Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Angela J. Smith
Open To Work

Angela J. Smith

Kalamazoo,Michigan

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: 2 weeks notice

Desired Job Title

PrincipalEducational ConsultantEducation CoordinatorInstructional Leader

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

On-SiteHybrid
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan, US
Open to relocation: No

Salary Range

$90000/yr - $150000/yr

Important To Me

Company CulturePersonal development programsCareer advancement

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven educational leader with over 20 years of experience in early childhood and K-8 education. Skilled in managing multi-site programs, school and program administration, fiscal oversight, curriculum development, and staff leadership. Recognized for building collaborative, high-performing teams, maintaining compliance with state regulations, securing and managing grants, including GSRP funding, and fostering partnerships that enhance program quality. Committed to creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments for children, families, and educators.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Early Childhood Education Coordinator

Child Development Centers of Southwest Michigan
Kalamazoo, MI
08.2023 - Current
  • Lead operations for six licensed child development centers, ensuring program excellence and regulatory compliance
  • Recruit, hire, and train Center Directors and staff; provide ongoing professional development
  • Oversee budgets and grant funding, including GSRP; ensure fiscal responsibility
  • Research, purchase, and implement curriculum and educational resources
  • Develop and update staff and parent handbooks, policies, and procedures
  • Collaborate with web designers and community partners to enhance enrollment and program visibility

Principal

Forest Academy
Kalamazoo, MI
08.2021 - 07.2023
  • Directed school operations, including academics, staffing, compliance, and community engagement
  • Implemented a data-driven curriculum to improve student performance.
  • Recruited and evaluated teachers and staff, and promoted open communication with families.
  • Facilitated targeted professional development
  • Managed school budgets and ensured compliance with district and state reporting.
  • Built partnerships with board members and community stakeholders

Consultant

Arbor Academy
Battle Creek, MI
04.2023 - 06.2023
  • Conducted classroom observations and teacher evaluations
  • Supported behavior management and instructional quality
  • Advised leadership on improving school culture and operational efficiency

Elementary & Special Education Teacher

Kalamazoo Public Schools
Kalamazoo, MI
08.1998 - 06.2021
  • Delivered Montessori and special education instruction aligned with Michigan standards
  • Mentored new teachers, and led professional development initiatives.
  • Directed accreditation processes and implemented culturally responsive education training district-wide.
  • Integrated social-emotional learning practices and fostered safe, inclusive classroom environments

Education

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership

Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Master of Arts - Montessori Curriculum & Implementation

St. Catherine's College, St. Paul, MN

Bachelor of Science - Special Education

Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

Skills

  • Early childhood program administration
  • Licensing and regulatory compliance
  • Budget development and fiscal oversight
  • Grant writing and management
  • Staff recruitment and training
  • Curriculum implementation and selection
  • Professional development and mentoring
  • Family and community partnerships
  • Enrollment and retention strategies

Timeline

Early Childhood Education Coordinator - Child Development Centers of Southwest Michigan
08.2023 - Current
Consultant - Arbor Academy
04.2023 - 06.2023
Principal - Forest Academy
08.2021 - 07.2023
Elementary & Special Education Teacher - Kalamazoo Public Schools
08.1998 - 06.2021
Michigan State University - Master of Arts, Educational Leadership
St. Catherine's College - Master of Arts, Montessori Curriculum & Implementation
Western Michigan University - Bachelor of Science, Special Education
Angela J. Smith