Google Educator
Crystal McClain
Education, Secondary Literacy, Reading and Writing Instruction, English Language Arts
Georgia
Summary
Experienced educator with a passion for leadership and pathway roles. A Secondary Literacy Specialist with a strong background in instructional coaching, teacher support, program facilitation, and curriculum development. Thriving in collaborative team environments that prioritize professional growth, innovation, and 21st-century teaching and learning, this professional brings an energetic and enthusiastic approach to all work. Proven success in driving student achievement and fostering a positive learning environment. Dedicated to making a lasting impact in the field of education.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Secondary Literacy Specialist
Atlanta Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
- Collaborates with team and other members of the School & Academic Office in providing school/classroom-based professional learning and support
- Assists with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the district’s professional learning activities and initiatives
- Possesses knowledge of technology integration into ELA instructional lessons
- Remains current with accepted and appropriate instructional theory, practice, and research
- Participates in professional development sessions inside and outside of the district focused on
- Attends seminars and conferences as requested to aid in professional growth and build capacity to enhance professional support
- Possesses knowledge, understanding, and instructional guidance for the following ELA standards-based curricula programs: MyPerspectives (Savvas), Amplify ELA, Read 180/System 44 (HMH), and Edmentum Exact Path
- Assists teachers and administrators in evaluating the results of screening, diagnostic, and progress assessments and framing appropriate academic interventions (NWEA/MAP, Write Score, and Georgia Milestones)
- Aids with structure and processes for review of classroom lesson plans
- Assists with conducting informal and formal observations and provides feedback to teachers and administrative team members to build instructional capacity
- Models effective teaching strategies and techniques
Online/Virtual Instructor, English/LA (6-8)
Atlanta Virtual Academy/AVA Direct
08.2021 - 09.2021
- Designed and delivered high-quality standards-based instruction utilizing the Amplify ELA curriculum in a virtual setting
- Utilized various digital tools and resources to enhance the learning experience and meet the diverse needs of middle school students (6th-8th grade)
- Monitored and assessed student progress through assignments, quizzes, and assessments, providing timely and constructive feedback
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive online learning community, promoting collaboration and active participation among students
- Stayed current with educational technology trends and best practices for virtual teaching, integrating new strategies and tools as appropriate
STEAM Lead, ELA (Virtual/Asynchronous)
Atlanta Public Schools
03.2020 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with school leadership to assist in STEAM certification process
- Attended STEAM focused professional development sessions and modeled innovations with department team
- Collaborated with approximately six content leads across curriculum to create and implement engaging inquiry-based and virtual/asynchronous lessons
- Conducted classroom observations and lead three planning sessions to ensure program goals were met as devised by Cognia standards (ELEOT)
Lead Campus-Based Mentor
Atlanta Public Schools
12.2019 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with school leaders to develop and pilot Frederick Douglass High Schools teacher induction program—Northstar New Teachers Mentor Program
- Implemented various instructional and collaborative coaching strategies to build mentoring capacity of 5 teacher leaders to improve beginning teachers’ practice and student achievement
- Practiced various mentoring skills that focus on equitable outcomes for students and meeting needs of diverse learners to guide instructional prowess of eight new teachers
- Developed relationships with peers who can share leadership practices and act as thought partners in future endeavors
- Helped identify and build capacity of teachers new to local school community–aligned with APS Definitions of Teaching Excellence–to fulfill district's goal of retention
- Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
Social Emotional Learning Liaison (High School)
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with grade level SEL coordinator to assess and review theories and practices related to social emotional learning aligned to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework
- Assisted in the vetting of district-wide Social Emotional Learning curriculum
- Facilitated training and supported the development of the SEL program at local school level
- Modeled and presented professional development sessions based on specific needs of school community members, and collaborated with school leadership to devise a schedule of implementation
High School English Language Arts Teacher
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2015 - 07.2021
- Effectively implemented Atlanta Public School’s instructional units of study specifically focused on developing critical thinking, reading comprehension, and language skills
- Actively participated in professional learning community meetings to ensure team goals for student growth and performance in areas of reading comprehension and writing
- Collaborated with Response To Intervention (RTI) specialists and sponsored tutors to assist Target 2021 students
- Facilitated Unit Recovery (Edgenuity and GAVirtual) via FDHS After School Tutorial Program
- Maintained consistent communication with parents to address problems and introduce instructional strategies to meet district performance goals
Content Lead-9th Grade Literature and Composition
Atlanta Public Schools
02.2017 - 06.2021
- Effectively collaborated with leadership team to strategically devise, plan, and implement school improvement regarding student attendance, behavior, and academic achievement based on local school and district data
- Coordinated with content team members to create targeted lesson activities and implement best practices to increase student achievement and growth levels
- Collaborated with content teams within and across departments to perform data digs, lesson planning, and implication sessions including team teaching, teach-backs and professional learning series
- Actively participated in organization of master schedule design and professional development strategies
- Modeled and shared classroom practices with teacher teams, school leadership, and parents
- Attended leadership seminars in conjunction with other district leaders to develop and emulate APS Definition of Leadership Excellence
Literacy Ambassador
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Implemented, modeled, and evaluated current theories, practices, and research in classroom and school settings to promote all aspects of student literacy
- Created and facilitated local school and district professional development sessions/presentations to support the development of reading and writing in students
- Fostered the adoption of curricula reflective to the literacy needs of 21st-century learners and supported efforts of ensuring equal access and implementation to all students and families
- Served as a writing tutor for Write4Life scholarship writing caravan
Lead Teacher
3DE
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Company Overview: formerly Junior Achievement Academy
- Presented and facilitated teacher training sessions focused on cross-curriculum integration of standards
- Assisted with gathering and coordinating teacher training logistics
- Coordinated and led professional learning sessions to ensure the fusion of program core competency skills with standards-based skills
- Reviewed and provided input on case study challenge tasks and materials with the regional support team; supported sharing of case study challenge tasks and materials with 3DE teachers
- Assisted with coaching development of 3DE instructors by conducting non-evaluative observations to fulfill the goal of engaging student-centered instruction
- Collaborated with local school leaders and program leaders to devise and develop capstone projects and curriculum
- Represented 3DE at all events and media out-takes when needed
- Formerly Junior Achievement Academy
Secondary ELA Content Support Team Member
Atlanta Public Schools
10.2018 - 06.2019
- Engages in rich, meaningful professional development, developed training sessions for district support, and learned how to transform instruction at school-level
- Collaborated with Atlanta Public Schools Office of Literacy to develop content area curriculum Units of Study and to update district’s literacy plan (Atlanta Public Schools Literacy Plan: Secondary Level Section)
- Composed two components of district literacy plan: inter-disciplinary literacy and writing process
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
Benjamin Banneker High School
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Collaboratively designed and implemented differentiated lessons based on ELAGSE targets and benchmarks
- Actively participated with fellow PBIS Committee members to rebuild school culture and pride
- Teamed up with AVID Team members to ensure college- and career-readiness for all participants
- Participated in review process for unit assessment item bank for Fulton Connect
- Assisted athletic director by serving as Concessions Manager
High School English Language Arts Teacher/Title I
Eastside High School
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Launched Title I Targeted Assistance program—reading emphasis—through district's first Communication Skills course (ELA elective)
- Designed and implemented differentiated lessons integrating technology to engage and motivate at-risk students
- Planned, conducted, and cataloged parental involvement meetings focused on student success
- Communicated and assisted principal, school, District Parent Involvement Coordinator and Title I Director to collect documentation required for Title I compliance
- Assisted principal with collection of documentation of required Title I meetings with faculty and/or parents
- Assisted principal with updating School Improvement Plan
Education
Ed. D. - Educational Leadership/Educational Technology
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ05.2025
Master of Arts - Secondary Teaching
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA12.2009
Skills
- Secondary Literacy
- Interdisciplinary Literacy
- Reading instruction and intervention
- Writing instruction and intervention
- Data-Driven instruction and assessment design
- Instructional strategies and planning
- Student engagement and cultural sensitivity
- Training material and curriculum development
Certification
- Advanced Placement
- WIDA
- LTRS
- Georgia Teaching Certificate in English 6-12, T5: Reading Endorsement
Teams/Affiliations
- National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
- Georgia Council of Teachers of English (GCTE)
- National Association of Educators (NAE)
- Abolitionist Teachers Network
- Project Lit
- Poetry Out Loud
Accomplishments/Awards
- Atlanta Public Schools Equity Champions Recipient, 2024
- Georgia Council of Teachers of English Conference Presenter, 2023
- Atlanta Public Schools Innovative Design Team Member, 2023
- Georgia Council of Teachers of English Conference Presenter, 2022
- Atlanta Public School Secondary ELA Professional Development Day Presenter, Fall 2020
- Atlanta Public Schools Secondary ELA Professional Development Day Presenter, Fall 2019
- APS Office of Curriculum and Instruction Commitment to Excellence in Literacy Instruction Recipient, 2019
- AVID Summer Institute Attendee, 2015
- Teach for Tomorrow Technology Conference Presenter, Fall 2014
Quote
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world
Nelson Mandela
Software
MIE Educator (Microsoft)
Canva
Artificial Intelligence
Timeline
Secondary Literacy Specialist
Atlanta Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
Online/Virtual Instructor, English/LA (6-8)
Atlanta Virtual Academy/AVA Direct
08.2021 - 09.2021
STEAM Lead, ELA (Virtual/Asynchronous)
Atlanta Public Schools
03.2020 - 07.2021
Lead Campus-Based Mentor
Atlanta Public Schools
12.2019 - 07.2021
Social Emotional Learning Liaison (High School)
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2019 - 07.2021
Literacy Ambassador
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2019 - 07.2020
Secondary ELA Content Support Team Member
Atlanta Public Schools
10.2018 - 06.2019
Lead Teacher
3DE
08.2018 - 05.2020
Content Lead-9th Grade Literature and Composition
Atlanta Public Schools
02.2017 - 06.2021
High School English Language Arts Teacher
Atlanta Public Schools
08.2015 - 07.2021
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
Benjamin Banneker High School
08.2014 - 06.2015
High School English Language Arts Teacher/Title I
Eastside High School
08.2012 - 06.2014
Ed. D. - Educational Leadership/Educational Technology
University of Phoenix
Master of Arts - Secondary Teaching
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - English
Clayton State University
- Georgia Teaching Certificate in English 6-12, Reading Endorsement
- Advanced Placement Literature Certified
- WIDA Certified
- LTRS Certified
- Georgia Department of Education Georgia Literacy Academy
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