Alison Thomas
Chicago
Summary
Results-oriented professional with over 20 years of experience in education, specializing in leadership and curriculum development. Demonstrated success in implementing strategies that enhance performance and promote collaboration. Skilled in data analysis to identify improvement areas and design effective learning experiences.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IB MYP Coordinator
Farragut Career Academy International Baccalaureate World School
Chicago
08.2024 - Current
- Promoted implementation of International Baccalaureate program across all subject areas.
- Coached teachers in IB methodologies, enhancing instructional practices.
- Maintained Career Programme and Diploma Programme Pathways during maternity leave to ensure continuity.
- Organized comprehensive IB training sessions for staff development.
- Provided constructive feedback on subject group overviews and curriculum maps.
- Co-led Personal Project requirement to guide student learning experiences.
- Registered teachers and students in MyIB and IBIS systems for streamlined management.
- Created classes and scheduled hours on Learning Hub to support educational activities.
Coaching and Sponsoring
Various Schools
01.2000 - Current
- Produced student performances
- Coached individual events speech team
- Sewing costumes and military uniforms
- Coached, Directed, Judged IHSA speech and performance competitions
Instructional Coach and Teacher
Marine Leadership Academy
Chicago
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Promoted instructional vision and best practices for planning and instruction.
- Coordinated ILT through CPS initiatives and learning cycles.
- Conducted observations of teachers to analyze instructional plans and provide feedback.
- Scheduled network walk-throughs to enhance collaborative practices.
- Collaborated with department chairs to align departmental goals and vertical planning.
- Facilitated a book club focused on Grading for Equity by Feldman.
- Analyzed Star360 data to assess student performance trends.
- Co-coordinated AP Testing logistics and support.
Theatre Teacher/ILT Member
Marshall Metro High School
Chicago
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Delivered instruction in Theatre Arts, Exploring Computer Science, Wilson Reading, and Speech Communication.
- Organized peer observations to ensure summative alignment across curricula.
- Developed and presented professional development sessions on backward design strategies.
- Created surveys to gather data for guiding Instructional Leadership Team focus.
- Supplied literary resources to all departments to support teaching and learning initiatives.
- Adapted lesson plans and curriculum maps for effective remote learning delivery.
Consultant Teacher District-wide Initiatives
Chicago Public Schools: Office of Teaching and Learning
Chicago
08.2012 - 06.2020
- Developed and revised CPS English REACH performance tasks, rubrics, and teacher guides.
- Conducted audits of teacher scoring for REACH performance tasks.
- Defined comprehensive course descriptions for all core English classes.
- Evaluated textbooks for a city-wide educational initiative.
- Facilitated city-wide teacher institutes focused on close reading and writing skills.
- Conducted Advanced Placement English Language seminars for novice teachers.
International Baccalaureate Teacher
Morgan Park High School
Chicago
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Instructed MYP English II, DP Theatre, Theory of Knowledge, Speech, Women in Literature, One Goal, AP Language and Composition, and DP English IV courses.
- Participated in Culture and Climate team to enhance educational environment.
- Coordinated teacher supervisors for successful implementation of IB Personal Project.
- Guided junior IB Diploma Program students in developing IB Extended Essay skills.
- Established partnerships with theaters for student residencies and performances.
- Collaborated on backwards-mapping complex IB unit plans for course team initiatives.
Instructional Leadership Team Lead
Crane Technical High School
Chicago
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Facilitated weekly meetings for senior teachers to enhance collaboration and communication.
- Guided teachers in aligning with school-wide senior focus standards.
- Coached non-tenured teachers to elevate practices and improve REACH evaluations.
- Implemented incentive program to encourage positive student behaviors across all classes.
- Collected data on student behaviors to identify areas for improvement.
- Organized engaging class activities to promote student participation.
- Scheduled peer-observations among teachers to foster professional development.
- Led senior/teacher mentor program, enhancing support for teaching staff.
Teacher/Department Chair
Richard T. Crane High School
Chicago
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Implemented pre-Advanced Placement English curriculum for freshmen, enhancing academic rigor.
- Taught English I, English IV, and Drama, fostering student engagement and skills development.
- Spearheaded data collection and resource management initiatives to improve educational outcomes.
- Coordinated school activities as a member of Instructional Leadership Team, driving strategic planning.
- Organized school-wide mini ACT practice test to prepare students for college readiness.
- Presented interview and first impression guidelines to student body, promoting professional development.
- Incorporated EPAS scores into instruction to tailor learning strategies and address needs.
- Completed literacy portion of CIWP, contributing to overall school improvement goals.
Advanced Placement Coordinator
Harlan Community Academy High School
Chicago
06.2008 - 08.2013
- Executed CAPE grant, enhancing outcomes in Advanced Placement classes.
- Led vertical planning for AP curriculum in English, math, and science.
- Organized Advanced Placement recruiting fair and Parent Night to boost enrollment.
- Assisted in programming AP class lists to align with student interests.
- Coordinated Advanced Placement testing alongside test coordinator and counselors.
Teacher and Department Chair
Harlan Community Academy High School
Chicago
08.2005 - 06.2013
- Instructed AP English: Language and Composition along with English I-IV courses.
- Facilitated weekly curriculum meetings to ensure vertical and horizontal alignment.
- Collaborated with Academic Center team to enhance student experiences.
- Integrated data cycles into leadership activities and course planning sessions.
- Presented literacy practices to entire staff for improved instructional strategies.
- Coordinated peer observations to foster professional development within department.
- Supplied writing lesson materials to support school-wide instruction.
- Provided feedback on assessments to refine and target instructional approaches.
Teacher
Township High School District 214
Elk Grove Village
08.2000 - 05.2002
- Instructed courses in Speech Communication, Introduction to Literature, and Writing Skills II.
- Coordinated annual Career Fair to increase student engagement with employers.
- Promoted Service Learning Work initiatives to enhance community involvement.
- Coached Individual IHSA Speech Team, leading to improved performance.
- Co-directed school plays, ensuring successful production and execution.
- Designed and constructed costumes for theatrical performances.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN05.2009
Bachelor of Science - Communication Education, English Education, Women's Studies
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05.2000
Skills
- Instructional Design & Curriculum Development:The ability to create engaging and effective learning experiences
Understanding of learning theories and pedagogical best practices
Skill in tailoring curriculum to diverse learning needs
- Data Analysis & Assessment:Proficiency in analyzing student data to inform instruction
Ability to use assessment tools to measure learning outcomes
Skill in providing data-driven feedback
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills:Clear and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues
Strong active listening and relationship-building skills
Ability to present information in a clear and engaging manner
- Collaboration & Teamwork:Ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate with others
Skill in fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment
Experience in working with diverse groups
- Classroom Management & Facilitation:Ability to create and maintain a positive and productive learning environment
Skill in facilitating engaging and interactive learning experiences
Ability to manage diverse student behaviors
- Technology Integration:Proficiency in using educational technology tools and platforms
Ability to integrate technology into instruction to enhance learning
Adaptability to new and emerging technologies
- Differentiation & Adaptability:Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing needs and situations
The capacity to adjust teaching methods to meet the needs of all students
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking:The ability to think critically, and to solve problems that arise within educational settings
The capacity to make sound judgements, and decisions
- Professional Development & Continuous Learning:A commitment to ongoing professional development and learning
The ability to stay up-to-date on current educational trends and best practices
Certification
- Type 9, Secondary Teaching with Certification in English, Speech Communication, and Theatre
- Type 75, Education Administration
Coaching And Sponsoring
Various Schools, 01/00, present, Produced student performances, Coached individual events speech team, Sewing costumes and military uniforms, Coached, Directed, Judged IHSA speech and performance competitions
Timeline
IB MYP Coordinator
Farragut Career Academy International Baccalaureate World School
08.2024 - Current
Instructional Coach and Teacher
Marine Leadership Academy
08.2022 - 06.2024
Theatre Teacher/ILT Member
Marshall Metro High School
08.2019 - 06.2022
International Baccalaureate Teacher
Morgan Park High School
08.2015 - 06.2019
Instructional Leadership Team Lead
Crane Technical High School
08.2014 - 06.2015
Teacher/Department Chair
Richard T. Crane High School
08.2013 - 06.2015
Consultant Teacher District-wide Initiatives
Chicago Public Schools: Office of Teaching and Learning
08.2012 - 06.2020
Advanced Placement Coordinator
Harlan Community Academy High School
06.2008 - 08.2013
Teacher and Department Chair
Harlan Community Academy High School
08.2005 - 06.2013
Teacher
Township High School District 214
08.2000 - 05.2002
Coaching and Sponsoring
Various Schools
01.2000 - Current
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
Bachelor of Science - Communication Education, English Education, Women's Studies
Illinois State University
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