Christel Elliott
Gig Harbor,WA
Summary
Dedicated educator with a proven track record at Tacoma Public Schools, specializing in behavior intervention and school leadership through a diversely variety of channels. Excel in crafting collaborative and inclusive teaching and learning environments, leading and mentoring colleagues, problem-solving systems and programs, and enhancing student behavior and academic performance through innovative strategies. Skilled in data collection, creating positive and productive change through reflection, and collaboration with an eclectic group of stakeholders. Foster strong relationships and adapt to meet diverse needs to create a better surrounding world.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Specialist
Tacoma Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
- Developed Continuous Achievement Process (CAP) goals to meet/exceed district strategic plan goals.
- Designed and implemented systems for monitoring CAP goals and collecting data and revised systems as needed.
- Created teacher surveys and analyzed data to determine professional development needs and strategies.
- Planned and facilitated needs-based professional learning tools, resources and educational materials to enhance teaching skills.
- Guided teams through self-evaluative processes to ensure alignment with goals, growth, and effective programs.
- Lead student support teams, including all stakeholders, in developing behavioral plans for individual students.
- Partnered with administrative leadership to improve discipline practices and revise practices based on data findings.
- Supervised student behavior during daily academic routines to secure safety of students and staff.
- Provided support to special and general education teachers to develop curriculum modifications and intervention strategies.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring, effective instructional practices, and classroom management.
- Monitored schoolwide student data to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies and existing support systems.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address student issues on multiple fronts.
- Provided emotional support to students, families, and staff, and facilitated conflict resolution between affected parties.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Developed and implemented a three-tiered attendance program and tracked attendance data, revising as needed.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, administrators, and teachers.
- Mentored teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Coordinated afterschool programs to improve and promote program sustainability and student growth and success.
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote positive relationships and a safe and productive learning environment.
- Lead teams to develop and adapt systems to ensure a safe and healthy environment and culture within the school.
- Founded, chaired, and lead committees in response to ever-changing needs within the school.
- Initiated community outreach to connect programs and resources to the school (food pantry, volunteer programs).
- Created a school-wide running program for all students and maintained and grew it for 6 years.
- Reported to committees and administrators on student progress, behavior, and assessed needs for improvement.
- Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining optimal safety, and security.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Supported teachers and classroom to role model for teachers and students to create a positive and safe learning space.
- Scheduled and coordinated student and family activities/events throughout school year.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, students, administrators, and teachers.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Supported hiring of new teachers and staff, including participating on interview teams and advising on candidates.
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Supported special education department by developing programs and protocols for at-risk youth and students with special needs.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as families, staff, administrators, volunteers, and outside agencies.
Travis Elementary On-Site Program Coordinator
Metro Parks Tacoma
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Scheduled and supervised weekly meetings with program providers to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Designed program implementation and maintenance plan.
- Coordinated program logistics to keep all relevant materials and equipment available and in good condition.
- Analyzed program data by tracking and reporting program outcomes to identify areas of improvement.
- Motivated and directed program providers to align operations with organizational mission using appropriate communication and feedback.
- Developed program marketing and outreach strategies to increase awareness and attract new participants.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external partners to facilitate program operations.
- Provided technical support to staff with necessary resources to carry out duties successfully.
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
- Monitored programming schedules for conformance to guidelines and quality.
- Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
- Created and enforced programming standards to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Identified risks and developed mitigation plans.
- Connected at least weekly with families, students, and providers, verbally as well as via email and paper letter to promote optimal communication.
IB Primary Program Coordinator
Tacoma Public Schools, Travis Elementary
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Designed program implementation and maintenance plan.
- Researched and coordinated appropriate training and collaboration opportunities for staff to ensure compliance with IB program requirements.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Organized and managed program development from conception through successful execution.
- Provided guidance and updates to administration and coordinated scheduling to ensure successful program implementation.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external partners to facilitate program operations.
- Motivated and directed staff to align teaching with IB framework and mission.
- Created and delivered program training and education to keep participants knowledgeable about program and provide necessary skills to participate productively.
- Provided technical support to staff with necessary resources to carry out duties successfully.
- Collaborated with other program coordinators to achieve consistency in program objectives and services.
- Coordinated program logistics to keep all relevant materials and equipment available and in good condition.
- Tracked and reported expenses accurately to manage program budgets.
- Submitted proposals for funding to support ongoing teacher training and collaboration within teams.
- Planned and monitored district IB budget to maximize resources.
- Analyzed program data by tracking and reporting program outcomes to identify areas of improvement.
- Improved program offerings based on changing trends, audience feedback and directives from station owners.
- Kept program-related data accurate, up-to-date and easily accessible for staff, administrators, and families.
IB Spanish Teacher
Tacoma Public Schools, Travis Elementary
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Explored and implemented innovative use of technology in language education.
- Developed and wrote curricula in both Spanish and English, often sharing curriculum with other teachers.
- Conducted foreign language exams to determine fluency and comprehension.
- Created supportive learning environment for foreign students to nurture budding language development.
- Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
- Developed and implemented variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of students.
- Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social and emotional issues.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to address student issues.
- Created and maintained safe and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
- Assisted in development of extracurricular activities and special events.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Tacoma Public Schools, Stanley Elementary
08.2013 - 08.2018
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Elementary Teacher, Second Grade
Tacoma Public Schools, Stanley Elementary
08.2013 - 08.2017
- Incorporated [Software] technology into lesson planning to create engaging, multi-dimensional lessons.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Developed and implemented discipline strategies to maintain classroom order.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
Math Teacher, Special Education, Grades 6-8
Tacoma Public Schools, Hilltop Heritage School
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Assessed student comprehension through regular quizzes, tests, and assignments.
- Provided meaningful math instruction to improve math skills of children.
- Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
- Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in trade school or college education.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Adjusted teaching strategies to meet diverse requirements of individualized support plans.
- Managed the sixth grade special education caseload to create and maintain individualized support plans.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher (EBD)
Tacoma Public Schools, Hilltop Heritage School
08.2010 - 08.2012
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Shaped the program into a general education inclusive program, working with teachers to develop support plans.
- Developed relationships with general education teachers to support students and troubleshoot problem areas and behaviors.
- Taught students across multiple classifications, grade levels, and degrees of special needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Washington
Seattle, WAElementary (K-8), Special Educ. (K-12) - Elementary Education Certification
University of Washington
Seattle, WASkills
- Verbal and written communication
- Behavioral analysis and change
- Leadership and advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Writing and editing
- Planning and organization
- Relationship and team building
- Interpersonal Skills and Empathy
- Manageable Goal Setting
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Efficient System Design
Girls on the Run, Head Coach, 2024
Head Coach Spring, 2024. Led a team of 14 students (grades 3-5) to complete a 5K in June, 2024.
Additional Information
Girls on the Run Head Coach, Spring, 2024.
Humane Society Volunteer, January, 2024 to present
Long Distance Running Mentor, Fleet Feet (Tacoma). July-October, 2024.
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Travis Elementary On-Site Program Coordinator
Metro Parks Tacoma
08.2022 - 06.2023
IB Primary Program Coordinator
Tacoma Public Schools, Travis Elementary
08.2019 - 08.2020
Behavior Specialist
Tacoma Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
IB Spanish Teacher
Tacoma Public Schools, Travis Elementary
08.2017 - 08.2018
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Tacoma Public Schools, Stanley Elementary
08.2013 - 08.2018
Elementary Teacher, Second Grade
Tacoma Public Schools, Stanley Elementary
08.2013 - 08.2017
Math Teacher, Special Education, Grades 6-8
Tacoma Public Schools, Hilltop Heritage School
08.2012 - 08.2013
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher (EBD)
Tacoma Public Schools, Hilltop Heritage School
08.2010 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Washington
Elementary (K-8), Special Educ. (K-12) - Elementary Education Certification
University of Washington
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