Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Development & Collaboration
Timeline
Generic

Ciara Smack

Frederica,DE

Summary

Motivated and student-centered educational leader with over 22 years of experience in K–12 education and higher education. Currently enrolled in Lead for Delaware, a school leadership certification program. A well-rounded educator and leader with a proven track record of success across instructional and leadership roles, including mentoring, curriculum development, MTSS planning, and school operations. Proven success in improving school culture, supporting student growth, and strengthening teacher practice through mentorship and professional development. Holds multiple Delaware educator certifications and possesses a unique blend of counseling and teaching expertise that supports student and schoolwide success.

Overview

1826
1826
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Music & Chorus Teacher (Grades 1–5)

David E. Robinson Elementary
08.2023 - Current
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Participated in professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching methodologies within music education.
  • Assessed student abilities regularly using formative and summative evaluations, informing future instruction for better results.
  • Established strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication about student progress and performance.
  • Differentiated lessons appropriately to challenge advanced students while supporting those who needed additional assistance.
  • Improved classroom management skills through consistent implementation of positive reinforcement and clear expectations.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans that incorporated a variety of media, including songs, games, and visual aids.

School Leadership Intern

Caesar Rodney School District
09.2023 - Current
  • Assisted with student placement, master schedule creation, and 90-Day Action Plan analysis
  • Planned and coordinated summer PD and refined MTSS schedules for logistical efficiency
  • Coordinated professional development opportunities for staff members, enhancing teaching practices throughout the school.

Teacher Leader

David E. Robinson Elementary
01.2023 - Current
  • Serve on Building Leadership Committee and support implementation of schoolwide initiatives
  • Coach teachers in lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies
  • Collaborate with administration on behavior support, MTSS, RTI, and RTT interventions
  • Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans.

General Music, Chorus, Math & Science (Grades 4–5)

Lake Forest Central Elementary
01.2008 - 07.2023
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
  • Continuously refined my teaching practice through professional development workshops, staying current on best practices in music education.
  • 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.
  • Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.

State Testing Coordinator

Lake Forest Central Elementary
01.2019 - 01.2023
  • Coordinated testing procedures, schedules, and compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Facilitated PD and training sessions related to assessment and student data systems
  • Trained and developed new testing team members and provided continuous mentoring.
  • Enhanced testing efficiency by streamlining test coordination processes and procedures.

Adjunct Professor

Ashford University
08.2012 - 01.2016
  • Taught courses in Human Development, Education History, and Family & Culture Studies
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
  • Taught Education courses, providing instruction to up to 7-30 undergraduate students per course.
  • Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.

School Counseling Internship

Lake Forest High School
01.2011 - 05.2011
  • Supported course selection, IEP meetings, AP/SAT prep, and student counseling
  • Participated in master schedule creation, scholarship advising, and event planning
  • Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
  • Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.

Grade 4 Teacher

Lake Forest East Elementary
11.200 - 01.2008
  • 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.
  • Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
  • Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
  • Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
  • Supported special education inclusion efforts by adapting lessons and working closely with specialists to meet individual student needs.

Education

School Leadership Certification -

Lead for Delaware
Wilmington, DE
06.2025

M.Ed. - Secondary School Counseling

Wilmington University
Dover, DE
05.2011

M.Ed. - Elementary Studies (K–4)

Wilmington University
Dover, DE
05.2007

B.A. - Music – Vocal Concentration

Delaware State University
Dover, DE
05.2003

High School Diploma - Vocal Music

Arts High School
Newark, NJ
06.1999

Skills

  • Over 22 years of success in education across diverse classroom and leadership roles
  • Member of the School Leadership Team (SLT) at Robinson and former Leadership Advisory Council (LAC) member
  • Supported summer planning: student placement, master scheduling, MTSS adjustments, and PD coordination
  • Mentored Achievement Liaison Teacher (ALT) in Science and Social Studies State Testing and Scheduling implementation
  • Taught in general education, small group, accelerated, TAM, SAM, Level 4, and B-setting instructional environments
  • Led family engagement through curriculum nights, chorus concerts, and parent workshops
  • Actively participate in leadership professional development to enhance schoolwide effectiveness

Certification

  • Delaware Continuing License (Valid through August 31, 2027)
  • School Guidance Counselor, Grades 9–12 (Valid 5–8 in Middle School)
  • Teacher of Elementary Grades K–6
  • Teacher of Middle School Mathematics Grades 6–8
  • Teacher of Music Grades K–12
  • School Principal and Assistant School Principal (Expected Summer 2025)

Professional Development & Collaboration

  • Co-led PD: Staff Effectiveness Training, Parent Communication, Math Curriculum Implementation
  • Mentored novice teachers and Achievement Liaison Teacher (ALT)
  • Contributed to 90-Day Action Plan and Curriculum Development Committee
  • Facilitated family engagement events and parent workshops

Timeline

School Leadership Intern

Caesar Rodney School District
09.2023 - Current

General Music & Chorus Teacher (Grades 1–5)

David E. Robinson Elementary
08.2023 - Current

Teacher Leader

David E. Robinson Elementary
01.2023 - Current

State Testing Coordinator

Lake Forest Central Elementary
01.2019 - 01.2023

Adjunct Professor

Ashford University
08.2012 - 01.2016

School Counseling Internship

Lake Forest High School
01.2011 - 05.2011

General Music, Chorus, Math & Science (Grades 4–5)

Lake Forest Central Elementary
01.2008 - 07.2023

School Leadership Certification -

Lead for Delaware

M.Ed. - Secondary School Counseling

Wilmington University

M.Ed. - Elementary Studies (K–4)

Wilmington University

B.A. - Music – Vocal Concentration

Delaware State University

High School Diploma - Vocal Music

Arts High School

Grade 4 Teacher

Lake Forest East Elementary
11.200 - 01.2008
Ciara Smack