Elizabeth Bracken
Dallas,TX
Summary
Experienced educator and instructional leader with a background spanning independent schools, specialized learning environments, and community-based education. Skilled in curriculum design, differentiated instruction, and student-centered learning approaches that support diverse academic and behavioral needs. Committed to fostering inclusive, relationship-based classrooms and advancing student achievement through collaboration, innovation, and reflective practice. Seeking to expand leadership impact through doctoral study in education.
As education professional with strong foundation in psychological principles, consistently delivers high-quality instruction and supports student academic growth. Known for collaborative work with colleagues to design and implement effective teaching strategies. Reliable and adaptable, ensuring student-centric approaches and positive educational outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Psychology Teacher
Lakehill Preparatory School
Dallas, Texas
08.2023 - Current
- Developed Lakehill’s High School Psychology program from the ground up, designing a comprehensive, college-preparatory curriculum covering core psychological theory, research methods, and real-world application
- Built a dynamic course culture centered on meaningful discussion, student inquiry, and critical analysis of human behavior and mental processes
- Designed and facilitated engaging projects and experiential learning activities that challenge students to connect psychological concepts to their own lives and the broader world
- Naturally integrates SEL into course content, using psychology’s lens to build student self-awareness, empathy, emotional literacy, and healthy relationship skills
- Established the program as a sought-after elective, reflecting strong student engagement and school-wide investment in social-emotional and academic development
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that align with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated discussions on psychological concepts, encouraging critical thinking among students.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods to ensure understanding of material.
Middle School English Teacher
Lakehill Preparatory School
Dallas, Texas
08.2022 - Current
- Lead rigorous English Language Arts instruction emphasizing literacy, writing proficiency, and critical thinking aligned with college-preparatory standards
- Design differentiated, standards-aligned curriculum that integrates project-based learning and student-driven inquiry to deepen engagement and academic ownership
- Serve as a consistent, caring presence for students navigating the social and emotional complexities of middle school, building meaningful relationships that support their wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom
- Collaborate closely with colleagues on curriculum alignment, instructional planning, and student support, contributing to a cohesive and supportive school community
- Maintain proactive communication with families to support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that promoted critical thinking and effective communication skills.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects that integrated English language arts with other subjects.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
- Mentored new teachers, fostering their growth and adapting curriculum for improved educational delivery.
- Advocated for literacy initiatives, enhancing reading programs that supported student engagement and achievement.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing consequences when necessary.
Volunteer Coordinator
Jewish Family Services
Dallas, Texas
02.2020 - 05.2022
- Recruited, trained, and managed a team of volunteers to deliver community-based educational and support services during a period of unprecedented need
- Adapted programming and volunteer operations in response to COVID-19, demonstrating resilience, creative problem-solving, and leadership under pressure
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary professionals and community partners to coordinate resources and ensure continuity of services for individuals and families
- Served as a primary point of contact and advocate for volunteers and clients alike, fostering a culture of compassion, accountability, and shared purpose
- Oversaw logistics, scheduling, and communication across multiple programs to maintain consistent, high-quality service delivery
Teacher
The Fairhill School
Dallas, Texas
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Taught multi-subject instruction across grades 2–8 in a specialized school serving students with learning disabilities, adapting to diverse learning profiles and needs
- Provided small-group and individualized instruction targeting academic, behavioral, and executive functioning growth
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement personalized student support plans
- Built genuine relationships with students, offering consistency, encouragement, and advocacy in a setting where trust was everything
- Organized and led student trips across Texas, connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences
Substitute Teacher
The Shelton School
Dallas, Texas
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Served as a substitute teacher at a specialized learning disabilities school, bringing a calm and caring presence to classrooms across multiple grade levels
- Demonstrated flexibility and responsiveness in supporting students with varied learning profiles, needs, and classroom dynamics
Teacher
Levine Academy
Dallas, Texas
08.2013 - 05.2016
- Delivered engaging, standards-based instruction across core subjects, creating a classroom environment where students felt structured, supported, and set up to succeed
- Built strong partnerships with families and staff to align on student progress, address challenges early, and celebrate growth
- Fostered a warm, consistent classroom culture that balanced high expectations with genuine care for each student
- Took on leadership responsibilities within the grade-level team, contributing to curriculum planning, peer collaboration, and school-wide initiatives that strengthened instructional outcomes
Teacher / Instructional Faculty
Parish Episcopal School
Dallas, Texas
10.2010 - 05.2013
- Began as a substitute teacher and quickly transitioned into a long-term, full-time role reflecting demonstrated impact and trust built with students, staff, and administration
- Taught Pre-K and led Math Enrichment for 1st and 2nd grade, designing engaging, standards-aligned lessons that made early learning fun and accessible
- Served as Permanent Guest Teacher, moving fluidly between classrooms while also working behind the scenes on curriculum planning, instructional support, and school events
- Coached the cheer team, building student confidence, teamwork, and school spirit beyond the classroom
- Collaborated closely with faculty on instructional planning and student support, becoming a reliable and invested member of the school community
Teacher / Classroom Support Role
Crow Island School
Winnetka, Illinois
08.2009 - 08.2010
- Supported elementary instruction for students with learning and behavioral needs, assisting with classroom management and implementing targeted engagement strategies
- Partnered with teachers and administrators to develop individualized plans addressing student behavioral and academic challenges, serving as a key voice in collaborative problem-solving
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives and collaborative teaching efforts, building strong relationships across faculty and staff to ensure consistent, student-centered support
Learning Specialist Assistant
Clarence E Culver School
Niles, Illinois
08.2008 - 08.2009
- Supported foundational instruction in core academic subjects within a middle school setting, working closely with learning specialists to meet diverse student needs
- Assisted in creating structured, inclusive classroom environments that promoted student confidence, engagement, and growth
- Developed hands-on skills in lesson planning, differentiated instruction, and classroom management, laying the groundwork for a student-centered teaching practice
Education
Master’s Degree in Teaching - Education
National Louis University
Chicago, Illinois 03.2008
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology & Criminal Justice
Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN05.2006
Skills
- Curriculum Design & Instructional Planning
- Differentiated & Inclusive Instruction
- Student Engagement & Classroom Leadership
- Learning Differences & Academic Support
- Family & School Collaboration
- Project-Based & Experiential Learning
- Behavioral & Executive Functioning Support
- Cross-Disciplinary Team Collaboration
- Educational technology
- Motivational techniques
Community Service
Jewish Family Services, Volunteer Coordinator, 2020-02, 2022-05, Recruited, trained, and managed a team of volunteers to deliver community-based educational and support services during a period of unprecedented need, Adapted programming and volunteer operations in response to COVID-19, demonstrating resilience, creative problem-solving, and leadership under pressure, Collaborated with multidisciplinary professionals and community partners to coordinate resources and ensure continuity of services for individuals and families, Served as a primary point of contact and advocate for volunteers and clients alike, fostering a culture of compassion, accountability, and shared purpose, Oversaw logistics, scheduling, and communication across multiple programs to maintain consistent, high-quality service delivery
PROFESSIONAL FOCUS
- Educational Leadership Development
- Instructional Coaching & Curriculum Innovation
- Student-Centered Learning Systems
- Equity in Learning & Inclusive Practices
Timeline
High School Psychology Teacher
Lakehill Preparatory School
08.2023 - Current
Middle School English Teacher
Lakehill Preparatory School
08.2022 - Current
Volunteer Coordinator
Jewish Family Services
02.2020 - 05.2022
Teacher
The Fairhill School
08.2017 - 05.2019
Substitute Teacher
The Shelton School
10.2016 - 05.2017
Teacher
Levine Academy
08.2013 - 05.2016
Teacher / Instructional Faculty
Parish Episcopal School
10.2010 - 05.2013
Teacher / Classroom Support Role
Crow Island School
08.2009 - 08.2010
Learning Specialist Assistant
Clarence E Culver School
08.2008 - 08.2009
Master’s Degree in Teaching - Education
National Louis University
Bachelor’s Degree - Psychology & Criminal Justice
Indiana University, Bloomington