Erica Schumacher
Rochester,MN
Summary
Dedicated educator with a passion for fostering academic success in young students and their families. Known for a resourceful and innovative approach, emphasizing a student-centered philosophy that drives engagement and achievement. Committed to empowering teachers to reach professional goals while cultivating a collaborative environment. Eager to embrace new challenges and expand skill sets in a leadership role, contributing positively to the educational community.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Early Learning
Rochester Public Schools
06.2019 - Current
- Lead and oversee all operations within the Early Childhood Family Services (ECFS) Department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding requirements.
- Design and implement comprehensive programming that meets the diverse needs of children and families, including ECFE, School Readiness, Screening, and Family Literacy.
- Build and manage annual program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation.
- Supervise ECFS approximately 60 staff, including preparation of annual staffing assignments, performance evaluations, and professional development.
- Provide instructional leadership to ensure access to high-quality learning environments and safe, developmentally appropriate classroom settings.
- Develop and execute family engagement strategies to strengthen student support systems and enhance outcomes.
- Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to address students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Establish and maintain strong district and community partnerships to expand access to services and improve program reach.
- Oversee creation and distribution of marketing materials to promote program visibility and enrollment.
- Conduct and present annual Community Needs Assessments to guide strategic planning and program development.
- Lead the ECFS Advisory Council, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring community voice in decision-making.
- Set strategic goals and direction for the department, implementing continuous improvement processes and evaluating program effectiveness.
- Spearhead grant writing initiatives, securing funding to enhance and sustain services for families and children.
- Implement data-driven practices to assess service delivery, streamline departmental processes, and improve efficiency.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to staff, cultivating a positive, inclusive culture and high-quality service delivery.
- Represent the department at community events, promoting services and strengthening relationships with local organizations.
- Advocate for families and secure necessary supports by working with external partners and agencies.
School Readiness Supervisor
Rochester Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Responsible for supervising the School Readiness Program to ensure quality services and supports for approximately 150+ children and families in the program.
- Design the School Readiness Program with Program Manager.
- Ensure program quality and compliance with state and local School Readiness Program requirements.
- Prepare yearly staffing assignments for School Readiness teachers and assistants with ECFS manager.
- Supervise and support coaching opportunities for School Readiness teachers
- Monitor classroom environments for safety and appropriate materials and supplies.
- Developed training programs for staff to enhance instructional techniques and classroom management.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with educational standards and policies.
Early Childhood Teacher
Rochester Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Facilitate children’s growth and development based on individual needs. Plan and implement curriculum while integrating with parent educators. Participate in team building and professional development maintaining current knowledge in early childhood.
- Structure classroom to meet individual need based ongoing observation and documentation of each child’s development.
- Maintain a culturally responsive classroom.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance student learning and participation.
- Implemented individualized teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs and foster inclusive classroom environments.
Instructional Coach
Rochester Public Schools
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Facilitate change in instructional practices of early child hood teachers that will allow teachers to diagnose student needs more analytically, plan more productively, and teach more effectively.
- Observe classroom instruction.
- Facilitate professional development.
- Provide support and feedback.
- Remain informed on current curriculum, instruction and assessment.
- PLC Facilitator 2014-Present.
- Building Equity Team 2016-Present.
- District Reading and Math Committees- Early Childhood representative.
- Designed and implemented instructional strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop curriculum resources aligned with state standards and best practices.
Education
Post-Graduate Certificate - Minnesota Principals Academy
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN06-2025
PreK-12 Principal License - Education
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN01.2019
Master of Science - Teaching, Learning and Leadership
Southwest Minnesota State University
Marshall, MN01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Minnesota State University
Mankato01.2009
Skills
- Collaborative networking abilities
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
Certification
- Teaching License State of Minnesota 2009-Present
- CLASS Pre-K Observer Classroom Assessment Scoring University of Minnesota/CEED 2014-Present
- Creative Curriculum and TS GOLD Curriculum and Assessment Childcare Resource and Referral 2014- Present
Timeline
Director of Early Learning
Rochester Public Schools
06.2019 - Current
School Readiness Supervisor
Rochester Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2019
Instructional Coach
Rochester Public Schools
01.2014 - 01.2017
Early Childhood Teacher
Rochester Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2019
Post-Graduate Certificate - Minnesota Principals Academy
University of Minnesota
PreK-12 Principal License - Education
University of Minnesota
Master of Science - Teaching, Learning and Leadership
Southwest Minnesota State University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Minnesota State University