April Burson
Ramah,NM
Summary
Experience in student affairs in grades pre-k - 6th and education administration. Actively promotes positive student development and effective conflict resolution. Strong emphasis on student and staff collaboration. Knowledgeable in strategic planning, professional development preparation, and implementing federal, state and local policies.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dean of Students (K-5)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2022 - Current
- Duties included all those listed for the Instructional Coach, with the following additions:
- Held minor student discipline meetings
- Complete walkthroughs more frequently
- Lead person in charge when principal is away from campus
- Monitor teacher created assessments, Digital lesson plans, and classroom data analysis for alignment to district formatives and NMSSA state testing
- Assist with budgetary planning
Instructional Coach (K-5)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Data analysis
- Create assessments aligned to district YAG
- Manage payroll and attendance rosters for after-hours academy
- Work closely with admin to prepare schedules and data spreadsheets
- Observed student discipline meetings
- BTC- ensured that all staff completed test security training and other required certifications
- Implemented a coaching cycle with Kindergarten classes to foster collaboration among grade level teams
- Provided support to teachers through modeling and preparation of materials
- AIPTI champion- supported teachers with planning, organizing materials, and finalizing PowerPoint presentations
- ELL Champion- supported staff and students with ways to better assist ELL students
- Work with Empower Consultants on coaching cycles and ways to create a positive environment for learning
Interim Instructional Coach (K-5)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Taught students both virtually and in-person simultaneously
- Learned how to be flexible to meet the demands of students learning at home
- Quickly learned the TEAMS platform for online learning
- Prepared weekly lesson plans aligned to the district YAG
- Created and adjusted student assessments based on weekly data
- Discussed student growth during Parent Teacher Conferences
- Met with grade level teams to review progress and areas of need during PLCs
- Met with families during parent nights and various school events
- Fulfilled Interim IC duties until level 2 licensure was obtained
- Worked with all teachers on Social committee activities to boost staff morale
- Frequently worked with Empower consultants on reading and writing strategies
- Worked one-on-one with students that needed additional instruction
General Education Teacher (Grades 1, 2)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2021
- Planned lessons alongside cooperating teacher for 22 students
- Created weekly lessons plan independently
- Created 3 week unit plans using GMCS formatting
- Acted in full teaching capacity in 1st grade class to fulfill student teaching seminar
- Implemented various Kagan strategies in the classroom and have basic knowledge of Empower
Student teacher (1st grade)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2016 - 05.2017
- Planned lessons alongside cooperating teacher for 22 students
- Created weekly lessons plan independently
- Created 3 week unit plans using GMCS formatting
- Acted in full teaching capacity in 1st grade class to fulfill student teaching seminar
- Implemented various Kagan strategies in the classroom and have basic knowledge of Empower
Long-term substitute (5th grade)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Planned weekly lessons
- Aligned lessons to PARCC rigor
- Maintained good relations with staff, parents, and students
- Completed coursework for teaching degree
Substitute Teacher
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
02.2012 - 12.2014
- Acted in the capacity of permanent teacher during their absence
- Followed lesson plan directives
- Prepared materials for daily activities
- Created lesson plans in emergency cases
- Managed large group activities in a timely and efficient manner
Education
M.ED. - Educational Leadership
09.2025
NM-THRIVE PSB - undefined
05.2024
NM-LEAD PSB - undefined
05.2023
Professional Dossier - Level 2 Licensure K-8
03.2021
BSED program - Level 1 licensure K-8
05.2017
undefined
University of New Mexico
Gallup, NM01.2013
AAS - Business Administration, Management
Central New Mexico University
Albuquerque, NM01.2012
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Central New Mexico University
Albuquerque, NM01.2004
Skills
- Courses Completed:
- Intro to Quality Management
- Fundamentals of CQI
- Quality tools
- Team Building for Quality
- Re-engineering for Quality
Certification
- Licensed [Job Title] - [Timeframe]
- K-8 Teaching License -
Timeline
Dean of Students (K-5)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2022 - Current
Instructional Coach (K-5)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2021 - 01.2022
Interim Instructional Coach (K-5)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
01.2021 - 05.2021
General Education Teacher (Grades 1, 2)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2017 - 05.2021
Student teacher (1st grade)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
08.2016 - 05.2017
Long-term substitute (5th grade)
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
01.2016 - 05.2016
Substitute Teacher
GMCS- Ramah Elementary
02.2012 - 12.2014
NM-THRIVE PSB - undefined
NM-LEAD PSB - undefined
Professional Dossier - Level 2 Licensure K-8
BSED program - Level 1 licensure K-8
undefined
University of New Mexico
AAS - Business Administration, Management
Central New Mexico University
undefined
Central New Mexico University