Erica Upton
Winona,MN
Summary
Experienced with developing and implementing instructional strategies that improve teaching effectiveness. Utilizes data-driven approaches to assess and address educational needs. Track record of fostering professional growth among educators through consistent support and guidance.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Coach
Winona Senior High School
Winona, MN
09.2023 - Current
- Organize and deliver professional development opportunities; conduct classroom visits and coaching cycles
- Build support systems for new teachers and implement technology initiatives to improve student learning
- Lead AVID Site Team as High School Coordinator; teach 10th grade AVID elective
- Organize curriculum warehouse and support standards and curriculum writing across departments
- Completed trainings: AI, AVID, 15 Fixes for Broken Grades, Catalyst, Jim Knight Instructional Coaching, MCIS
- Serve as a member of the LIT Team to implement READ Act policies for the District
- Facilitated data-driven discussions with teachers to analyze student performance and adjust instructional strategies
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness by providing individualized coaching and professional development opportunities.
Instructional Coach
Century High School
Rochester, MN
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Organized professional development; consulted with teachers on Student Learning Goals
- Facilitated Grad Lab initiative and served on Leadership and Staff Life/Wellness committees
- Assisted new teachers acclimate quickly into their roles through comprehensive mentoring programs and ongoing support.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
- Improved instructional strategies for diverse learners by conducting classroom observations and providing constructive feedback to teachers.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by collaborating with administrators, staff, and parents on various initiatives.
Q-Comp Mentor
Houston High School
Houston, MN
09.2015 - 06.2022
- Organized Professional Learning Committees (PLCs); provided coaching and learning activities
- Observed and evaluated ~47 staff members three times yearly with pre- and post-meetings
- Managed SMART goals, data collection, and end-of-year stipend sign-offs
- Collaborated to redesign evaluation processes for meaningful staff feedback as we moved Frameworks from Danielson to Marzano
- Delivered Professional Development multiple times per year
- Conducted workshops focused on classroom management techniques to assist teachers in building confidence.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of initiatives through feedback surveys from teachers and administrators.
- Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication
- Guided mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice
English Teacher
Houston High School
Houston, MN
12.2003 - 06.2022
- Taught grades 8–12: Core English, Writing for College, Creative Writing, American Literature, World Literature, Journalism, Theatre Arts, and online courses through MNVA
- Developed engaging curricula and assessments aligned with standards
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling students
Reading and Mathematics Teacher
Sylvan Learning Center
LaCrosse, WI
03.2002 - 12.2003
- Provided individualized instruction to students across all grade levels and proficiency levels
Education
Master's in Education - Instructional Coaching
Viterbo University
LaCrosse, WI06-2023
K-12 Reading Certificate - undefined
Saint Mary's University
Winona, MN07-2015
Bachelor of Arts - English, Secondary Education Emphasis
Luther College
Decorah, IA05-1996
Skills
- Instructional planning skills
- Committed to continuous improvement
- Teaching strategies
- Collaborative learning
- Great active listening skills
- Feedback delivery
- Excellent communication
- Goal-oriented and ambitious
- Building rapport and trust
- Problem-solving support
Timeline
Instructional Coach
Winona Senior High School
09.2023 - Current
Instructional Coach
Century High School
09.2022 - 06.2023
Q-Comp Mentor
Houston High School
09.2015 - 06.2022
English Teacher
Houston High School
12.2003 - 06.2022
Reading and Mathematics Teacher
Sylvan Learning Center
03.2002 - 12.2003
K-12 Reading Certificate - undefined
Saint Mary's University
Bachelor of Arts - English, Secondary Education Emphasis
Luther College
Master's in Education - Instructional Coaching
Viterbo University
Professional Development and Training
- CORE Online Language & Literacy Academy (2024)
- Instructional Coaching Institute (2023–2024)
- AVID Training (2023–2025)
- Regional Instructional Coaching Cohort (2021–2022)
- Education FIRST Conference (2017–2019)
- TIES Conference (2017)
- Schoology & Moodle Training (2007–2017)
- CAFÉ, NSTA, STOIC/CHAMPS Training (2016–2017)
- PLC Training (Summers 2012–2013)
- AP English Training (2005–2006)
- Differentiated Instruction (2009–2010)
Leadership and Committee Experience
- Staff Development, BILT, AVID Site Team, LIT Team, Grading Committee, SCIP, PBIS, District Advisory Committee, COVID Committee, RTI Team, PBIS Team (2010–2021), Dance Coach (2003–2015, 2019), Choreographer (2016–Present), Colorguard Coach (2003–2014), Yearbook Advisor (2005–2012)