CASSANDRA HARRELL
Lithia Springs,GA
Summary
Experienced Educator with 15+ Years of Expertise in Teaching, Curriculum Development, and Professional Development Skilled in designing and implementing effective literacy and math instruction, with a deep understanding of the Science of Reading. Extensive background in facilitating teacher training and professional development in reading and math. Expertise in utilizing evidence-based curricula and assessments to drive student achievement. Key Expertise: Literacy Instruction: Reading Street, Wilson Fundations, Orton-Gillingham, Jan Richardson, Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading, Lucy Calkins Units of Study, Close Reading, DIBELS, DRA, Targeted Instruction Math Instruction: Eureka Math, Sherry Parish’s Number Talks, I-Ready, and Star Learning Comprehensive Assessment: DIBELS, DRA, I-Ready, Lexia, federal & state testing, and ongoing formative assessments Special Education & Intervention: 504 Plans, HHB, MTSS Curriculum & Professional Development: Proven success in facilitating professional development workshops for educators
Work History
District Induction Teacher Mentor Pre-K-12th, Human Resources
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Support induction-phase teachers by helping them reflect on and analyze their teaching practices through classroom observations, feedback sessions, and reviewing student work and data to guide instructional improvements.
- Create opportunities for growth by organizing observation of exemplary practices and modeling effective lessons for induction-phase teachers and Campus Based Lead Mentors.
- Collaborate closely with instructional coaches to implement best practices by offering team-teaching opportunities, conducting demonstrations, leading simulations, and providing consultations to refine instructional strategies.
- Serve as a supportive liaison to establish and maintain a confidential, non-evaluative relationship with induction-phase teachers, identifying instructional resources and support structures across the district.
- Foster reflective, non-evaluative discussions with school leaders by offering informative assessments and using classroom practices and student learning methods to engage them in meaningful conversations that drive growth.
- Apply mentoring frameworks and language to support the implementation of development initiatives that accelerate CBLMs’ and teacher development that enhance student outcomes.
- Partner with school staff and campus-based mentors to create and implement tailored professional learning plans that align with teachers’ development needs.
- Support administrators and campus mentors to ensure the foundational support systems are in place to foster the growth and success of new teachers.
- Support educator retention initiatives by focusing on building positive relationships and fostering a collaborative learning culture.
Engagement Specialist, John Lewis Invictus Academy, 6-8
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Organized and coordinated all required testing at the school, district, state, and federal levels, including MAP, Write Score, PSAT, GAA 2.0, ACCESS for ELL, Georgia Milestones, NAEP, BESS-BASC-3, and Gifted assessments.
- Coordinated and monitored school-wide Tier 1 intervention systems such as HMH Read 180, System 44, and Math 180 to support student achievement.
- Presented intervention data to the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) from 2022-2024, showcasing significant teacher and student improvements that contributed to the school’s removal from the state’s failure list.
- Facilitated professional development for staff, while continuously monitoring school data and student performance to ensure effectiveness.
- Provided coaching to individual and teams of 6-8 ELA/Humanities and Math teachers on effective small group instruction practices.
- Developed and facilitated the school’s first professional development on Targeted Instruction/Small Group Instruction, equipping teachers with essential strategies for focused student support.
- Launched the school’s first Targeted Instruction block, offering structured time for differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Created the school’s first Targeted Instruction Observation Look-Fors rubric, providing clear guidelines for evaluating effective instructional practices.
- Collected, analyzed, and prepared Targeted Instruction and intervention data summaries to inform teacher instruction.
Multi-Tier Systems of Support Specialist/504 Contact, Kimberly Elementary School
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Scheduled, coordinated, and facilitated all Tier 2, Tier 3, and 504 meetings, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and effective collaboration among team members.
- Trained school staff on federal, state, and district MTSS, 504, and HHB protocols and procedures, ensuring consistent understanding and implementation across the school.
- Developed research-based, evidence-driven targeted intervention plans for at-risk students in reading and math to address specific learning needs.
- Managed student records and monitored progress by collecting, reviewing, and preparing monthly data on student progress. Supervised teachers during their progress monitoring and intervention implementation.
- Led bi-weekly school-wide data team meetings, fostering collaboration and data-driven decision-making to support student achievement. Presented progression data during the school’s leadership meetings.
- Served as the secondary testing coordinator, planning, scheduling, and supervising MAP testing process to ensure smooth execution and accurate results.
Early Intervention Program (EIP) Lead, Kimberly Elementary School
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Identified and monitored students in the Early Intervention Program (EIP), ensuring appropriate support and progress tracking for at-risk learners.
- Managed EIP initiatives and ensured alignment with state standards to guide effective instruction.
- Collaborated with coaches, specialists, and general education teachers to develop and implement instructional strategies for at-risk students, fostering a team-based approach to support.
- Led K-2 ELA and Math departmental meetings as a PLC leader, promoting professional learning and alignment across grade levels.
- Facilitated professional development on Wilson’s Fundations, equipping teachers with effective literacy strategies for early learners.
- Coordinated and led Guided Reading professional development, supporting teachers in enhancing their small-group instruction techniques.
- Served as an in-house coach for Relay Graduate School of Education, providing ELA/Math coaching, classroom instruction support, mentoring, and program oversight for Relay teachers.
- Acted as the School-Based Lead Mentor, organizing and facilitating meetings for new teachers, offering guidance and resources to ensure their success and growth.
Education
Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Mentor & Coaching
- Collaboration
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Organization
- Communication
- Curriculum Development
Certification
- TEACHER OF THE YEAR (2011, 2015, & 2018)
- SST ENDORSEMENT
- LEADERSHIP AWARD
- NEW TEACHER CENTER COACHING CERTIFICATE
- GEORGIA READING ENDORSEMENT (PENDING)
- PROFESSIONAL HUMAN CAPITAL LEADERS IN EDUCATION (PHCLE) CERTIFICATION (PENDING)
- GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY INDUCTION TEACHER SUPPORT CERTIFICATE
- RESTORATIVE PRACTICE TRAINING CERTIFICATE
- I-READY CERTIFICATE
- ORTON-GILLINGHAM CERTIFICATE
- AUTHOR
CURRENT FACILITATIONS
- Current Professional Development Facilitation: Facilitating Science of Reading professional development to enhance literacy instruction.
- Leading Small Group Instruction professional development to support targeted teaching strategies.
- Conducting Best Practices professional development for CBLMs’ and induction teachers to promote effective teaching methods and classroom management.
LEADERSHIP
- District Induction Teacher Mentor: Provide guidance and support to new teachers throughout their induction phase.
- School Testing Coordinator: Managed and coordinated all aspects of school-wide assessments.
- Tier 1 Intervention Coordinator: Oversaw and supported Tier 1 intervention strategies to enhance student achievement.
- Intervention & Instructional Coach: Guided teachers in implementing effective interventions to meet diverse student needs.
- Master Teacher Leader: Led and mentored teachers to elevate instructional practices across the school.
- MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support): Directed the implementation of MTSS frameworks to support students at all levels.
- Educational Consultant: Collaborated with leaders to improve staff teaching practices and student outcomes.
Accomplishments
Literacy-Improved student literacy growth by 50%
Math-Decreased students needing math interventions by 70%
Intervention-Decreased students needing foundation reading interventions by 80%
Curriculum Development -Developed school's first targeted instruction plan
Data Organization-Data from our targeted instruction plan supported the schools removal from the state's failure list
Teacher Development-40% of first year teachers supported have received awards or recognition for instructional practices, classroom management, and or data
Timeline
District Induction Teacher Mentor Pre-K-12th, Human Resources - Atlanta Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Engagement Specialist, John Lewis Invictus Academy, 6-8 - Atlanta Public Schools
08.2022 - 08.2024
Multi-Tier Systems of Support Specialist/504 Contact, Kimberly Elementary School - Atlanta Public Schools
08.2020 - 08.2022
Early Intervention Program (EIP) Lead, Kimberly Elementary School - Atlanta Public Schools
08.2018 - 08.2020
North Central University - Doctor of Education, Curriculum and Instruction
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