Dr. Deborah Knowles
Conway,AR
Summary
Experienced instructional leader and curriculum specialist dedicated to ensuring that every student develops strong literacy skills. Committed to analyzing data and implementing the most effective instructional strategies. Demonstrated success in facilitating professional development and fostering school-wide improvement.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Curriculum Program Administrator
Vilonia School District
Vilonia, AR
08.2012 - Current
- Provided leadership for the development and continuous improvement of curriculum, instruction, and assessments for all programs in the district.
- Fostered a culture of excellence and enthusiasm among educators through high-quality professional development that addressed district initiatives.
- Analyzed assessment results in order to recommend modifications in services and programs.
- Collaborated with principals to ensure the successful implementation of district/school goals.
- Monitored classrooms, observed student performance, and provided feedback to teachers.
- Supervised instructional facilitators to ensure the implementation of curriculum programs.
- Partnered with district administrators to obtain $821,000 in state and federal funds in 2020, alongside $250,000 in 2021, securing two SOAR literacy grants and two Tier 1 math grants.
- Assisted teachers in incorporating technology into their lessons to improve learning outcomes, including utilizing AI platforms such as MagicSchool, Diffit, ChatGTP, and Co-grader.
- Implemented and supervised the first summer school program in the district, leading to over 90% of students advancing in skills levels.
- Designed a community wide literacy program that included organizing Vilonia Book Bus visits to neighborhoods during the summer and literacy nights each semester.
- Researched current trends in education theory and practice to inform teachers and administrators of innovative approaches to literacy instruction and intervention.
ArPEP Site Facilitator
Arkansas Department of Education
Little Rock, AR
06.2012 - Current
- Delivered multiple face-to-face sessions designed to increase the pedagogical knowledge of novice teachers.
- Led the comprehensive curriculum development for the site, ensuring alignment with educational standards and best practices.
- Designed several online instructional modules including a micro-credential focused on Culturally Responsive Teaching.
- Managed the work of novice teachers on various online platforms including Google classroom, Canvas, and Moodle.
- Facilitated successful sessions for adult learners within the ArPEP program, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of all participants.
Instructional Facilitator
Vilonia School District
Vilonia, AR
08.2012 - 05.2015
- Developed and implemented training sessions focused on student engagement to enhance instruction in the classroom.
- Assisted teachers with lesson planning and curriculum design based on the Common Core standards.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to ensure effective implementation of successful teaching strategies.
- Developed and led a new program for improving test-taking strategies and increasing student achievement scores.
- Analyzed data from assessments and other sources to inform decisions about instruction delivery methods.
- Advised teachers on how to differentiate instruction based on student needs.
Social Studies Teacher
Vilonia School District
Vilonia, AR
08.1996 - 05.2012
- Established the first Citizen of the Year program for the city of Vilonia.
- Mentored new teachers in the department on best practices in teaching social studies courses.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects that integrated social studies into other subject areas including a Veterans Day Program and a mock trial.
English Teacher
Quitman School District
Quitman, Arkansas
01.1990 - 05.1996
- Developed objectives, lesson plans, and assessments to effectively teach course material and ensure students' learning.
- Cultivated a positive classroom environment and maintained effective classroom management through proactive strategies and consistent reinforcement of expectations.
- Graded 100’s of essays, assignments, and tests to assess learning and provide students with feedback to improve.
Education
Ed.D. Educational Leadership -
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro05-2020
Ed.S. Educational Leadership -
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR05-2017
M.S.E. Educational Leadership -
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR08-1994
B.S.E. Social Studies -
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR05-1990
Skills
- Data Analysis
- Professional Development
- Technology Integration
- Instructional Improvement
- Coaching Model
- Collaboration
- Adult Learning
- Curriculum Development
- RISE Assessor
- TESS Certified
Certification
- National Board Certified Teacher: Social Studies/History Early Adolescence; Awarded 2005 and Recertification in 2015
Publications
- Knowles, D. (2020) Perceptions of high school principals on the utilization of block scheduling in Arkansas schools [Doctoral dissertation, Arkansas State University].
- Riggins, C. & Knowles, D. (Fall 2020). Caught in the trap of PLC lite: Essential steps needed for implementation of a true professional learning community, Education, 141(1), 46-54.
Organizations
- Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators
- Arkansas Association of Curriculum and Instruction Administrators
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Accomplishments
- Who's Who Among America's Teachers
- Veterans of Foreign Wars [Post 6855] Teacher of the Year
- Participant United States Supreme Court Summer Institute; Washington, D.C.
Timeline
Curriculum Program Administrator
Vilonia School District
08.2012 - Current
Instructional Facilitator
Vilonia School District
08.2012 - 05.2015
ArPEP Site Facilitator
Arkansas Department of Education
06.2012 - Current
Social Studies Teacher
Vilonia School District
08.1996 - 05.2012
English Teacher
Quitman School District
01.1990 - 05.1996
Ed.D. Educational Leadership -
Arkansas State University
Ed.S. Educational Leadership -
University of Central Arkansas
M.S.E. Educational Leadership -
University of Central Arkansas
B.S.E. Social Studies -
University of Central Arkansas
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