 2000 - Jun 2002
      Assistant director of extended day program

      • Oversee all aspects of an after school program for 120 children between the ages of 6-12, including coordination of daily attendance, conflict resolution, monitoring transportation to activities, submitting billing, dealing with maintenance and student safety concerns, and engaging children in thoughtful and challenging activities• Hire and supervise staff of teachers, delegate responsibilities, provide feedback, and reflectively listen to staff concerns

    • Ymca of central maryland

      May 2001 - Aug 2001
      Site director

      • Plan and implement educational, service learning, recreational, creative, and social activities for middle school students• Coordinate field trips, communicate with parents, mentor children, buy supplies, perform administrative tasks, and hire staff

    • Hereford high school

      Aug 2002 - Jun 2006
      Biology / anatomy teacher

      • Develop and implement teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners including ELL, low income, high risk, minority, and special needs students, such as children with autism• Use technology, multimedia, Web 2.0 tools, audiovisual aids, other equipment and manipulative materials to deliver student centered, meaningful, differentiated lessons• Employ instructional strategies learned in the AVID Science I and II and International Baccalaureate conference trainings to increase rigor in teaching Show less

    • Center for marine biotechnology

      Jun 2004 - Aug 2004
      Chesapeake research fellow

      • Conducted research regarding the genetic expression of muscle development in zebra fish (Danio rerio) in BOP gene blocked and wild type fish using gel electrophoresis, transgenic species techniques, and aqua culture• Published and presented an online lesson plan to apply advanced zebra fish research in the high school biology classroom at the MAEOE conference

    • Ogden city school district

      Aug 2006 - Sept 2007
      Teacher and teacher specialist

      • Collaborate with administrators and teachers in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary science school programs• Monitor progress of science programs K-12 as well as adjust curriculum and assessments to increase achievement for the school district• Develop and implement teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners including ELL, low income, high risk, minority, and special needs students, such as children with autism• Use technology, multimedia, Web 2.0 tools, audiovisual aids, other equipment and manipulative materials to deliver student centered, meaningful, differentiated lessons• Employ instructional strategies learned in the AVID Science I and II and International Baccalaureate conference trainings to increase rigor in teaching Show less

    • Kenwood high school

      Sept 2007 - Jul 2009
      Science department chair

      • Lead a department of 17 teachers, hire educators, implement professional development, purchase supplies, analyze data, outline science course sequence, and informally observe teachers• Formally observe and evaluate teacher performance to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement • Part of the leadership team that o Increased the Biology High School Assessment pass rate for all students 17%o Increased the Biology High School Assessment pass rate for Hispanic subgroup 30%o Increased the Biology High School Assessment pass rate for special education subgroup 7%o Increased University of Maryland college/career readiness for all students 7%o Increased University of Maryland’s college/career readiness for Hispanic subgroup 23%• Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators in order to resolve students’ behavioral or academic challenges Show less

    • Towson university

      Sept 2008 - Jun 2012
      Associate graduate faculty member

      • Participated in writing the graduate course, Characteristics of Diverse Learners: Differentiated Instruction and Meaningful Application, currently taught at Towson University.• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides graduate students with opportunities to observe, question, investigate, and refine their teaching craft

    • Baltimore county public schools

      Aug 2009 - Jun 2017

      In this role, I worked with 30 middle schools and 25 high schools in this administrative evaluator role. I supervised and performed evaluations for science teachers and provided coaching and mentoring for struggling teachers as well as led and project managed curriculum development projects. ● Designed and implemented professional learning for over 500 instructors. Spearhead transdisciplinary teams to write curriculum which necessitated breaking down silos and bringing cohesion and vision to disjointed writing teams. ● Assisted teachers in writing lesson plans, observed delivery, provided immediate feedback and analyzed the data to tailor the next day’s lesson plan.● Collaborated with executive directors, principals, and teachers analyzing data to determine what type of teacher professional development and academic program changes were necessary to ensure equity. Show less • Collaborate with executive directors, principals, and teachers analyzing data to determine what type of teacher professional development is necessary• Create and implement professional development for administrators, department chairs, and teachers including: leadership development, data analysis, technology, English language learners, elementary science methods, biology content knowledge, differentiation, inquiry-based learning, curriculum writing, and pedagogy• Serve as liaison to update principals regarding the transition to Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards, and Maryland STEM Initiatives• Work with principals and department chairs to mentor new and/or struggling teachers by observing teachers working with students, assessing areas of need, and coaching for excellence• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, state briefings, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence• Write, revise, and assess curriculum effectiveness in accordance with ISO 9001-2008 procedures• Implement innovation classroom technology, such as iPads, digital microscopes, data acquisition technology, online textbooks, and Web 2.0 tools Show less

      • Supervisor, Secondary Science

        Oct 2014 - Jun 2017
      • Science Resource Teacher

        Aug 2009 - Oct 2014
    • Maryland state department of education

      May 2012 - Jul 2016

      I was selected as Master Teacher and collaborated with leadership team to provide training and leadership for principles statewide to implement new national standards into their schools. ● Facilitated Educator Effectiveness Academies for high school principals and teachers to expand participants’ knowledge of the MD STEM standards, Common Core State Standards, College, Career, and Civic Life Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.● Hosted virtual office hours to answer questions and provided additional resources as part of follow-up webinars. Show less

      • STEM Curriculum Writer & Reviewer

        Mar 2013 - Jul 2016
      • Leadership and STEM Master Teacher

        May 2012 - Sept 2014
    • Maryland public television

      Jun 2012 - Nov 2012
      Stem curriculum writer

      • Work on a transdisciplinary team to write online high school lessons aligned with the Maryland STEM Standards of Practice• Collaborate with the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of STEM Initiatives to revise online high school STEM lessons

    • Maryland business roundtable for education

      Apr 2013 - Apr 2015
      Curriculum writer & reviewer

      • Review teacher-generated and teacher-suggested resources• Identify and develop additional curriculum resources• Assist businesses in developing STEM Challenge modules• Review video plans and products for STEM Specialists in the Classroom and STEM Challenges

    • Teach for america

      Aug 2014 - Jun 2017
      Content specialist

      • Support corps member in the collaborative partnership between Teach for America (TFA) and the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Education by providing in-person, content-specific mentoring in both small-group and one-on-one settings• Collaborate with TFA and JHU to create and implement professional development for corps members to acquire the knowledge and skills of research-based effective practices and to reflect on these practices

    • Notre dame of maryland university

      Jan 2015 - Jun 2017
      Associate faculty

      • Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides graduate students with opportunities to observe, question, investigate, and refine their teaching craft• Teach fundamental concepts and practical application of biology in a graduate course designed for K-8 educators. • Engage students in inquiry-based strategies to explore matter, energy, and organization in living systems; cellular biology; the molecular basis of heredity; and mechanisms for evolution that incorporates mathematics and models best practices in science pedagogy.• Use technology, multimedia, Web 2.0 tools, audiovisual aids, other equipment and manipulative materials to deliver student centered, meaningful, differentiated lessons Show less

    • Maria montessori academy

      Jul 2017 - Dec 2019
      Director

      In this role, I oversaw all marketing, student enrollment, HR operations, and performed all duties of principal/superintendent including federal and educational laws and title monies. I managed 60 employees across the entire pre-K through Grade 9 school. • Identified downward trends in early literacy, conducted a needs assessment, facilitated a process to choose and implemented a research-based reading curriculum and intervention program. • Improved student achievement in ELA, math, and science during two-year tenure. • Increased diversity of student body through recruitment activity in many types of communities.• Overhauled special education files and practices to ensure compliance with legal regulations. • Reduced student discipline by 16% within one year by revising student conduct plans, implementing a restorative approach to discipline, and analyzing student behavior data.• Implemented inclusive learning environments so special education students were not segregated. • Hired staff to increase representation of diverse individuals so students could see themselves in the adults in the school. Show less

    • Ogden school district

      Jul 2020 - Sept 2022

      Here, I supervised the quality and teaching of a newly created online school. I wrote and performed all teacher evaluations and fostered a continuous cycle of improvement while overseeing 28 teachers and two assistants. • Ensured instruction was developmentally appropriate, effective, engaging, challenging, relevant, research-based, and leveraged technology to personalize instruction. • Provided students equitable access to effective teachers, learning opportunities, academic and social support, and other resources necessary for success during an unprecedented time in history. • Placed students at the center of education and addressed student behavior in a positive, equitable, restorative, and unbiased manner. Swiftly learned to handle student and family issues unique to online learning during a pandemic. • Managed school operations and resources to promote the success and well-being of faculty, staff, and students. Show less

      • District K-12 Science Specialist

        Aug 2021 - Sept 2022
      • Interim School Principal

        Mar 2021 - Jul 2021
      • Instructional Coach

        Jul 2020 - Jul 2021
    • New teacher center

      Oct 2022 - Jan 2024
      Director, program and partnerships

      - Oversee the delivery and contract renewal process generating 1.4 million in yearly revenue for 31 projects in 9 states.- Manage the quality of program and professional learning services at the site level to promote a rigorous and growth-focused instructional culture in partner schools and districts.- Support partnership-engagement, business development, and philanthropic efforts, including designing and leading presentations on program vision and strategy for clients and collaborating with external partners. - Supervise the work of Associate Program Consultants, Program Consultants, and Senior Program Consultants; provide ongoing support to build their capacity to consult with local program leads and support high quality program implementation.- Develop and supervise team members’ time management, performance goals, and expense reimbursements. - Provide external facing support on behalf of NTC’s regional and national growth, impact, and sustainability efforts. Show less

    • School specialty

      Jun 2024 - now
      Director of professional learning

      Design and execute comprehensive learning strategies to achieve the successful growth and implementation of high-quality instructional materials. Oversee a team of full-time and contracted professional learning specialists, collaborate with clients to create custom implementation plans, design learning opportunities that enhance the knowledge of our sales team, and support sales through the delivery of product workshops, webinars, sales presentations, and RFPs. - Empower professional learning specialists by strategically delegating work, setting quality standards, and coaching each member to deliver the content and services that exceed customer expectations and elevates the implementation of the product.- Collaborate with product developers on the creation, training, and delivery of high-quality learning content and resources for educators, including workshops, webinars, online courses, institutes, and other learning materials.- Establish metrics and KPIs to assess the effectiveness of professional learning content and delivery and utilize data and feedback to continuously evaluate and improve the impact of the content and services and determine future PL offerings. - Collaborate with leadership to develop a vision for internal professional learning on products, services, and the market. - Identify, implement, and manage tools and resources that support the sales organization in their day-to-day activities, including product knowledge training, consultation with educators, positioning professional learning in pre- and post-sale activities, and supporting RFP submissions. - Partner with organizational leaders, subject matter experts, and external vendors to align learning initiatives with business needs and priorities.- Develop and manage professional learning budget, including allocation of resources for training programs, technology investments, vendor contracts, special events and other related expenses. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Biology 2 teaching endorsement

      Utah state board of education
    • English as a second language endorsement

      Utah state board of education
    • School leadership license

      Utah state board of education
    • Educational technology endorsement

      Utah state board of education
    • Secondary education professional teaching license

      Utah state board of education