Anna O'Rourke
Willow Grove,Pennsylvania
Summary
Talented school leader offering a unique perspective leading schools in both suburban and urban communities to high achievement results and well-supported staff. Passionate and innovative school-based leader offering a 20-plus-year history of excellence in education. Guided by deep beliefs that every child can learn, teachers are THE greatest resource to achieve goals in a school. Committed to trauma-informed practices and innovative pedagogy. Expertise includes-Instructional Leadership, support of diverse school teams, Special Education, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in schools, Reading instruction, and Data Informed decision-making. Able to plan strategically to meet long term goals. Committed to research based practices, solution- oriented thinking and joy.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
4
4
Certificate
Work History
Assistant Principal, Welsh Valley Middle School
Lower Merion School District
08.2022 - Current
- Supervise and evaluate teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
- Analyze and interpret government regulations, professional journals, as well as district policies and practices to support a variety of school community needs.
- Partner with the Principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Works with a team to provide long-term, differentiated teacher support that accounts for a variety of adult learners at various stages of mindset and development.
- Codified a strong MTSS model that is concise and clearly communicated to stakeholders.
Adjunct Professor
Arcadia University
01.2023 - Current
- Developed pre-service graduate-level courses on topics such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Universal Design for Learning.
- Prepared engaging, meaningful assignments for pre-service adult learners entering the field of education.
Lead Assistant Principal, Specialized Services
Mastery Charter Schools- Simon Gratz
08.2017 - 07.2022
- Devised and implemented reading intervention curriculum for students ensuring appropriate and rigorous tiered intervention to support student achievement.
- Conducted year long qualitative study to inform programming at my school site in order to further academic outcomes for students.
- Demonstrates instructional leadership and vast scope of instructional knowledge for students in life skills support classrooms as well as college bound students who are preparing for four year college demonstrating wide range of instructional knowledge.
- Conducted quantitative research in order to choose most appropriate curriculum for adolescent readers, vetted and purchased curriculum that has subsequently been adopted by entire network.
- Manages team of seven social workers, devising, implementing and managing daily crisis protocol which allows pro-active triage crisis and support mental health and trauma needs in high needs neighborhood.
- Leader of a department that serves 400 students with Individualized Education Plans.
- Active member of instructional team at my site, attending multiple planning meetings in variety of contents weekly, and coaching teachers across all contents.
- Drives planned differentiation, implementation of specially designed instruction and student teacher supports in building.
- Direct manager of three assistant principals supporting their growth as instructional leaders, change managers, and developing cohesiveness in special education department.
Master Teacher, Teacher Leader
Mastery Charter Schools- Simon Gratz
08.2011 - 08.2017
- Started career at Mastery as senior associate teacher and was consistently promoted in three years time due to relentless commitment to self-improvement in order to maximize student achievement.
- Promotions were based on student achievement outcomes as well as instructional effectiveness.
- Developed strong, long-lasting relationships with students and families.
- Conducted independent scholarly research in order to strengthen outcomes for students.
- Served as a teacher leader and a grade team lead gaining the trust and respect of my colleagues.
- Supported a case load of students monitoring the goals and objectives in their Individualized Education Plans.
Education
Doctor of Education -
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA05.2019
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
Cabrini University
Wayne, PA05.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA12.2001
Skills
- Wide scope of special education experience and expertise with all ability levels and diagnoses
- Manage team of 50 people comprising teachers, counselors, case managers, and instructional support staff
- Unique problem solver, able to consider perception of and impact on all stakeholders
- Relationship building with colleagues and families through service-oriented approach
- Ability to build teams with diverse skill sets and motivate them to drive towards student outcomes
- Analytical skills to acutely identify problems and develop meaningful, out of box solutions
- 15 years of on-ground instructional experience as a reading specialist and special education teacher
- Ability to find third way, think outside of box and lead initiatives with high level of team buy-in
- Able to lead intervention that promotes phenomenal reading, math, behavioral and functional skill growth results for students
Certification
- School Administrator/Supervisor (SAS) Certification
- Permanent Instructional Certification in: Reading Specialist K-12, English 7-12 and Special Education 0-21.
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Arcadia University
01.2023 - Current
Assistant Principal, Welsh Valley Middle School
Lower Merion School District
08.2022 - Current
Lead Assistant Principal, Specialized Services
Mastery Charter Schools- Simon Gratz
08.2017 - 07.2022
Master Teacher, Teacher Leader
Mastery Charter Schools- Simon Gratz
08.2011 - 08.2017
Doctor of Education -
Arcadia University
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
Cabrini University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- School Administrator/Supervisor (SAS) Certification
- Permanent Instructional Certification in: Reading Specialist K-12, English 7-12 and Special Education 0-21.
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