Emily Strain
San Antonio
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at IDEA Public Schools, driving instructional excellence and achieving top STAAR results. Skilled in organizational leadership and crisis intervention, I excel in coaching teams to enhance performance and foster student success. Recognized for developing high-performing educators and implementing data-driven strategies for academic growth.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
IDEA Public Schools
San Antonio
06.2023 - Current
- Leader of Summer School as Campus Administrator, overseeing all operations, instruction, and teacher performance to ensure a successful start to school year
- Sole Assistant Principal of Instruction (API) for the 2024–2025 school year, coaching 53 teachers across 6th–12th grade core content areas, SPED, and RISE teachers, driving instructional excellence and alignment
- Facilitated coaching cycles and implemented data-driven action plans, resulting in #1 STAAR results in the IDEA San Antonio region for the 2024-2025 school year
- Served as Grade Team Leader facilitator, guiding teams in lesson planning, assessment calibration, and student intervention strategies to meet campus academic goals
- Selected for the Cadre of Aspiring Principals (CAP/PIR Program) and currently serving as a Leader of Leaders
- Partners with Manager of Director of Leaders and principal for bi-weekly leadership development with regional directors to strengthen coaching and school management skills to promote to principalship at a faster rate
- Partnered with regional leaders and VPs of Schools to provide targeted instructional support at other campuses, assisting in teacher development and academic recovery initiatives
- Served as Grade Team Leader mentor, guiding teams in lesson planning, assessment calibration, and student intervention strategies to meet campus academic goals
Master Teacher
IDEA Public Schools
San Antonio
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Facilitated Direct Instruction (DI) coaching cycles and implemented data-driven action plans
- Part of the prestigious Teacher Policy Leadership Committee and Teacher Advisory CouncilAchieved Level 5 Master Teacher status for two consecutive years (2021–2023) on IDEA Public Schools’ Teacher Career Pathway, recognizing top 5% instructional performance
- Earned Exemplary Teacher designation through the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, based on high student achievement and growth on STAAR assessments
- Led 8th Grade ELA instruction, surpassing 90/60/30 STAAR performance targets, contributing to regional recognition and campus success
- Served as Grade Team Leader and mentor to ELA colleagues, modeling effective lesson planning, classroom management, and data-driven intervention strategies
- Supported district initiatives as the San Antonio 8th Grade ELA Course Leader, providing guidance on curriculum alignment and data analysis for two additional campuses
Conservatorship Caseworker
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
Aransas Pass
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Managed a high caseload of children in state conservatorship, ensuring compliance with all state and federal child welfare regulations
- Conducted home visits, court reports, and family meetings to assess safety, permanency, and well-being for children in care
- Collaborated with attorneys, foster placements, schools, and service providers to create and monitor individualized permanency plans
- Led multi-disciplinary team meetings to coordinate support services, resolve barriers to reunification, and expedite permanency outcomes
- Completed the Leadership Academy for Supervisors, building skills in team management, coaching, and decision-making to support career advancement into supervisory roles
- Provided peer mentorship and guidance to new caseworkers, modeling effective case management practices and compliance strategies
- Consistently met or exceeded state performance metrics for safety visits, court documentation, and permanency timelines. Documented progress in treatment plans, educational, and recreational activities and maintained updated case records
- Offered support and direction to families and coordinated with court system and other community agencies for treatment
- Maintained high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines, and recommendations
- Performed discharge planning, placement monitoring, and crisis intervention
- Created treatment or service plan meeting each client's individualized needs
- Determined eligibility and suitability for programs by performing client intake interviews and bio-psycho-social assessments
- Provided crisis intervention and case management services to child, family and legal guardians
- Advocated for client rights and represented client interests at administrative hearings
Master Teacher
IDEA Public Schools
San Antonio
06.2016 - 09.2019
- Served as founding staff member for two IDEA Academy campuses, establishing high-performing academic and data systems from the ground up
- Recognized as a Master Teacher, consistently exceeding IDEA’s 90/60/30 STAAR performance targets and driving significant student growth in ELA
- Led grade-level teams through weekly data meetings, lesson planning alignment, and intervention strategies to ensure instructional consistency and scholar achievement
- Functioned as Data Coach, training teachers to analyze assessment data, identify trends, and implement targeted instructional adjustments to close gaps
- Designed and facilitated professional development sessions on data-driven instruction, classroom management, and student engagement for grade-level teams
- Mentored new teachers to build capacity in direct instruction (DI), curriculum planning, and evidence-based teaching strategies aligned with IDEA’s academic vision
- Partnered with campus leadership to track student achievement metrics, contributing to strong first-year STAAR performance and laying the foundation for long-term academic success
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement
General Manager
Pet Supplies Plus
Athens
09.2013 - 06.2016
- Directed all store operations, including sales, inventory, merchandising, and customer experience, for a high-volume retail location
- Supervised and developed a team of 15+ associates, overseeing hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations
- Implemented leadership and coaching strategies to build a high-performing team, resulting in improved sales and customer satisfaction scores
- Monitored and analyzed key performance metrics to drive revenue growth, manage labor costs, and achieve corporate targets
- Led daily team huddles and weekly leadership meetings, aligning staff on priorities, promotions, and operational excellence standards
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies, safety standards, and local regulations, maintaining a safe and productive work environment
- Recognized for leadership capabilities and team development, consistently fostering a culture of accountability and high performance
Education
Masters in Early Childhood Education: Teaching and Diversity -
Walden University at Minnesota
12.2017
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology -
The University of Georgia at Athens, GA
12.2014
Skills
- Volleyball coaching
- First aid and CPR certification
- Crisis intervention expertise
- Concussion and heat illness training
- Verbal and written communication
- Organizational leadership
- Event planning and management
- Budget oversight
- Administrative support
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Assistant Principal
IDEA Public Schools
06.2023 - Current
Master Teacher
IDEA Public Schools
07.2021 - 06.2023
Conservatorship Caseworker
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
09.2019 - 06.2021
Master Teacher
IDEA Public Schools
06.2016 - 09.2019
General Manager
Pet Supplies Plus
09.2013 - 06.2016
Masters in Early Childhood Education: Teaching and Diversity -
Walden University at Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology -
The University of Georgia at Athens, GA