AISHA COLLINS
Educator
Chicago,IL
Summary
Highly skilled, passionate and innovative educator, with expertise in developing and implementing Common Core curriculums covering a wide range of subjects for a wide range of diverse learners. Offers 15 years background supporting students in high-needs, low-income elementary schools with valuable experience in classroom administration, culturally responsive teaching, classroom management, professional development and project planning. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and Inquiry Based Learning and reinforcing concepts via interactive classroom instruction, online technology and observation.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
08.2018 - Current
- Demonstrated culturally responsive teaching utilizing research that supports use of age appropriate, culturally diverse literature, and student discourse throughout every aspect of learning.
- Conducted intensive small group instruction to develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills with over 100, K-2 students.
- Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various web-based applications and Inquiry Based Learning activities in K-8 classrooms.
- Integrated SEL into daily practices to support students' development of healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals for over 60 students.
- Supported new teachers and student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, culturally responsive teaching and learning, and differentiating instruction.
Youth Counselor
Cunnningham Children’s Home
Champaign, IL
11.2017 - 08.2018
- Provided care and supervision to 15-20 youth in therapeutic residential programs to address significant behavioral and mental health challenges.
- Worked with therapist and psychologists to create and implement treatment and safety plans for clients.
- Maintained documentation of mental health services provided to children to state agencies in compliance with state laws.
- Increased sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served amongst staff.
Teacher
Champaign Public Schools
Champaign, IL
07.2015 - 07.2018
- Designed, implemented, and evaluated RTI strategies for under-represented, at-risk students in school district.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging Inquiry Based Learning activities for over 60 students to achieve student participation in hands-on learning.
- Supported University of Illinois student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, lesson planning and activity organization.
Assistant Principal
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Facilitated continued professional development for teaching staff on quality curriculum implementation, restorative justice, culturally responsive teaching techniques, classroom management strategies and appropriation of necessary resources.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Designed Inquiry Based Learning activities that were differentiated, targeting specific goals that optimized school and students’ achievement for over 500 students.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to administer school programs in alignment with school's vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectations in academic environment.
- Drove operational improvements which resulted in decrease of behavioral infraction occurrences by 75% school-wide.
Dean of Academic Instruction
National Heritage Academies
Milwaukee, WI
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Demonstrated commitment for urban school transformation.
- Researched, recommended, developed and evaluated new initiatives to strengthen student success and support teaching staff in accomplishing instructional goals with collaboration with teachers and administrators.
- Provided weekly coaching to support teachers of more than 10 teachers through frequent observations and oral/written feedback.
- Demonstrated commitment for urban school transformation.
Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
08.2007 - 08.2012
- Planned and implemented teacher trainings to support in creating culturally responsive learning experiences for students.
- Integrated restorative justice and Whole Brain Teaching strategies into daily practices decreasing behavior infractions by 90%.
- Created technology rich, student centered learning environment, utilizing independent learning, and flexible grouping.
- Increased student growth by 130% through modifications of instruction.
Personnel Information Systems Manager
United States Army Reserves
12.2002 - 07.2006
- Operated and managed over 50 field personnel information systems, trained and assisted system users, and monitored system activities
- Applied cybersecurity best practices to information system standards, directives and guidance for personnel, monitoring compliance across organization.
Education
Ed.D - Teaching And Learning
National Louis University
Chicago, IL 01.2020 - 12.2022
Ed.S - Leadership and Administration
National Louis University
Chicago, IL 01.2013 - 01.2014
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
National Louis University
Chicago, IL 01.2010 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL 08.2003 - 06.2006
Skills
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning
Research Interest
Investigations to improve educator preparation programs for low-income, high-risk schools pre-service teachers.
Research Experience
Doctoral Researcher
National College of Education, National Louis University
- Worked with university department chair to assess and evaluate courses and programs in educator preparation programs.
- Conducted primary source research through the examination of educational publications and qualitative research methods to evaluate educator preparation programs.
- Examined the literature of L. Darling-Hammond, M. Haberman, and G. Gay and provided recommendations for the improvement of educator preparation programs for teachers of low-income, minority students.
Professional Service
National Teacher Fellow (Summer 2016, 2017)
Yale National Initiative,
- Develop curriculum unit tailored to the needs of urban students using Yale University resources.
- Created and oversaw implementation of 2nd grade social studies curriculum unit.
Researcher (Fall 2010)
Teach Plus Fellowship
- Engaged in inquiry processes to investigate, inform, and support policy issues and positions to create equitable educational systems for students.
- Created reports of recommendations for teachers, school leaders, and district and state policymakers as they work to support and retain Black faculty.
Certification
Illinois Principal Certificate Type 75
Professional Memberships
- National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Publications
Collins, A. (2010). Tune into the Tone: What Should We Hear Here? Yale National Initiative, 2.
References
Dr. Gloria McDaniel-Hall, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, National Louis University
- 773-450-0804
- gmcdanielhall@nl.edu
Dr. Stuart Carrier, Associate Professor and Director of the School of Advanced Professional Programs, National Louis University
- 813-220-6229
- scarrier@nl.edu
Mrs. Tamika Cleveland, Regional VP/Superintendent and Leadership Development Program Director,
- 419-206-6034
- tcleveland80@gmail.com
Timeline
Ed.D - Teaching And Learning
National Louis University
01.2020 - 12.2022
Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Youth Counselor
Cunnningham Children’s Home
11.2017 - 08.2018
Teacher
Champaign Public Schools
07.2015 - 07.2018
Assistant Principal
Chicago Public Schools
08.2014 - 08.2015
Ed.S - Leadership and Administration
National Louis University
01.2013 - 01.2014
Illinois Principal Certificate Type 75
01-2013
Dean of Academic Instruction
National Heritage Academies
08.2012 - 08.2014
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
National Louis University
01.2010 - 01.2012
Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2007 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Eastern Illinois University
08.2003 - 06.2006
Personnel Information Systems Manager
United States Army Reserves
12.2002 - 07.2006
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