Christine Spies
Mendham,NJ
Summary
Early childhood and elementary school leader and lifelong learner, with experience in teaching and administration, brings expertise in the areas of curriculum and instruction, professional development, community building, problem solving, and future thinking. By using best practices, data, and collaborative processes, school programs can be designed and enriched so that all students thrive, feel valued, and find joy in their education.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lower School Division Head (PreK - Grade 6)
Oak Knoll School Of The Holy Child
07.2013 - Current
- Improved division effectiveness and efficiency by implementing new technologies including online learning systems; virtual classrooms; digital student narratives and interim reports; online scheduling system.
- Enhanced faculty and staff engagement and morale through regular communication, surveys, feedback sessions, and recognition programs.
- Set and oversaw division budget in excess of $200.000 per year.
- Facilitated year-long professional development centered on DEIJ, PBL, Critical Thinking, Classroom Management
- Promoted diversity within school community by cultivating inclusive atmosphere that respected and celebrated individual differences among students, families, and staff members alike.
- Enhanced school performance by implementing data-driven strategies and collaborating with teachers on instructional practices.
- Increased parent involvement by organizing events, workshops, and regular communication channels to keep families informed and engaged.
- Evaluated teacher performance using objective measures (Danielson) and constructive feedback, fostering continuous improvement in instructional practices.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
Vice Principal (PreK - Grade 8)
St. Joseph School
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Served as approachable liaison between administration, faculty, parents, and students to ensure effective communication and cooperation within school community.
- Standardized testing coordinator.
- Monitored academic progress of all students through regular review of assessment data to identify trends and potential areas of growth or concern.
- Oversaw scheduling, orientation, and other support areas.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop curriculum improvements, resulting in increased student engagement and achievement.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations, offering constructive feedback for improvement in instructional delivery methods.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Promoted safe learning environment by enforcing school policies, addressing bullying issues promptly, and conducting regular safety drills.
- Reviewed and selected curriculum and technology resources.
- Spearheaded successful accreditation applications including Blue Ribbon School nomination and award and MSA accreditation.
Math Teacher (Grades 1 - 4)
St. Joseph School
01.2011 - 01.2013
Grade 2 Teacher
St. Joseph School
01.2009 - 01.2011
PreK-4 Lead Teacher
The Palmer School
01.2008 - 01.2009
Lead Teacher (Grade K, Grade 1, Grade 2)
Readington Township School District
01.1992 - 01.2002
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership, Management, And Policy
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Kean University
Union, NJ05.1992
Skills
- Ethical Administrative Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Accreditations
- Communication
- Culture Carrier & Creator
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Hiring, Onboarding, Mentoring
- SMART Goal Setting
- Evaluation & Improvement
- Parent Engagement
- Professional Development
- Special Education Liaison
- Risk Management
- DEIJ Training, Resources, Events
- Standardized Testing
- Scheduling
Certification
- New Jersey School Administrator Certificate - standard
- New Jersey Elementary Teaching Certificate (K-5) - standard
- Harvard Online Graduate School of Education Certificate in School Leadership and Management
- Spalding International Certification (Spelling and Reading)
- Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Certification
- CPR/AED Certified
Visionary Administrative Leadership
- Strategic Plan Committee
- Accreditation Committees and Writing: National Blue Ribbon Schools; Middle States and AdvancEd, NJAIS/MSA Accreditation, Holy Child Mission Effectiveness Accreditation
- Addition of PreK grade to Lower School; classroom, materials, curriculum design, marketing, admissions
- EAB Faculty/Staff Morale Loop: Survey, Analysis, Response
- Lower School Leadership Team Facilitator
- Lower School Budget: creation and oversight
Building Management Administrative Leadership
- New Maker Space redesign
- Administrative Wing refurbishment
- Library redesign including new office space creation
- New elementary and early childhood playground design
- Addition of Nursing Office to LS
- Addition of Second bathroom to LS
- Buildings and Grounds Committee
- Campus Master Plan Committee
- Flood and mold remediation and classroom refurbishment
- COVID Task Force - in-person health and wellness protocols
Professional Development Administrative Leadership
- Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop and Certification
- Classroom Management (Harry Wong, Responsive Classroom)
- Administrative Team Member
- Committees: SOGI, Centennial - academic integration, United States Election, Risk Management, Retention
- Merck Leader Teacher Science Institute
- Literacy Coaching
- NJAIS Women in Leadership Institute
- The SEED Project: Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity Seminar Training
- Project Based Learning
- COVID Remote Learning Task Force
- The Formative Five
- The Gurian Summer Training Institute: The Minds of Boys
- Responsive Classroom
- Diversity Directions’ Independent School Summer Seminar
Timeline
Lower School Division Head (PreK - Grade 6)
Oak Knoll School Of The Holy Child
07.2013 - Current
Vice Principal (PreK - Grade 8)
St. Joseph School
01.2012 - 01.2013
Math Teacher (Grades 1 - 4)
St. Joseph School
01.2011 - 01.2013
Grade 2 Teacher
St. Joseph School
01.2009 - 01.2011
PreK-4 Lead Teacher
The Palmer School
01.2008 - 01.2009
Lead Teacher (Grade K, Grade 1, Grade 2)
Readington Township School District
01.1992 - 01.2002
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership, Management, And Policy
Seton Hall University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Kean University
- New Jersey School Administrator Certificate - standard
- New Jersey Elementary Teaching Certificate (K-5) - standard
- Harvard Online Graduate School of Education Certificate in School Leadership and Management
- Spalding International Certification (Spelling and Reading)
- Columbia University Teachers College Reading and Writing Certification
- CPR/AED Certified
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