Brandi Epps
Cedar Hill,TX
Summary
Experienced curriculum and instruction professional with expertise in K-5 Literacy. Seeking supervisory, leadership, and/or specialist roles. Specializations include adult learning, coaching, professional development, collaboration, and results-oriented approaches. Recognized for exceptional communication and analytical skills, consistently achieving positive outcomes, and driving success in medium/large urban school districts.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
Uplift Education
09.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams within the Network to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
- Provided ongoing support to 3rd grade teachers through coaching sessions, addressing challenges, and celebrating successes together.
- Implemented data-driven instructional strategies to meet the unique needs of each student population.
- Streamlined content delivery methods by integrating innovative technology tools into lesson planning processes.
- Participated in regular meetings with administrators and other specialists to discuss ways to enhance instructional effectiveness.
- Provided constructive feedback to teachers based on classroom observations, supporting continued professional growth.
- Utilized recorded data to implement actionable curriculum improvements.
- Managed special projects aimed at enhancing instructional quality
- Organized professional development workshops for educators, focusing on best practices in instruction and assessment.
- Assisted in the analysis of school-wide assessment data, informing programmatic decisions aimed at improving overall performance.
- Coached 3rd grade teachers on effective classroom management strategies, fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
Lead Instructional Specialist
Dallas ISD
06.2021 - 08.2024
- Coached K-2 teachers on effective classroom management strategies, fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
- Utilized digital tools to enhance their effectiveness and establish strong foundations for early reading and math skills in the classroom
- Provided constructive feedback to teachers based on classroom observations, supporting continued professional growth.
- Fostered implementation of best practices using the CLASS scoring system and Results Coaching Global's coaching techniques
- Utilized data to implement actionable curriculum improvements.
- Served as a resource for novice and veteran teachers seeking guidance on effective pedagogical approaches or specific content knowledge expertise.
- Mentored novice teachers by fostering a sense of collaboration and professional growth.
- Led collaborative planning sessions with teams of teachers, promoting consistency across grade levels and subject areas.
- Organized professional development and PLC's for teachers, focusing on best practices in instruction and assessment.
- July 2023- Began leading/managing a team of Instructional Specialists to support their efforts with caseloads of 10-15 K-2 teachers each
- Enhanced team's overall performance through evaluations, feedback, and contributing to the success of our departmental goals.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
Instructional Coach
Lancaster ISD
06.2018 - 06.2021
- Oversaw PK-5th grade ELA teachers and provided them with classroom support, coaching, professional development/training, and modeled lessons
- Worked cohesively with campus administrators
- Served as a liaison between teachers and administrators
- Fostered content effectiveness amongst PK-5th ELAR teachers and provided insightful ways teachers could enhance/perfect their craft with student engagement, lesson delivery, and thorough knowledge of the ELAR standards (TEKS).
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness by providing individualized coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Analyzed student data, diagnosed instructional needs, and identified research-based instructional strategies.
- Supported data-driven instruction by assisting teachers with analyzing assessment results and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
- Implemented research-based instructional strategies to address achievement gaps among various student populations, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Promoted continuous improvement in teaching practices by leading professional learning communities focused on best practices and research-based strategies.
Mentor & Master Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
06.2016 - 05.2018
- Taught ELAR in 3rd grade (as a Mentor Teacher) and led the 3rd grade team (as a Master Teacher) toward success with curriculum, instruction, and state assessments
- Developed strong relationships with students, creating a positive learning environment that encouraged active participation and growth.
- Uniquely crafted lessons with high engagement for students at varying levels
- Boosted student fluency rates by utilizing effective instructional strategies during small group instruction.
- Supported struggling readers through individualized interventions and progress monitoring, leading to improved reading levels.
- Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing guided reading groups and targeted literacy instruction.
- Contributed to school-wide literacy initiatives by participating in committees focused on curriculum development, assessment practices, and teacher training programs.
- Obtained optimal growth on classroom and state assessments, moving the needle with district and state data!
- Led a team of 5 teachers- Gen Ed and Bilingual
- Conducted weekly meetings, observations, provided feedback, and ensured that the 3rd-grade team worked as a cohesive unit for student success.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
Education
Education Specialist - Teacher Leadership
Concordia University- Chicago
River Forest, IL05.2025
Master of Arts - Counseling
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Education
University of Houston
Houston, TX05.2008
Skills
- Highly proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft applications, Amplify, Eureka, HMH, Texas Reading Academies, and an array of literacy programs and resources
- Immaculate verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
- Keen sense of building relationships with stakeholders
- Management and Evaluation of a team
- Instructional Coaching
- Professional Development
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Feedback
- Curriculum Implementation/Support
- Virtual Classroom
- Strong Work Ethic and Dependable
- Attention to Detail
Additional Classroom Experience:
4th Grade ELA Teacher, 2015-16, Houston ISD
3rd Grade ELA Teacher, 2014-15, Irving ISD
5th Grade ELA Teacher, 2012-2014, Houston ISD
Lead Pre-K Teacher, 2008-2012, Kipling Street Academy- Houston, TX
References
- Priscilla Parhms, pparhms@uplifteducation.org
- LaKeisha Smith, lakesmith@dallasisd.org
- Shanieka McDonald, shamcdonald@dallasisd.org
Timeline
Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
Uplift Education
09.2024 - Current
Lead Instructional Specialist
Dallas ISD
06.2021 - 08.2024
Instructional Coach
Lancaster ISD
06.2018 - 06.2021
Mentor & Master Teacher
Fort Bend ISD
06.2016 - 05.2018
Education Specialist - Teacher Leadership
Concordia University- Chicago
Master of Arts - Counseling
Prairie View A & M University
Bachelor of Science - Education
University of Houston
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