Bethany Sullivan
Hartford,CT
Summary
Relentless focus on equity in Hartford Public Schools for over 27 years, ensuring all learners have access to rigorous curriculum and high-quality instruction. Honest, transparent and collaborative leader seeking an executive leadership position to support school-based administrators and Instructional Leadership Teams.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Classical Magnet School
08.2019 - Current
- Collaborated with district-wide stakeholders on the HPS Grading for Equity Committee to design and implement equitable grading policies for secondary students
- Participated on the Leadership Development Advisory Council to create the Portrait of the Principal and criteria and processes for a district-wide leadership pipeline
- Coached new principals on identifying inequities, removing barriers and redesigning systems and structures to ensure all learners have access to high quality instruction
- Designed professional learning modules for coaches and district leadership to support new administrators
- Created a comprehensive plan for a professional learning and evaluation system with members of the Professional Development and Evaluation Committee
- Mentored aspiring administrators enrolled in 092 certification programs on performance expectations aligned to the Connecticut School Leadership Standards
- Developed structures for teachers to engage in continuous improvement cycles, resulting in PSAT growth rates that exceed state growth rates
- Analyzed NGAR data with the Instructional Leadership Team to prioritize indicators, set goals and develop an action plan, increasing score by 7.2 points in two years
- Collaborated with team leaders and the Attendance Culture & Engagement Team to improve engagement strategies, increasing the favorable rating on the HPS Climate Survey for students feeling connected to the school by 37% from Spring 2023-Spring 2024
- Fostered student voice, leadership and decision-making through Student Senate, National Honor Society, student focus groups and individual conferences and surveys
- Doubled the number of UConn Early College Experience courses providing all 11th and 12th grade students access to rigorous, college-level courses
- Conducted frequent learning walks with the Instructional Leadership Team to assess implementation of instructional priorities and determine professional learning needs
- Designed and implemented professional learning aligned to Paideia focused on Socratic seminars and intellectual coaching
- Collaborated with parent leaders to maintain a thriving Parent Senate and School Governance Council where parents engage in important decision-making
- Engaged in cross-departmental collaboration with the Instructional Leadership Team to analyze data, develop the Plan for School Excellence and Accountability, monitor progress, make adjustments and individualize professional learning experiences for staff
- Secured grant funds to design a robust enrichment program offering Theater, E-Sports, Mock Trial, Robotics, Academic Support and transportation ensuring access for all students
Principal
McDonough Middle School
10.2013 - 08.2019
- Participated on the Superintendent's Advisory Council providing input on the District Model of Excellence and district-wide priorities
- Facilitated workshops for the district-wide Middle School Redesign Team on scheduling and systems and structures to support a postive school culture
- Provided professional learning and mentoring to principals on writing high quality feedback to teachers aligned to the CT Leader Evaluation and Support Rubric
- Presented to district-wide School Governance Councils on how to use data from Next Generation Accountability Reports to develop School Improvement Plans aligned to the HPS Strategic Operating Plan
- Facilitated workshops at Leadership Institutes on a variety of topics including SBAC Growth Measurements (APTA), Employee Engagement, and Shared Leadership Structures
- Extensive leadership training as a member of the EL Education network
- Decreased chronic absenteeism by 24% by establishing accountability systems and ensuring students feel connected to their school community
- Reduced the suspension rate by 80% through the implementation of restorative practices and Life Space Crisis Intervention training for all certified and non-certified staff
Dean of Students
McDonough Middle School
12.2012 - 09.2013
- Facilitated professional learning workshops for teachers on writing culturally relevant curriculum and authentic assessments to increase students’ voice and choice
- Coached teachers on designing and implementing EL expeditions (ie. Oral History Project on Biculturalism and Puerto Rican Migration to Hartford, Little Free Pantry Project)
Curriculum Specialist
McDonough Middle School
08.2011 - 12.2012
- Provided direct coaching to classroom teachers on how to design and implement high quality instruction aligned to grade level standards and rigorous, culturally relevant text
- Led data team meetings with weekly analysis of student work to help teachers plan timely interventions and ensure all learners have access to rigorous, grade level curriculum
- Collaborated with the ILT to create systems and structures to support a positive school culture including CREW curriculum, Habits of Scholars, and a consequence ladder
Education
093 Superintendent of Schools -
UConn Executive Leadership Program
Hartford, CT05.2019
6th Year Diploma - Educational Leadership
UConn Administrator Preparation Program
West Hartford, CT05.2012
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
Wesleyan University Graduate Liberal Studies Program
Middletown, CT05.2010
Master of Arts - Education
Saint Joseph College
West Hartford, CT05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities
Providence College
Providence, RI 05.1995
Skills
- Advancing and developing teams
- Innovative thinker and problem-solver
- Ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders
- Continuous improvement expertise
- Extensive training in high quality instruction by EL Education & Paideia
- Excellent communication skills
Teaching Experience
History & Philosophy Teacher Classical Magnet School Hartford, CT August 1999 - August 2011
English as a Foreigh Language Teacher Polyglot Language Institute Santiago, Chile September 1996 - March 1997
English as a Second Language Teacher Adult Education Hartford, CT January 1996 - June 1996
Timeline
Principal
Classical Magnet School
08.2019 - Current
Principal
McDonough Middle School
10.2013 - 08.2019
Dean of Students
McDonough Middle School
12.2012 - 09.2013
Curriculum Specialist
McDonough Middle School
08.2011 - 12.2012
093 Superintendent of Schools -
UConn Executive Leadership Program
6th Year Diploma - Educational Leadership
UConn Administrator Preparation Program
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
Wesleyan University Graduate Liberal Studies Program
Master of Arts - Education
Saint Joseph College
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities
Providence College