Gabrielle McDonald
Assistant Principal
Brooklyn
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented educational leader with over 10 years of experience in K-5 settings, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and high-achieving school culture. Proven track record of implementing innovative instructional strategies and data-driven decision-making that enhance student performance and engagement. Skilled in building strong relationships with faculty, students, and the community to promote collaboration and support for diverse learners. Expertise in curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and effective discipline strategies. Committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment that empowers students and staff alike. Ready to leverage leadership experience and a passion for education to drive transformative change as a Principal.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
2024
2024
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Assistant Principal
Department of Education
9 2023 - Current
- Collaborate with the Principal to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance academic achievement and school culture
- Lead faculty and staff in the integration of innovative teaching practices and data-driven instruction to support diverse learning needs
- Oversee curriculum development and alignment with state standards, ensuring compliance with NYC DOE policies
- Foster a positive school environment by promoting social-emotional learning and community engagement initiatives
- Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback to teachers, facilitating professional growth and development
- Manage student discipline and behavioral interventions, maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment
- Coordinate and lead professional development workshops for staff, enhancing instructional practices and leadership skills
- Engage with parents, community members, and stakeholders to build partnerships that support student success and well-being
Assistant Principal Bench Member
Department of Education
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Engaged in schoolwide experiences that build instructional and managerial skills
Family & Community Collaborator
Department of Education
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with a team of teachers to create year-long events to engage families in student learning
- Facilitated weekly meetings designed to discuss logistics and next steps for event preparation
- Liaison between the principal, assistant principal, and parent coordinator
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Department of Education
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Created and implemented a classroom structure and consistency to encourage student responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect
- Collaborated and consulted with educational professional service providers (i.e., English as a New Language (ENL) provider, guidance counselor) regarding the needs of students
- Assessed student progress and determined the need for additional reinforcement or adjustments to instructional techniques
- Utilized authentic formative and summative assessments to gauge learning, guide instruction, and provide timely feedback to students
- Used various teaching techniques, methods, and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals
- Developed and implemented annual Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plans for students to include present levels of educational performance, special education needs, instructional goals and objectives, and the special education and related services required to meet those goals
- Created a positive learning experience with emphasis on individualized instruction using appropriate sources, including I-pads
- Provided high-quality, culturally responsive teaching while monitoring and supervising effective classroom structures that promote active, student-driven learning and positive student behavior and safety
New Teacher Mentor
Department of Education
08.2018 - 06.2023
- Guided new teachers through the instructional coaching cycle to improve their practice in areas of need
- Conducted observations and provided feedback based on the Danielson Framework for teaching, which resulted in improved ratings and student achievement
- Established a trusting relationship and created a risk-free learning environment for new teachers
- Connected new teachers with school and community-based resources, which enhanced new teacher transition into the classroom
- Facilitated biweekly meetings for each novice teacher
Grade Leader
Department of Education
08.2018 - 06.2023
- Coordinated grade meetings and analysis of student work to inform instruction
- Facilitated conversations to adjust curriculum as needed based on student data
- Ensured instructional grade coherence through learning walks and peer coaching
- Motivated and encouraged teachers to engage in discussion and planning activities
Special Education Classroom Teacher
East Harlem Scholars Academy II
08.2016 - 03.2021
- Utilized rigorous curricula and developmentally appropriate instructional materials to inspire students to uncover new concepts and ideas
- Participated in collaborative and strategic planning with administrators to design, review and execute developmentally appropriate lesson plans
- Administered, collected, and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data gathered from a variety of assessments on each student and reflected regularly on data from student assessments with colleagues, administration, or students' families to inform my work, modified practices, and increased student achievement
- Created supportive classroom communities that maintain high academic and social expectations for students
- Maintained frequent communication with families about student progress to support students' learning
- Actively worked to improve my practice, to acquire and enhance the skills and knowledge necessary for excellent instruction, and to generally increase my effectiveness in the classroom and in the school community
Education
Certificate of Advanced Study - School Building Leadership
College of St. Rose - CITE Program
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NYBachelor of Arts - Psychology with a Minor in Biology
State University of New York College at Plattsburgh
Skills
Mentoring & Coaching
Social-Emotional Learning
Curriculum & Instruction
Special Education
Data Analysis & Action Plan
Student Engagement
Instructional Leadership
Student achievement
Relationship building and networking
School Administration
Certification
New York State Students School Building Leadership, 07/23
Timeline
Assistant Principal Bench Member
Department of Education
10.2022 - 06.2023
Family & Community Collaborator
Department of Education
09.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Department of Education
03.2021 - 06.2023
New Teacher Mentor
Department of Education
08.2018 - 06.2023
Grade Leader
Department of Education
08.2018 - 06.2023
Special Education Classroom Teacher
East Harlem Scholars Academy II
08.2016 - 03.2021
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Hunter College of the City University of New York
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology with a Minor in Biology
State University of New York College at Plattsburgh
Assistant Principal
Department of Education
9 2023 - Current
Certificate of Advanced Study - School Building Leadership
College of St. Rose - CITE Program
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