Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certifications/Professional Development
Timeline

April Dowdy

Acclaimed Lending
Hudson,CO
30
years of professional experience

Results-oriented educator with extensive experience in curriculum development and oversight and academic performance analysis. Skilled in coaching and mentoring staff to drive school improvement initiatives and enhance student success through targeted interventions.

Work History

Mortgage Loan Originator

11 Months
Acclaimed Lending | 08.2024 - 07.2025
  • Educated clients on mortgage options, terms, and the application process to enhance understanding.
  • Provided exceptional customer service throughout the entire loan process from initial consultation to closing day.

Interim Principal

3 Months
Cardinal Community Acacdemy | 08.2022 - 11.2022
  • Identified immediate needs of the school to support teachers, students and families in the absence of a permanent principal.
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for academic improvement and intervention strategies.
  • Facilitated development and implementation of educational programs to enhance student learning outcomes.
  • Collaborated with teachers to create and maintain a positive school culture focused on student success.
  • Assisted in the search for a permanent principal along with the vetting of candidates.

1st Grade Elementary Teacher

21 Years 10 Months
Cardinal Community Academy | 08.2000 - 06.2022
  • Developed engaging Core Knowledge lesson plans to enhance student understanding of core subjects.
  • Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods, adjusting instruction accordingly.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered student curiosity and creativity.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
  • Cultivated a positive classroom environment that promoted respect, collaboration, and effective communication among students.

Interim Reading Interventionist

4 Months
Cardinal Community Academy | 08.2020 - 12.2020
  • Implemented targeted reading interventions to enhance student literacy skills.
  • Developed individualized learning plans for diverse reading levels.
  • Developed READ plans for diverse reading levels in collaboration with teachers and parents.
  • Collaborated with teachers to identify students needing additional support.

Principal

7 Years 2 Months
Cardinal Community Academy | 06.2012 - 08.2019
  • Led faculty training sessions to enhance instructional methodologies and student engagement.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to create school improvement plans that drive academic achievement.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to create Unified Improvement Plans that drive academic achievement.
  • Developed and implemented strategic educational programs aligned with community needs.
  • Analyzed academic performance data to identify trends and inform decision-making processes.
  • Mentored staff in best practices for curriculum development and classroom management techniques.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Addressed discipline issues promptly while maintaining fairness; sustaining positive relationships among faculty members.
  • Coordinated with school board to align school objectives with district-wide goals, ensuring cohesive educational strategy.

1st Grade Elementary Teacher

6 Months
Hoff Elementary | 11.2011 - 05.2012
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of core subjects.
  • Collaborated with parents and staff to address student needs and promote academic success.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to differentiate lessons according to individual student needs, ensuring academic growth for all learners.

Curriculum Director

4 Years 5 Months
Cardinal Community Academy | 06.2007 - 11.2011
  • Developed and implemented curriculum frameworks aligned with educational standards.
  • Designed training materials for faculty on instructional strategies and curriculum updates.
  • Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional adjustments and improve outcomes.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of current instructional materials, making recommendations for replacements or enhancements as needed to maintain high-quality learning experiences for students.
  • Wrote school Unified Improvement Plan and facilitated root cause analysis with staff.

Kindergarten Teacher

3 Years 10 Months
Cardinal Community Academy | 08.2003 - 06.2007
  • Wrote the Read to Achieve Grant to secure funding for reading intervention and personnel.
  • Fostered safe and welcoming classroom atmosphere, enabling students to feel valued and heard.
  • Facilitated individualized learning plans for students with special needs, ensuring their successful integration into the the classroom.
  • Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.

Special Education Teacher

4 Years 10 Months
Dale Roy School, Ashland County Board of Development Disabilities | 08.1995 - 06.2000
  • Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Adapted instructional materials to meet specific cognitive and physical challenges of learners.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance educational outcomes for students.

Education

Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction

Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | 12-2010

Bachelor of Science - Elementary & Special Education

University of North Dakota | Grand Forks | 12-1994

Skills

Data-driven instruction
School improvement planning
Coaching and mentoring
Budget management
Coaching and mentoring
Student and parent relations
Curriculum development and oversight

Certifications/Professional Development

  • Building a Strong Foundation for Lifelong Literacy Success
  • Effective Instruction for English Language Learners
  • Special Education and Behavioral Health Foundations
  • Rigorous Curriculum Design
  • Armed School Personnel Tactical Training
  • Applying Reading Triage Concepts to Targeted Reading Instruction and Intervention
  • Core Knowledge Leadership Institute
  • Creating a Love and Logic School Culture
  • Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Planning
  • Restorative Practices for Schools
  • SLD Eligibility Criteria and Identification Process
  • Gifted Education Identification Training

Timeline

Mortgage Loan Originator

Acclaimed Lending
08.2024 - 07.2025Read More

Interim Principal

Cardinal Community Acacdemy
08.2022 - 11.2022Read More

Interim Reading Interventionist

Cardinal Community Academy
08.2020 - 12.2020Read More

Principal

Cardinal Community Academy
06.2012 - 08.2019Read More

1st Grade Elementary Teacher

Hoff Elementary
11.2011 - 05.2012Read More

Curriculum Director

Cardinal Community Academy
06.2007 - 11.2011Read More

Kindergarten Teacher

Cardinal Community Academy
08.2003 - 06.2007Read More

1st Grade Elementary Teacher

Cardinal Community Academy
08.2000 - 06.2022Read More

Special Education Teacher

Dale Roy School, Ashland County Board of Development Disabilities
08.1995 - 06.2000Read More

Capella University

Master of Science from Curriculum And Instruction
Read More

University of North Dakota

Bachelor of Science from Elementary & Special Education
Read More
April Dowdy