Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Certifications
Team Sponsorship Accomplishments
Generic

Cristen Coleman

Okeechobee,FL

Summary

Experienced educator with a proven track record at Okeechobee County School Board, adept at fostering inclusive learning environments and mentoring peers. Skilled in curriculum mapping and data-driven instruction, I excel in enhancing student engagement and academic performance while building strong relationships with students and families. Committed to continuous professional development and collaboration.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher

Okeechobee County School Board
08.2017 - Current
  • Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state curriculum standards.
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
  • Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
  • Coordinated with language specialists to support English Language Learners, fostering more inclusive classroom.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Built partnerships with families, staff, and the community to exceed fundraising goals and sustain PBIS growth.

ESE Paraprofessional

Okeechobee County School Board
09.2014 - 08.2017
  • Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Supported classroom management and maintained a positive learning environment.
  • Participated in training sessions to enhance knowledge of special education best practices and tools.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors to ensure a comprehensive approach to supporting each student''s individual needs.
  • Enhanced social skills development through peer interactions and group activities, promoting inclusive classroom communities.
  • Promoted independence among ESE students by encouraging self-advocacy skills and fostering a sense of ownership over personal learning goals.
  • Navigated sensitive situations with confidentiality and professionalism, maintaining trust among stakeholders involved in students'' education plans.
  • Supported teachers in managing classroom routines and maintaining consistent schedules while accommodating the unique needs of ESE students.
  • Contributed to a positive school climate by actively participating in staff meetings and professional development opportunities related to supporting exceptional students'' education efforts.

Preschool Teacher

A Child’s World Preschool and Childcare
02.2010 - 08.2017
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to promote early childhood learning and development.
  • Fostered a safe and nurturing classroom environment to encourage social and emotional growth.
  • Collaborated with parents to support children's educational progress and address developmental concerns.
  • Organized age-appropriate activities that stimulated creativity and critical thinking skills in children.
  • Maintained compliance with state regulations regarding health, safety, and educational standards for preschools.
  • Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
  • Enhanced literacy skills with storytelling sessions, capturing students' imaginations and interest in reading.

Education

Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FL

Masters in Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership And Management

American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN
07-2026

Bachelor of Public Administration - Public Policy And Leadership

Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FL
05-2017

Associate of Arts -

Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FL
08-2013

High School Diploma -

Okeechobee High School
Okeechobee, FL
06-2005

Skills

  • Project One Mentor
  • Indian River State College Clinical Educator
  • Okeechobee High School Introduction to Teaching Student Mentor
  • Science Textbook Review Committee
  • Science Curriculum Mapping Team
  • ELA Curriculum Mapping Team
  • Math Curriculum Mapping Team
  • 2nd Grade Team Leader
  • New World's Reading Ambassador
  • 2nd Grade PLC Leader
  • PBIS Coach

Accomplishments

  • 2021-2022 Seminole Elementary Teacher of the Year
  • 2022- Okeechobee County Commission Proclamation of Honor
  • 2022-2023- Educational Foundation of Okeechobee Mini-Grant Recipient
  • 2023-Okeechobee County Commission Proclamation of Honor
  • 2023-2024- Educational Foundation of Okeechobee Mini Grant Recipient
  • 2024-205 HEC Emerging Leaders Academy
  • 2025- Okeechobee County School Board 10 Years of Dedication Recognition

Timeline

Teacher

Okeechobee County School Board
08.2017 - Current

ESE Paraprofessional

Okeechobee County School Board
09.2014 - 08.2017

Preschool Teacher

A Child’s World Preschool and Childcare
02.2010 - 08.2017

Indian River State College

Masters in Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership And Management

American College of Education

Bachelor of Public Administration - Public Policy And Leadership

Indian River State College

Associate of Arts -

Indian River State College

High School Diploma -

Okeechobee High School

Certifications

Kindergarten- 6th Grade Professional Teaching Certificate

ESOL Endorsed

Civics Endorsement

Reading Endorsement

Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential

Team Sponsorship Accomplishments

2022-2025 Okeechobee High School Bass Club Sponsor/Coach: 

  • 2024-2025- First OHS Brahman Angler to be recruited by a college and sign a letter of intent to fish the college level
  • 2024-2025- 3 Brahman Teams Bassmaster High School National Tournament Qualifiers
  • 2024-2025- 6 Brahman Teams Florida Bass Nation State Championship Qualifiers
  • 2024- Big Lake Athletes of the Week
  • 2023-2024 -Florida Bass Nation High School Club of the Year
  • 2023-2024 -OHS Team named Bass Nation Team of the Year
  • 2023-2024 -Angler named as an Alternate Bassmaster High School All-State Team
  • 2023-2024 - 2 Brahman Teams Bassmaster High School National Tournament Qualifiers
  • 2023-2024 -Angler Team Placed 5th at National Tournament, First OHS Bass Team to ever finish in the top 10
  • 2023-2024- 3 Brahman Teams Florida Bass Nation State Championship Qualifiers
  • 2022-2023- 3 Brahman Teams Bassmaster National Tournament Qualifiers
  • 2022-2023- 2 Brahman Teams Florida Bass Nation State Championship Qualifiers
  • 2022-2025-Numerous trail tournament winners (which included scholarship checks to winners)
  • 2022-2025-Organized and led fundraising that generated approximately $100,000 to support the OHS Bass Club , providing anglers with expanded opportunities to compete in all levels that were accessible to each team.