Gina Landis
Castle Rock
Summary
Experienced educator and school leader with nearly 20 years as a teacher, district leader, Assistant Principal, and Principal, with deep personal ties to the community. Shared leadership has always been my mantra, guiding collaboration with teachers, staff, families, and students to drive rigorous academics, social-emotional growth, and equitable opportunities for all learners. Recognized for developing innovative programs for special education and gifted students, I foster inclusive, student-centered school cultures that embrace diverse demographics. Passionate about community, equity, and empowering every child, I am committed to leading a neighborhood school in Jefferson County, where all students succeed and feel valued.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Pioneer Elementary School
Parker
07.2021 - Current
- Collaborative Leader: Partnered with the Building Leadership Team, IMTSS team, Literacy Committee, Guiding Coalition, PBIS, and Special Education Team to elevate staff voice, foster school culture, and drive student progress.
- Instructional Leader: Led the implementation of the Benchmark curriculum and SRSD writing framework, empowering teacher leaders to align instruction, facilitate lab classrooms, and model high-quality, universal practices through walkthroughs.
- Professional Learning Community Leader: Partnered with grade-level teams and specialists to strengthen data-driven PLCs, using student data to prioritize instruction and implement WIN intervention, resulting in an 11% increase in CMAS math (Exceeds Expectations) and a 6% growth in ELA, with gains for Special Education and Multilingual Learners.
- Special Education Leader: Supported a 33% school population of students with special needs, including two center-based programs; recognized with the Inclusion Award, and co-led initiatives such as the Red Shirt Rookies program and sensory garden.
- Gifted Education Leader: Collaborated with gifted educators and district leaders to design a math compacting program, including twice-exceptional learners, boosting Algebra 2 readiness by 18%.
- Community Partner: Collaborated with PTO, SAC, and feeder principals to host monthly events and legacy field trips, align academics, and increase participation across diverse student groups.
- Operations Manager: Led a five-year fiscal plan, eliminating an operating deficit, securing grants for an outdoor classroom, and developing a comprehensive, student-centered library renovation plan.
- Student-Centered Advocate and Champion: Led an inclusive, student-centered culture, preserving traditions, introducing new experiences, and empowering learners—including those with significant and affective needs—using IMTSS to support the whole child.
Assistant Principal
Eagle Ridge Elementary School
Lone Tree
07.2015 - 07.2019
- Partnered with grade-level PLCs and interventionists to strengthen Tier II instruction through data walls, resulting in the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Improvement (2017), and ranking 22nd statewide for academic growth (2018).
- Collaborated as the attendance lead to design IMTSS systems for tracking attendance, strengthening partnerships with families and students, and improving the chronic absenteeism rate by 4%.
- As the behavior lead, I collaborated with the school psychologist and counselor to provide comprehensive wrap-around support for all families, while also tracking behavior and working with students on Positive Behavior Systems.
- As a community and student builder, I synergized to develop numerous student extracurricular activities, while also enhancing the Leader in Me program, ultimately achieving the Leader in Me Lighthouse Status.
- As a partner to the Principal, I oversaw daily operations and tasks, taking responsibility for various school functions, including safety, weekly community newsletters, state-mandated assessments, and assisting with evaluations for both classified and certified staff.
Curriculum Coordinator
Douglas County School District
Castle Rock
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Provided professional development to Social Studies and Electives teachers on planning, assessment, instruction, and curriculum, while leading a team of 18 Elective Leads and Department Heads, offering differentiated professional learning and district-wide job-alikes.
- Managed a $100,000 grant for Professional Literacy, fostering sustained learning for K-12 educators as teacher leaders earned a stipend, attended Professional Development, and ultimately brought financial literacy to students.
- Awarded a grant to study in Finland, attended a global conference in Switzerland, and brought this new learning to DCSD through professional development and book studies to impact student learning and growth.
Social Studies Teacher
Rock Canyon High School, Douglas County School District
Highlands Ranch
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Highly effective educator who earned Apple nominations each year.
- I taught a variety of Social Studies subjects, including honors, and co-taught with Special Education teachers to provide differentiated support for all students.
- Led and coached students in the Mock Trial program, fostering student leadership, teamwork, and legal experience.
- Coached and mentored the Junior Varsity Tennis program, leading practices, fostering sportsmanship, and building community for student athletes on and off the courts.
Literacy Interventionist
Buffalo Ridge Elementary School
Castle Pines
02.2006 - 07.2011
- Collaborated with teachers and the Building Resource team to conduct student Diagnostic Reading Assessments
- Provided differentiated literacy interventions through small-group and individualized instruction.
Education
Principal Certification -
Adams State University
Alamosa, COMaster of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
University of Colorado-Denver
COBachelor of Arts - History and Business Administration
Creighton University
Omaha, NESkills
- Instructional leadership and teacher development
- Data-informed decision making (PLCs, IMTSS)
- Shared leadership and teacher empowerment
- Inclusive and equitable practices (special education, gifted, multilingual learners)
- School culture, climate, and PBIS systems
- Family, community, and district partnerships
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Principal
Pioneer Elementary School
07.2021 - Current
Assistant Principal
Eagle Ridge Elementary School
07.2015 - 07.2019
Curriculum Coordinator
Douglas County School District
07.2014 - 07.2015
Social Studies Teacher
Rock Canyon High School, Douglas County School District
07.2014 - 07.2015
Literacy Interventionist
Buffalo Ridge Elementary School
02.2006 - 07.2011
Principal Certification -
Adams State University
Master of Arts - Curriculum and Instruction
University of Colorado-Denver
Bachelor of Arts - History and Business Administration
Creighton University