Connie Liristis
Hazlet,NJ
Summary
Dynamic Instructional Intervention Specialist with a proven track record in data analysis and curriculum implementation. Expertise in teacher coaching and differentiated instruction, driving measurable student achievement and fostering a positive school culture.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Intervention Specialist | Data Coach | School Test Coordinator
SOJOURNER TRUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
East Orange, New Jersey
09.2021 - Current
- Lead schoolwide analysis of LinkIt!, benchmark, attendance, behavioral, and NJSLA data to drive instructional decision making.
- Designed professional development aligned with benchmark data, contributing to a 35% increase in LinkIt! benchmark performance and a 40% increase in summative teacher evaluation ratings.
- Facilitate Professional Learning Communities where teachers collaboratively analyze data, examine student work, and share best instructional practices.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement targeted intervention strategies that supported measurable student achievement.
- Coach teachers in differentiated instruction, literacy strategies, evidence-based instructional practices, and formative assessment.
- Collaborate with administrators, counselors, CST members, interventionists, and classroom teachers to monitor student progress and implement targeted supports.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted interventions accordingly.
- Trained staff on best practices for supporting at-risk students.
- Coordinate all state and district assessments while ensuring compliance with NJDOE testing requirements.
- Utilize restorative conversations, PBIS practices, and relationship-centered problem solving to address student behavior and promote accountability.
- Partner with families to improve attendance, strengthen communication, and support student success.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and documentation of all services provided.
- Supervised paraprofessionals working with students in the classroom setting.
- Established engaging classroom settings by implementing appropriate classroom management techniques.
- Developed behavior plans to address challenging behaviors in the classroom setting.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions and monitored progress of students over time.
- Assisted with transition planning from elementary to middle school or high school settings.
Data Coach | Culture & Climate Specialist | Reading Intervention Specialist
GORDON PARKS ACADEMY
East Orange, New Jersey
09.2018 - 06.2021
- Collaborated with instructional leadership team to enhance academic improvement, culture, and climate.
- Reduced chronic absenteeism by 20%.
- Led efforts to remove school from NJ Comprehensive School Status through stakeholder collaboration.
- Planned and facilitated professional development sessions that equipped staff with effective instructional strategies.
- Implemented initiatives to increase family engagement in school activities and decision-making.
- Supported student discipline using restorative and preventative approaches.
- Supervised students during lunch and recess to ensure safety and order, student accountability, and schoolwide operations.
Literacy Coach | Data Coach | School Test Coordinator
JOHN L. COSTLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
East Orange, New Jersey
09.2007 - 06.2018
- Delivered instructional coaching that enhanced teaching strategies, resulting in improved student engagement across multiple content areas.
- Collaborated with administration to refine teacher practices, contributing to an increase in student achievement metrics.
- Supported curriculum implementation and instructional improvement.
- Led PLCs and benchmark data meetings to drive data-informed decision making.
- Managed logistics for state testing programs, ensuring efficient administration and compliance with state regulations.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
St. John's University
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education & English
St. John's University
Skills
- Data analysis and curriculum implementation
- Intervention strategies strategies
- MTSS strategies and professional development
- Teacher coaching and instructional leadership
- PLC facilitation and differentiated instruction
- Assessment scheduling and conference coordination
- Behavioral support strategies and assessment coordination
- PBIS implementation and restorative practices
- Cross-content literacy and school improvement planning
- Attendance strategies and student supervision
- Data risk assessment and operational management
- Engagement activities and crisis management planning
- School culture development and parent partnership building
- Stakeholder relations and collaborative leadership
- Mediation strategies and inclusive education practices
- Language support
Core Leadership Competencies
- Instructional Leadership
- Teacher Coaching
- Professional Development
- PLC Facilitation
- Curriculum Implementation
- Data Analysis
- School Improvement Planning
- MTSS/Restorative Practices/PBIS
- Cross-Content Literacy
- Differentiated Instruction
- School Operations
- Student Supervision & Discipline
- Lunch Duty & Detention
- Attendance
- Safety & Security/Threat Assessment
- Testing Coordination
- Schoolwide Scheduling Support
- School Climate, Culture & Relationships
- Collaborative Leadership
- Special Education Collaboration
- Multilingual Learner Supports
Professional Leadership
- Executive Leadership Academy for Aspiring Administrators
- East Orange Leadership Academy for Aspiring Administrators
- Governor's Educator Teacher Specialist of the Year (2020)
- NJEA Union Representative
Community Leadership
Athletics Director, Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church, Holmdel, Lead athletic programming for middle and high school youth by organizing leagues, tournaments, coaches, volunteers, and community events. Foster teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and meaningful partnerships with Holmdel-area families while creating opportunities for youth development beyond the classroom.
Certification
- NJ Principal Certificate of Eligibility
- NJ Supervisor Certificate
- NJ Reading Specialist
- NY Reading Specialist
- NJDOE Advanced Threat Assessment & Management
Leadership Impact
35%, 72%, 76%, 80%, 81%, 40%, student work analysis, instructional best practices, differentiated instruction, formative assessment, cross-content literacy, 20%, NJ Comprehensive Status, $1.2 million NJDOE School Improvement funding, all NJDOE assessments, daily school operations and supervision
Leadership Philosophy
I believe the role of an assistant principal is to build trust, support teachers, develop students, and strengthen systems that allow every child to thrive. My approach is grounded in listening first, leading collaboratively, and using relationships and data to sustain excellence while ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and challenged.
Timeline
Instructional Intervention Specialist | Data Coach | School Test Coordinator
SOJOURNER TRUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
09.2021 - Current
Data Coach | Culture & Climate Specialist | Reading Intervention Specialist
GORDON PARKS ACADEMY
09.2018 - 06.2021
Literacy Coach | Data Coach | School Test Coordinator
JOHN L. COSTLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
09.2007 - 06.2018
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
St. John's University
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education & English
St. John's University