CALESTA BLAZO
Lawrence,KS
Summary
Experienced Elementary Principal with a strong background in educational leadership. Skilled in fostering positive learning environments and driving academic progress through effective collaboration among educators, students, and parents. Proven ability to improve school culture by implementing innovative strategies for student engagement and staff professional development. Notable impact made in previously held roles through enhancement of curriculum standards and implementation of comprehensive programs for continuous school improvement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Tonganoxie Elementary School
Tonganoxie, Kansas
07.2023 - Current
- Managed a staff of 120 and a student population of 920, PK-5.
- Oversaw the development and yearly enrollment of students in an inclusive preschool program, including acceptance, rostering, and communication
- Led faculty meetings to align instructional practices across all grade levels.
- Developed and implemented school-wide initiatives to enhance student engagement.
- Guided professional development sessions to improve teaching strategies and classroom management.
- Evaluated staff performance through regular observations and feedback sessions.
- Managed school budget and resources to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Advocated for student needs by participating in district-level decision-making committees.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that require additional resources or support.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
- Reviewed test scores from standardized tests administered at different grade levels in order to track academic progress over time.
- Presented resources and opportunities to teaching staff for further professional development and curriculum training courses.
- Encouraged and voiced positive feedback to mentor and motivate new teachers.
- Assessed current teaching methods and techniques used by staff members in order to provide feedback on their effectiveness.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of school employees.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents, students and members of the community to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Informed students and parents of policies and procedures regarding student behavior and disciplinary actions.
- Referred to student performance data to set educational goals and standards.
- Recruited, hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
- Determined allocations of funds for classroom supplies and materials, authorizing purchases.
- Implemented the BIST behavior program and supported staff during implementation
- Restructured the facility to support alignment across grade levels and an effective MTSS process
- Implemented a building-wide MTSS walk to intervention model to support student growth and success.
Assistant Principal
Tonganoxie Elementary School
Tonganoxie, KS
07.2018 - Current
- Develop positive school climate by building effective relationships within school, with parents, and students.
- Review standardized test results to assess student progress and academic performance.
- Building Test Coordinator for state assessments and MAP Testing.
- Guide instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness.
- Display strong decision making abilities and confidence to staff and students.
- Visit classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Instruct teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
- Evaluate student behavior issues by reviewing established discipline standards and noting trends in infractions and maintained communication with parents.
- Collaborate with various departments to support and establish programs, lessons and student activities.
- Enforce disciplinary policies and procedures.
- Chaired and facilitated phonics committee to determine best fit for a phonics program
- Chaired MTSS Intervention committee to establish resources and protocols for teachers to utilize during designated intervention time.
- Serve as LEA to all IEPs for PK-2nd grade.
- Collaborate with SPED Director and Assistant SPED Director to develop plans for SPED student success
- Active member of the SEL committee to create and implement appropriate SEL screeners and materials for schools in the district.
- Proactively collaborate with all stakeholders to support student and family needs within the community.
- Currently serving as a team member on the Special Education Coop Leadership Team.
- Currently serving on the Teaching and Learning Committee.
- Currently serving on the ELA adoption committee.
Teacher
Basehor-Linwood School District
Basehor, KS
08.2013 - 05.2018
- 15-16 school year Utilize data to create student instruction Utilize KEEP to evaluate student teacher and new hires.
- Assist other teachers in completing KEEP evaluation process
- Promote a positive and caring environment in the classroom and school
- Effectively and successfully worked with parents, staff, and students,
- Utilized a variety of teaching techniques to encourage student learning and achievement
- Established and enforced classroom expectations for students
- Established a safe and caring learning environment conducive for learning
- Employed the blended classroom strategy to promote student ownership of learning
- Collaborated with faculty to ensure student success at all levels
- Partnered with parents to assist in students in achievement and sense of belonging
- Mentor of new hires Leader in the building
- Designed lesson plans that focused on age appropriate and levels of learning
- Routinely met with parents to discuss progress in learning and behavior
- Served on Site Council Committee
- Fifth grade representative on Advisory Council for 1 year
- Performed Administrative duties for 3 weeks while Administrator was on medical leave.
Fifth Grade Teacher
Blackman Elementary School
Murfreesboro, TN
09.2012 - 05.2013
- Responsible for full time teaching duties
- Administered Writing Assessment, PARCC Assessment, and State Assessment
- Testing results were continuously used to drive instruction
- Continually provided differentiation in the classroom
- Attended IEP meetings and modified student work based on IEP requirements
- Collaborated and partnered with parents to ensure student success.
Education
Master of Science - School
Baker University
2016
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Governor's University
2010
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of South Florida
1995
Skills
- Employee performance evaluations
- Standardized testing and scoring
- Curriculum development and oversight
- School community relations
- Student performance data
- Staff and educator guidance
- Team collaboration
- Organizational leadership
- Program implementation
- Discipline
- Employee oversight
- Special education
- Interpersonal strengths
- Training and mentoring
- Instructional leadership
- Data analysis
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Community engagement
- Teacher mentoring
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Team building
- Program evaluation
- Peer mediation
- Behavioral intervention
- Student counseling
- Critical thinking and judgment
- Student and parent relations
- School security and safety procedures
- Faculty performance monitoring
- Teacher training
- Performance monitoring
- Budget administration
- Master class schedule
- Compassion and empathy
- Discipline and policy enforcement
- Public speaking
- Faculty support
- Process improvements
- Personnel management
- Standardized testing coordination
- Verbal and written communication
- Attendance monitoring
- Documentation
- Parent engagement and communication
- Community relations
- Data-driven instruction
- Multitasking
- Staff management
- Disciplinary actions
- District reporting
Timeline
Principal
Tonganoxie Elementary School
07.2023 - Current
Assistant Principal
Tonganoxie Elementary School
07.2018 - Current
Teacher
Basehor-Linwood School District
08.2013 - 05.2018
Fifth Grade Teacher
Blackman Elementary School
09.2012 - 05.2013
Master of Science - School
Baker University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Governor's University
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of South Florida