Alyessa Canan
Austin
Summary
Educational leader specializing in curriculum development, teacher training, and data-informed decision-making. Proven success in driving instructional improvements and fostering inclusive practices to enhance learning outcomes for diverse student populations.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District Testing Coordinator
Del Valle ISD
Del Valle
2026 - Current
- Directed district-wide coordination of state and national assessments
- Designed and delivered professional development on assessment literacy, test administration protocols, and data-informed practices.
- Collaborated with district leadership and committees to guarantee equitable assessment access for emergent bilingual and special education populations.
- Analyzed assessment data to enhance instructional decision-making and support campus improvement planning.
- Oversaw integration of assessment systems and data platforms to monitor academic progress and program effectiveness.
- Coordinated testing logistics across multiple campuses, ensuring adherence to state testing windows and security protocols.
- Maintained compliance with security documentation and record retention policies while enhancing operational efficiency.
Teacher Trainer
Passage Preparation
Dallas
2023 - Current
- Developed and delivered training sessions for new teachers on classroom management, assessment strategies, and technology integration.
- Created ongoing professional development resources to facilitate continuous growth for new educators.
- Produced resource materials to enhance professional development initiatives for new teaching staff.
LPAC Chair/Newcomer Specialist
Dallas ISD
Dallas
2025 - 2026
- Led LPAC and newcomer programs for over 500 emergent bilingual students, ensuring compliance and equitable access to instruction.
- Designed and delivered professional development on ESL strategies, sheltered instruction, and culturally responsive practices to enhance teacher capacity.
- Collaborated with curriculum and MTSS teams to implement data-driven interventions, achieving highest language proficiency growth in district.
- Modeled and supported effective instructional planning and progress monitoring for multilingual learners across various content areas.
Transition Specialist/Teacher Trainer
Plano ISD
Plano
2023 - 2025
- Led transition planning for middle and high school students with autism and behavioral needs, focusing on post-secondary education, employment, and independent living goals.
- Collaborated with families, educators, counselors, and community agencies to create individualized pathways and connect students with vocational opportunities.
- Facilitated job readiness training, vocational assessments, and service referrals to enhance student employability.
- Advocated for inclusive practices while delivering staff development on behavior intervention strategies and autism-specific instruction.
- Developed training programs for teachers to improve instructional techniques relevant to diverse learning needs.
- Conducted workshops on curriculum design and effective teaching strategies to promote student engagement.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through teacher feedback and follow-up sessions to ensure continuous improvement.
Athletic Director
Uplift Education
Dallas
2021 - 2023
- Directed scheduling, hiring, and management of coaches to enhance program effectiveness.
- Promoted events and programs to increase participation and community engagement.
- Ordered equipment and constructed budgets for efficient resource allocation.
- Coordinated fundraising events to support athletic initiatives and program sustainability.
- Designed MYP curriculum for IB Physical Education and Health to meet educational standards.
- Developed a comprehensive athletic program encompassing diverse sports for varied student interests.
- Implemented strategies to cater to a broad range of student abilities in athletics.
Social Emotional Lead
Uplift Education
Dallas
2021 - 2023
- Developed and implemented a school-wide SEL program aligning with educational goals and promoting positive behavior.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to integrate SEL into overall school culture.
- Designed and implemented curriculum modules for grades four through eight, ensuring developmentally appropriate skill progression.
- Partnered with teachers to incorporate SEL concepts into daily instruction and activities.
- Provided ongoing support and coaching to enhance teachers' integration of SEL practices.
ESL Specialist
Uplift Education
Dallas
2016 - 2023
- Collaborated with teachers to differentiate instruction, enhancing language development across subjects for ELLs.
- Provided targeted instruction to small groups, addressing varying language proficiency levels and academic needs.
- Organized workshops and events to celebrate diversity, fostering cultural competence within the school community.
- Integrated ESL methods into classroom activities to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
Mentor Director
Urban Teachers(City Teaching Alliance)
Dallas
2017 - 2021
- Designed, developed, and implemented a comprehensive program for new teachers to enhance professional growth and instructional skills.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align the program with school goals and educational standards.
- Delivered orientation sessions and ongoing training for new teachers on pedagogy, curriculum planning, and assessment strategies.
- Oversaw creation of training materials and curriculum guides for program participants.
- Established and managed mentorship programs pairing new teachers with experienced educators for ongoing support.
- Monitored mentor-mentee relationships to ensure positive experiences for both parties.
- Fostered community among new teachers through networking events and online platforms.
- Coached first-year teachers during summer institute and provided continuous support throughout the school year.
ELA Teacher Leader
Uplift Education
Dallas
2016 - 2020
- Achieved highest student growth in district for three consecutive years, increasing passing rates from 40% to 80%.
- Led development and implementation of vertically aligned K-12 ELAR curriculum maps to ensure cohesive learning objectives.
- Collaborated with teachers, instructional coaches, and curriculum specialists to align curriculum with state standards, enhancing instructional coherence.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify improvement areas and adjust curriculum accordingly.
- Utilized data-driven insights to inform decisions on instructional interventions and enhancements.
- Conducted data assessments for three grade levels, adapting lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs and improve student engagement.
- Implemented technology-based reading intervention programs for students with severe literacy deficiencies.
- Coached English team in achieving vertical learning targets, fostering consistent teaching practices across grade levels.
Education
Master of Science - Education with a Focus in Special Education and English as a Second Language
Johns Hopkins University
Dallas, TX06-2018
Bachelor of Science - Human Development with a Focus in Early Childhood Education
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR12-2013
Skills
- Data analysis and assessment coordination
- Assessment administration
- Program evaluation
- Curriculum development
- Teacher training and development
- Technology integration
- Collaboration and leadership
- Professional development
Certification
- International Baccalaureate
- 200 hr. Yoga and Social Emotional Learning
- Crisis Prevention Intervention
- TEA K-6 Generalist
- TEA Special Education
- TEA English as a Second Language
- Conscious Discipline
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
District Testing Coordinator
Del Valle ISD
2026 - Current
Teacher Trainer
Passage Preparation
2023 - Current
LPAC Chair/Newcomer Specialist
Dallas ISD
2025 - 2026
Transition Specialist/Teacher Trainer
Plano ISD
2023 - 2025
Athletic Director
Uplift Education
2021 - 2023
Social Emotional Lead
Uplift Education
2021 - 2023
ESL Specialist
Uplift Education
2016 - 2023
Mentor Director
Urban Teachers(City Teaching Alliance)
2017 - 2021
ELA Teacher Leader
Uplift Education
2016 - 2020
Master of Science - Education with a Focus in Special Education and English as a Second Language
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Science - Human Development with a Focus in Early Childhood Education
University of Arkansas