CHERYL L. BROWN
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced educational leader with expertise in instructional leadership, staff development, student support services, and school operations. Proven track record in fostering a positive school culture, implementing data-driven academic strategies, and improving student behavior and achievement outcomes. Recognized for outstanding emotional intelligence, cultural responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous school improvement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Mentor / Director of Operations
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Collaborated on all aspects of instructional programming, scheduling, discipline, and operations
- Promoted a high-performing school culture through restorative practices and instructional coaching
- Decreased out-of-school suspensions by 57.7% via restorative justice implementation
- Led professional development planning and delivery; supported staff growth aligned with SIP goals
- Mentored novice teachers weekly; coached staff on behavior strategies and instructional best practices
- Supervised Educational Support Personnel and facilitated cluster meetings to improve collaboration
- Conducted real-time teacher observations using Teach Like a Champion and the CPS Framework
- Developed and reviewed school-wide operational policies and instructional procedures
- Reviewed lesson plans and curriculum pacing for rigor and differentiated instruction
- Coordinated curriculum mapping and alignment with district standards across grade levels
- Evaluated and selected instructional materials to support academic programming
- Partnered with teachers to develop and refine unit and lesson plans for improved instructional coherence
- Facilitated cross-curricular collaboration and supported vertical alignment across content areas
- Analyzed academic performance data to adjust curriculum implementation and inform interventions
Instructional Leadership Team Member
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
08.2022 - Current
- Co-led development and analysis of assessment data and instructional action plans
- Facilitated grade-level meetings and professional learning aligned with instructional priorities
- Guided literacy/math team in using data to improve teaching practices and raise IAR scores by 10%+
- Advised staff on behavior management strategies and student engagement best practices
- Collaborated with stakeholders to support school improvement and drive toward Level 1 status
- Increased employee retention by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs.
- Mentored and guided employees to foster proper completion of assigned duties.
Special Education Teacher (LBS1)
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
Chicago, IL
08.2019 - Current
- Delivered specialized instruction aligned with students’ IEP goals, accommodations, and modifications
- Developed and monitored IEPs and BIPs; participated in multidisciplinary team planning
- Created culturally responsive learning environments and behavior systems promoting equity and inclusion
- Collaborated with general education teachers to differentiate instruction for diverse learners
- Supported students with social-emotional needs through trauma-informed practices and SEL programming
- Implemented evidence-based interventions and collected data to monitor student progress
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences and maintained consistent family communication
- Participated in district initiatives including CBITS, Restorative Justice, Anger Coping, and Mental Health First Aid
- Provided classroom accommodations during standardized assessments and ensured compliance with IEP mandates
- Maintained accurate documentation and progress reports in compliance with CPS and state guidelines
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Dean of Students
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
Chicago, IL
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Served as a key behavioral and cultural leader in the school building
- Managed student conduct and discipline; implemented restorative approaches and tiered interventions
- Partnered with staff and families to support students' SEL and academic growth
- Monitored daily attendance, managed truancy protocols, and promoted student engagement
- Supported school-wide implementation of PBIS
- Coordinated safety drills, climate initiatives, and behavior data analysis
- Led parent meetings, student interventions, and community outreach
- Served as a liaison between students, parents, faculty, and administration to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts.
Education
Ed.S - Educational Leadership & Administration, Principal Endorsement (PEL)
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, ILM.Ed. - Special Education, Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) – PEL
Phoenix, AZM.A. - Psychology
Tempe, AZB.A. - Elementary Education
Chicago, ILSkills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective leadership
- Team collaboration
- Organization
Certification
- Illinois Performance Evaluation (PERA)
- CPI – Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
- CPR & Seizure Certified
- Aspen: Attendance, Behavior, and Enrollment
- Restorative Justice & Trauma-Informed Practices
- Behavior Health / PBIS | Case Management (FBA & BIP)
- COPA | OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
- Basic Sign Language | Basic Nursing Assistant
- WorkKeys Paraprofessional Approval
Affiliations
Member, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Timeline
Instructional Mentor / Director of Operations
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
01.2024 - Current
Instructional Leadership Team Member
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
08.2022 - Current
Special Education Teacher (LBS1)
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
08.2019 - Current
Dean of Students
Chicago Public Schools – District 299
01.2013 - 01.2019
Ed.S - Educational Leadership & Administration, Principal Endorsement (PEL)
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
M.Ed. - Special Education, Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1) – PEL
M.A. - Psychology
B.A. - Elementary Education
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