Aspen Burkett
Denver,CO
Summary
An experienced educational leader and coach with a demonstrated history of fostering student-centered, collaborative, and data-driven learning environments, with proven student outcomes. Seeking to leverage expertise in instructional leadership, coaching, and strategic school management to lead as a principal and support educational excellence. Results-driven individual with a solid track record in delivering quality work. Known for excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with a commitment to achieving company goals and delivering exceptional service. Passionate about continuous learning and professional development.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Leadership Coaching and Mentoring Experience
Denver School Leadership Association
01.2023 - Current
- Provide leadership coaching and mentoring to aspiring and current school leaders, focusing on professional development, growth plans, and strategic leadership
- Support grievance investigations and facilitate difficult conversations to foster growth and address areas for improvement
- Conduct feedback and observations of individual leadership practices, helping to increase job performance, retention, and leadership effectiveness
- Design and deliver tailored professional development programs to meet the specific needs of leaders, empowering them to lead with confidence and achieve organizational goals
REACH Grant Member Participant
Distinctive Schools
Chicago, IL
04.2022 - Current
- Collaborate with leaders in arts education to tackle critical issues in educational practice, diversity, funding, and arts education
- Provide professional development guidance, lesson planning support, and feedback to education leaders across multiple regions, including Chicago, Alabama, Sarasota, Tulsa, and New Orleans
- Contribute to a Department of Education research grant, working alongside Dr
- Dennise Davis-Cotton (University of South Florida) and Distinctive Schools Chicago to improve educational outcomes and promote equity in the arts
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Worked successfully with diverse group members to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
High School Principal
Denver School of the Arts
Denver, USA
08.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: Denver Public Schools
- Lead data-driven instructional initiatives to improve student, teacher, and staff outcomes, including LEAP observations, evaluations, and feedback cycles
- Oversaw curriculum and programming for all core academic subjects and arts departments (Vocal Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Band, etc.), providing instructional leadership and professional development for staff
- Managed school budget, student recruitment, and marketing efforts to enhance enrollment and promote the school's mission
- Collaborated with district partners and stakeholders to communicate updates, coordinate events, and foster a positive school culture
- Supported comprehensive assessment strategies, including standardized testing accommodations and communication with families and the community
- Led the development and implementation of programs supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and student well-being (e.g., Black Excellence Plan, Sources of Strength)
- Managed disciplinary protocols and supported safety measures, collaborating with security teams and conducting investigations as needed
- Denver Public Schools
- Developed positive relationships with school students, teachers and local community.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Developed, monitored and evaluated educational programs for students.
- Served as a liaison between the school board of education and other external agencies.
- Supervised day-to-day activities in the school building including discipline procedures.
- Managed budgeting process for school operations and allocated resources accordingly.
- Observed teaching methods and examined learning materials to determine areas needing improvement.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders in the school community.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of best practices in educational leadership.
- Recruited, hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
- Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
- Enforced school rules for attendance, discipline and honesty.
- Developed long-term goals for improving student achievement levels.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of school employees.
- Planned and led professional development activities for teachers, administrators and support staff.
- Directed school human resources including hiring, training, policy enforcement, and legal compliance.
- Referred to student performance data to set educational goals and standards.
University of Southern Florida MLK Jr. Equity Summit Participant
University of Southern Florida, Manatee Campus
Sarasota, FL
01.2023 - 01.2023
- Collaborated with national education leaders to develop training and support for educators, school leaders, and community partners
- Focused on integrating the arts as a tool to address systemic inequities in education, aligned with the T.R.U.T.H
- Framework (Truth, Reconciliation, Understanding, Transformation, and Healing)
- Facilitated the development of strategies for improving educational outcomes for marginalized communities and students through arts integration
Assistant Principal
Denver School of the Arts
Denver, USA
07.2015 - 07.2021
- Company Overview: Denver Public Schools
- Denver Public Schools
- Created and implemented special education programs which provided support to teachers and staff while giving special needs and at-risk youth tools necessary to succeed.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed by staff members during school events.
- Provided guidance and support to teachers, staff and students in the school.
- Developed positive school climate by building effective communication within school.
- Served as a liaison between the school administration and community groups or organizations.
- Oversaw day-to-day work of classroom teachers, administrative staff and school personnel to expertly serve students' needs and meet district and state standards.
- Observed teaching methods and examined learning materials to determine areas needing improvement.
- Observed teachers under classroom conditions to track professional abilities and identify areas in need of improvement.
LEAD in Denver Assistant Principal Mentor
Denver Public Schools
Denver, USA
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Provided monthly coaching and mentoring to new Assistant Principals (APs) in Denver Public Schools as part of the LEAD Performance Framework
- Focused on areas such as leadership, communication, strategic problem-solving, and professional growth
- Supported APs in managing school-level challenges, particularly around instruction, discipline, and school culture
- Guided APs through the induction process, ensuring they completed district-level training and received feedback to enhance their leadership capacity
Assistant Principal
East High School
Denver, USA
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Company Overview: Denver Public Schools
- Led instructional leadership for Math, Performing Arts, World Language, and other departments, overseeing 43 teachers and improving student performance
- Directed credit recovery programs and developed protocols for student academic transitions, including parent and stakeholder engagement
- Coordinated district and state-level assessments, managing opt-out processes and ensuring effective communication
- Provided coaching and mentoring to new assistant principals, supporting their professional development through the LEAD Performance Framework
- Contributed to emergency management plans and supported school-wide safety initiatives
- Developed and led the SSC system, providing support for 504/IEP coordination, academic interventions, and social-emotional learning
- Managed disciplinary concerns, attendance interventions, and the development of safety plans, utilizing restorative approaches
- Led the STAR Center program, providing specialized instruction and behavioral support for students with diverse needs
- Denver Public Schools
Education
Master of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies -
University of Denver
Denver, CO06.2014
Ritchie Program for School Leaders, Administrative Licensure Program -
University of Denver
Denver, CO06.2013
Special Education, Teacher Licensure Program -
Metro State University
Denver, CO05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communication
University of Illinois
Champaign, IL05.1998
Skills
- Self-Directed Task Completion
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Strategic Relationship Management
- Team Development
- Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Clear Written Correspondence
- Clear Oral Communication Skills
- Data-Driven Planning Support
- Tailored Growth Strategies
Accomplishments
- USA Track and Field, Six-Time USA National Track Team Member (1994-1999), Ten-Time All-American, Six-Time Big Ten Champion
- Nike Track Team Member, 1998-2001
- Colorado Sports Woman of the Year, Track and Field, 1994
Awards
- 2024 Arts School Network Emerging Leader Award, ASN Kennedy Center
- Featured in Sports Illustrated, 05/01/94
References
Available upon request.
Board Memberships And Associations
- Denver School Leadership Association
- NABSE, 2015 - Present
- Arts School Network, 2015 - Present
- DPS BIPOC Committee
Professional Development
- REACH Grant Member, 04/01/23, Present, Collaborating with leaders in arts education to provide professional development and feedback on educational practices.
- University of Southern Florida MLK Jr. Equity Summit Participant, 01/01/23
- LEAD in Denver Assistant Principal Mentor, 2015-01-01, 2019-01-01, Coaching new assistant principals in leadership and professional development.
- Denver School Leadership Association, Founding Member, Principal and Assistant Principal Board Representative
- DPS Equity Training, Completed Equity Module 1 & 2
- Culturally Responsive Teaching, 2010-01-01 to 2012-01-01
Timeline
Leadership Coaching and Mentoring Experience
Denver School Leadership Association
01.2023 - Current
University of Southern Florida MLK Jr. Equity Summit Participant
University of Southern Florida, Manatee Campus
01.2023 - 01.2023
REACH Grant Member Participant
Distinctive Schools
04.2022 - Current
High School Principal
Denver School of the Arts
08.2021 - Current
Assistant Principal
Denver School of the Arts
07.2015 - 07.2021
LEAD in Denver Assistant Principal Mentor
Denver Public Schools
01.2015 - 01.2019
Assistant Principal
East High School
07.2013 - 07.2015
Master of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies -
University of Denver
Ritchie Program for School Leaders, Administrative Licensure Program -
University of Denver
Special Education, Teacher Licensure Program -
Metro State University
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communication
University of Illinois