Dona Chavez
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished learning and development professional with 15+ years of experience in education and instructional leadership. Expert in designing and delivering training programs that improve performance, engagement, and operational effectiveness. Adept at coaching teams, using data to guide strategy, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Eager to apply these strengths in a corporate environment, offering a proven ability to develop talent, align training with organizational goals, and drive measurable results.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Guest Educator
Evanston-Skokie School District
Evanston, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Classroom Management - Ensure the classroom is a safe and productive learning environment.
- Guide students in goal setting to meet benchmarks, promoting ownership of learning.
- Collaborate with Co-Teachers to plan, prepare and deliver quality instruction that facilitates active learning.
- Build open communication and trust with parents, providing them with opportunities to engage students in the classroom.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal communication skills when interacting with stakeholders.
- Created and modified various teaching documents using Microsoft Office and PowerPoint.
Senior Academic Coach
Elevate K-12
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Analysis of various data points to inform coaching targets for 30+ individual teachers.
- Develops professional goals with each teacher, providing coaching and modeling of instructional practices, resulting in 93% of instructors meeting growth targets.
- Use of backward design to support teachers in curriculum planning.
- On-going, respectful communication with stakeholders and managers to fulfill clients' needs and support classrooms.
- Develop and lead professional development opportunities to strengthen skills in adult education and coaching.
- Support instructors in utilizing online tools to enhance and differentiate students' learning.
- Complete classroom observations and offer feedback and action steps for focus areas based on individual or small group teacher needs.
- Provide consistent, evidence-based, actionable feedback to teachers in instructional parameters.
- Mentor and support fellow Academic Coaches.
Elementary School Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
01.1998 - 01.2021
- Designed and led professional development to support growth goals.
- Committee Involvement - Instructional Leadership Team, Primary Lead Literacy Teacher, Grade Level Chairperson, Social Committee Chairman.
- Utilized technology to support learning and enhance student engagement.
- Assessed students' progress through formal and informal tests, quizzes, assignments, and observations.
- Served as mentor for new teachers in the department and student teachers.
- Utilized technology to enhance teaching methods and student engagement.
- Improved delivery of instruction by analyzing and distilling test data to identify opportunities for intervention and enrichment.
- Fostered a classroom culture that supports diversity and inclusivity.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that maximized student engagement.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans in line with state curriculum standards.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Planned special events such as assemblies, holiday celebrations.
Education
Masters of Education -
ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY
Chicago, ILBachelor of Fine Arts - Dance
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tempe, AZEnglish as a Second Language -
BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY
Chicago, ILNational Board Certification - College of Education
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
Chicago, ILMuseum Partners Science Program -
AURORA UNIVERSITY
Aurora, ILSkills
- Professional Development
- Team Building
- Learning Technology
- Presentation Skills
- Attention to details
- Strong written and oral communications
- Stakeholder Satisfaction
- Adult Education Instructor
- Google Classroom and Workspace
- Technology integration
- Conflict resolution
- Goal setting
- Document proofreading
- Resourceful
- Presentation preparation
- Self-starter
- Strong problem solver
- Data analysis
Certification
- National Board-Certified Teacher, Master Early Childhood Teaching
- English as a Second Language Endorsement, PreK-12th Grade
Additional Experience
- Condo Board Association President - Kasson Condos, Chicago, IL.
- Customer Service/Ticket Agent - Odyssey Cruises, Chicago, IL.
- Administrative Assistant/Front Desk Representative - Athletic Club Illinois Center, Chicago, IL.
- Sales Representative - Disney Store, Chicago, IL.
- Waitress - Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL
Timeline
Guest Educator
Evanston-Skokie School District
01.2023 - Current
Senior Academic Coach
Elevate K-12
01.2022 - 01.2023
Elementary School Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
01.1998 - 01.2021
Masters of Education -
ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
English as a Second Language -
BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY
National Board Certification - College of Education
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
Museum Partners Science Program -
AURORA UNIVERSITY