Carissa Vanderbilt
Harker Heights
Summary
Analytically-driven and results-oriented campus leader with extensive experience in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and systemic improvement. Holds two Master's degrees, including a major focus on research statistics and educational psychology. Proven ability to build structured systems, foster an inclusive and achievement-oriented campus culture, and drive significant growth in student performance and teacher capacity. Seeking to leverage data analysis expertise and communication skills to excel as an Assistant Principal.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
08.2025 - Current
- Drive instructional decisions and intervention planning by applying analytical and systems-minded leadership to student performance data.
- Implement structured systems for teacher growth and progress monitoring, ensuring instructional alignment across content areas and grade levels.
- Foster a transparent, inclusive, and achievement-oriented campus culture where staff and students are motivated to excel.
- Design and coordinate campus-wide professional development activities based on needs assessments derived from student outcome data.
Campus Facilitator
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
08.2022 - 08.2025
- Managed compliance for a caseload of 250 students, ensuring 100% adherence to local, state, and federal requirements.
- Coordinated all special program services, including scheduling ARD meetings, counseling with parents, and maintaining accurate records.
- Collaborated with assessment personnel to evaluate student progress and compile data for academic meetings.
- Served as primary point of contact for responding to issues and complaints from students, parents, and staff regarding special program functions.
Teacher
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Delivered high-quality, standards-aligned instruction, differentiating lessons based on student performance data.
- Fostered a positive, inclusive classroom culture, building strong relationships with students and families.
- Established clear expectations and created an engaging learning environment that motivated all students to succeed.
Substitute Teacher
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
10.2015 - 05.2019
- Delivered standards-aligned instruction across multiple grade levels and subjects, maintaining continuity of learning.
- Adapted quickly to diverse classroom environments, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
- Communicated effectively with students, staff, and parents, providing feedback to support instructional planning.
Manager
IHOP
10.2011 - 01.2022
- Oversaw department operations, including hiring, training, and mentoring team members.
- Managed finances, product ordering, and inventory control to maintain efficiency.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve team productivity and customer satisfaction.
Education
Master of Science - Instructional Leadership
Texas A&M Central Texas University
Killeen, TX08.2023
Master of Science - Educational Psychology
Texas A&M Central Texas University
Killeen, TX07.2020
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas A&M Central Texas University
Killeen, TX06.2019
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Data & Analytics
- Compliance & Operations
- Instructional Coaching
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Special Programs Coordination
- Leadership & Mentorship
- State & Federal Compliance (SPED)
- Curriculum Alignment
- Research Statistics
- Record Keeping & Documentation
- Conflict Resolution
- Differentiated Instruction
- Parent & Stakeholder Relations
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
08.2025 - Current
Campus Facilitator
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
08.2022 - 08.2025
Teacher
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
08.2019 - 08.2022
Substitute Teacher
Killeen Independent School District (KISD)
10.2015 - 05.2019
Manager
IHOP
10.2011 - 01.2022
Master of Science - Educational Psychology
Texas A&M Central Texas University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas A&M Central Texas University
Master of Science - Instructional Leadership
Texas A&M Central Texas University