ALI SALINAS
Houston,Texas
Summary
Mission-driven educator and accomplished leader in Lower and Middle School education with over 20 years of experience in guiding students, mentoring faculty, and collaborating with families in esteemed independent schools. Recognized for sound judgment and relational leadership, supported by a strong foundation in instructional best practices, adult learning facilitation, and support for students with learning differences. Expertise in curriculum development, faculty management, and strategic planning ensures a proactive approach to navigating evolving educational needs while achieving measurable outcomes. Committed to fostering effective communication, adaptability, and maintaining high standards in all educational endeavors.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Curriculum & Instruction, PreK-5
The Fay School
Houston, TX
01.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership for teaching and learning within the Lower School, partnering closely with divisional leadership to ensure program coherence, instructional excellence, and a supportive student experience
- Maintain a highly visible presence in classrooms, strengthening instructional quality and supporting both teachers and students
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate faculty through observation, coaching, and growth-centered feedback
- Analyze psychoeducational evaluations and learning data to guide instructional decisions, student supports, and placement considerations
- Partner with teachers to design differentiated instruction responsive to varied cognitive profiles
- Serve as a trusted resource to families in interpreting educational testing and understanding learning needs
- Collaborate with specialists and outside professionals to ensure coordinated student support
- Serve on Admissions and Hiring Committees, contributing insight into applicant readiness and faculty selection
- Co-develop the upper elementary leadership curriculum and stewardship program
- Partner with school leadership on divisional priorities and long-range planning
- Member, Lower School Leadership Team
Learning Specialist, PreK–5
The Fay School
Houston, TX
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Supported the academic and social-emotional development of Lower School students through targeted intervention and collaborative partnership
- Interpreted psychoeducational assessments to develop individualized learning plans
- Guided teachers in translating diagnostic data into effective instructional strategies and accommodations
- Partnered closely with families to explain evaluation results and clarify next steps
- Collaborated with outside clinicians to ensure continuity of support
Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, K–8
St. Francis Episcopal School
Houston, TX
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Served as a key member of the instructional leadership team, shaping academic vision while strengthening faculty practice and student support systems
- Guided faculty through curriculum alignment, instructional refinement, and reflective practice
- Led workshops focused on best practices in classroom management and student engagement techniques.
- Collaborated with faculty to create engaging curriculum materials aligned with educational standards
- Partnered with instructional leadership team to develop Advanced Academic programming and student application process
- Led collaborative reviews of psychoeducational testing to inform differentiation and intervention
- Helped teachers translate student data into actionable classroom strategies
- Partnered with families around learning needs and academic planning
- Participated in Admissions, Hiring, and Accreditation/Self-Study Committees
- Supported a cohesive academic program aligned with Episcopal values
Director of Curriculum & Instruction, K–8
Holy Spirit Episcopal School
Houston, TX
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Led school-wide academic initiatives with emphasis on instructional excellence and responsive student support
- Supervised faculty and Learning Specialists while advancing a collaborative professional culture
- Oversaw the interpretation of educational testing to strengthen instructional planning and placement decisions
- Established systems for supporting diverse learners within the general education environment
- Communicated proactively with families to build clarity and trust
Learning Specialist & Curriculum Coach, K–8
Holy Spirit Episcopal School
Houston, TX
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Conducted detailed analyses of psychoeducational evaluations to design targeted supports
- Partnered with teachers to implement differentiated strategies and accommodations
- Chaired the Professional Development Committee, strengthening faculty capacity to serve diverse learners
Director of Library Services, PreK–12
St. Francis Episcopal School
Houston, TX
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led a vertically aligned library and research program supporting literacy, inquiry, and curricular integration
- Supervised library faculty and staff across campuses
- Managed budgets and strategic collection development
- Partnered with academic leaders to support inclusive learning experiences
Education
Ed.S. - Curriculum & Instruction/Reading
University of Virginia
M.S. - Applied Linguistics/MAT English
Georgetown University
B.S. - Spanish & Linguistics
Georgetown University
Skills
- Lower and Middle School academic program stewardship
- Instructional leadership grounded in research-informed practice
- Faculty supervision, mentoring, and coaching
- Development and presentation of professional development workshops
- Data-driven approach to differentiated instruction
- Student-focused decision making
- Curricular alignment expertise
- Admissions, hiring, and team development experience
- Calm, strategic leadership in nuanced situations
- Visible, relational leadership presence
Certification
Texas Educator Certifications:
- Reading Specialist (EC–12)
- ESOL (EC–12)
Timeline
Director of Curriculum & Instruction, PreK-5
The Fay School
01.2024 - Current
Learning Specialist, PreK–5
The Fay School
01.2023 - 01.2024
Director of Library Services, PreK–12
St. Francis Episcopal School
01.2022 - 01.2023
Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, K–8
St. Francis Episcopal School
01.2016 - 01.2022
Director of Curriculum & Instruction, K–8
Holy Spirit Episcopal School
01.2015 - 01.2016
Learning Specialist & Curriculum Coach, K–8
Holy Spirit Episcopal School
01.2013 - 01.2015
B.S. - Spanish & Linguistics
Georgetown University
Ed.S. - Curriculum & Instruction/Reading
University of Virginia
M.S. - Applied Linguistics/MAT English
Georgetown University
EARLY CAREER FOUNDATION
- St. John’s School (Houston) | Cypress-Fairbanks ISD | Arlington Public Schools (VA) | University of Virginia
- Lower School Classroom Teacher (Grades 1, 3, 5)
- District Language Arts Curriculum Coach (Grades 2-5)
- Instructional Coach and Literacy Lead Teacher (Grades K-5)
- Reading and ESL Specialist (Grades K-5)
- Adjunct Faculty — Graduate Courses in Reading and Word Study