Alisa Smith
Fuquay-Varina,NC
Summary
Forward-thinking Coaching Specialist offering expertise in literacy education, problem-solving, costumer service and inclusive practices. Cultivates rapport with individuals to optimize project goals and output, resolve complex problems and deliver innovative improvement strategies. Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects and developing innovative solutions.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Coaching Specialist
The Literacy Lab
06.2021 - Current
- Manage and motivate 4 team members to be productive and engaged in work by developing strong team culture using clear communication strategies, reliance on culture of feedback and collaboration, and people first approach to leadership.
- Enhance team productivity by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Educate team on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Evaluate staff performance and provide coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Co-Facilitator White Affinity Group Space in collaboration with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director and Coalition.
- Serve as hiring manager and onboard new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Promote a diverse and inclusive learning environment across team spaces to ensure productive collaboration.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
- Develop strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service with 6 school districts across the state
- Spearhead innovative response to changing demands of Virginia Department of Education to ensure continuation of services
- Conduct thorough research to identify trends and inform decision-making to ensure alignment with state literacy initiatives in accordance with Science Based Reading Research.
- Adapt and develop comprehensive training materials, leading to a more inclusive workplace environment.
- Plan and lead Institute for tutor training and onboarding, ensuring seamless execution of logistics, registration, catering, and venue management.
Coaching Specialist
The Literacy Lab
08.2016 - 06.2021
- Provided direct support, coaching, and training to team of literacy tutors to achieve maximum impact in K-3 literacy
- Regularly conducted observations and provide feedback to tutors
- Convened monthly data analysis meetings to make needed changes.
- Supported and coached school-based literacy specialists
- Established strong relationships with school and district leadership to ensure successful site experiences
- Collaborated with program staff to drive impact
Adjunct Professor/District Literacy Coaching
University Of Virginia
01.2009 - 09.2015
- Taught Literacy courses, providing instruction to up to 20 graduate students per class.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Provided small group reading instruction training and side by side modeling/support for identified school districts.
Title I Literacy Coach
Henrico County Public Schools
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Established Title I reading program at Harvie Elementary School
- Analyze and interpret school-wide data to identify most intensive students needing reading remediation and to develop intervention groups accordingly
- Provide reading intervention to identified students.
- Provide literacy coaching to teachers through professional development activities, side by side teaching, modeling lessons, data analysis, and material selection
- Created and managed school wide leveled book room
- Provided staff development to ensure implementation of school initiatives
- Collaborate with administration to observe, evaluate, and provide feedback to teachers
- Utilized prior K-5 teaching experience to foster relationship building with teachers and provide student support.
Education
Masters - Curriculum and Instruction
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA05.2008
Bachelor of Arts - LIberal Studies/Elementary Education
Longwood University
Farmville, VA05.1997
Skills
- Expert Problem Solving
- Advanced Communication
- Inclusive leadership
- Training facilitation
- Team Management
- High Emotional Intelligence
- Performance Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Project Management
- Flexible and Curious Mindset
Accomplishments
- Henrico County Gillman Teacher of the Year for Harvie Elementary School, award, 2011
- Henrico County Gillman Teacher of the Year for Fairfield District, award, 2011
Awards
- 2005-2007, Grant Recipient
- Donor's Choose
- Henrico Education Foundation
- Best Buy, Inc.
- Spring, 2011, Gillman Teacher of the Year for Harvie Elementary School
- Spring, 2011, Gillman Teacher of the Year for the Fairfield District
Timeline
Senior Coaching Specialist
The Literacy Lab
06.2021 - Current
Coaching Specialist
The Literacy Lab
08.2016 - 06.2021
Adjunct Professor/District Literacy Coaching
University Of Virginia
01.2009 - 09.2015
Title I Literacy Coach
Henrico County Public Schools
01.2008 - 01.2014
Masters - Curriculum and Instruction
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Arts - LIberal Studies/Elementary Education
Longwood University
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