Gretchen Schumacher
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Talented administrative leader with over 17 years of experience in the education sector. An effective communicator skilled at developing and implementing academic programs to create high-quality learning environments. Exceptional relationship building skills with a track record for developing meaningful partnerships with major community stakeholders. . Outstanding skills in parent communication, conflict resolution and staff management. Known for consistently supporting faculty and staff as advocate leader.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal/Dean of Operations
River City Science Academy Elementary
- Monitors the success of all students in the learning environment; aligns the curriculum, instruction, and assessment processes to promote effective student performance; and uses a variety of benchmarks, learning, and expectations feedback measures to ensure accountabilities for all participants engaged in the educational process
- Assists in the development, implementation, and assessment of the instructional program
- Assists in the administration of the testing program
- Promotes a positive learning culture, provides an effective instructional program, and applies best practices to student learning
- Promotes and develops a safe, efficient, legal, and effective teaching and learning environment
- Work with parents in resolving concerns
- Supervises and monitors the accurate and timely completion of data collection and reporting requirements
- Collects and analyzes data for continuous school improvement
- Responsible for the development of the Master Schedule and assignment of staff
- Plans and implements the integration of technological and electronic tools in teaching, learning, management, research, and communication responsibilities
- Leads, directs, and manages operations; orients, trains, coaches, and counsels, staff
- Supervises assigned personnel, conducts performance appraisals, and makes recommendations for appropriate employment actions
- Assists in providing staff development through in-service training, and other developmental activities
- Assist in conducting staff meetings to discuss policy changes, instruction and potential problems
- Maintains and models high standards of professional conduct
- Assist in supervising all extracurricular activities and maintaining a calendar of events
- Assist in providing recognition and celebration for students, staff, and school honors
- Assist in implementing all local, state and federal laws as they pertain to the assigned school
- Assumes all administrative duties in absence of the principal
- PBIS team leader: created a positive and inclusive school environment by implementing and sustaining the PBIS framework
- Trained students and staff on school-wide behavioral expectations
- Implemented evidence-based interventions
- Used data to guide decision-making, all while fostering a culture of respect, support, and positive behavior within the school community
- Youth Mental Health and First Aid Facilitator: responsible for delivering educational programs and training sessions that focus on youth mental health; teach participants how to approach someone experiencing a mental health crisis, offer immediate assistance, and guide them toward professional help when necessary.
Dean of Students
River City Science Academy Elementary
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Oversee and coordinate various student services such as counseling, health services, career counseling, and academic advising
- Develop and implement programs that enhance student well-being and success
- Implemented PBIS framework, trained staff and students, established school-wide behavior expectations; decrease in discipline infractions of 76%
- Enforce the institution's code of conduct and policies related to student behavior
- Investigate and address student conduct violations, working in collaboration with relevant departments
- Provide support and resources for students facing academic challenges
- Collaborate with academic departments to improve student retention and success
- Promote extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to encourage student involvement
- Organize and oversee campus events, including orientation programs and student leadership development
- Play a key role in responding to crises or emergencies that affect the student body
- Foster open communication between students, faculty, and administration
- Support student growth and development by offering resources for personal and leadership development
- Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff.
- Led efforts to boost student attendance and on-time arrivals with ambitious parent relations initiatives.
- Helped teachers develop and diversify instruction to better serve students of different skill levels and backgrounds.
- Coordinated smooth mealtimes and student transitions.
- Improved policies and procedures to maximize student safety and campus security.
- Developed and implemented student success initiatives to recognize and encourage achievement.
- Develop and update policies related to student life and conduct
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Backed up instructors in handling disruptive students and implemented fair protocols to resolve situations.
- Organized individualized behavior improvement plans for students struggling with compliance.
- Developed strategies to improve student behavior school-wide and help teachers better manage classroom environments.
th Grade Science Teacher, Grade Team Lead
River City Science Academy Elementary
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Lesson Planning: Create engaging and age-appropriate lesson plans that cater to the diverse learning needs of students, utilizing a variety of teaching methods and resources
- Classroom Instruction: Deliver effective science instruction, covering topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and environmental science, to foster students' understanding of scientific concepts
- Hands-On Learning: Incorporate hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and interactive activities to facilitate experiential learning and promote critical thinking skills
- Assessment: Design and administer assessments, including quizzes, tests, and projects, to evaluate student progress and adjust teaching methods accordingly
- 22 % increase of student proficiency on State Science Assessment
- Individualized Support: Provide individualized support and accommodations for students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities or English language learners
- Classroom Management: Maintain a well-organized and positive classroom environment conducive to learning, while implementing effective behavior management strategies
- Parent Communication: Communicate regularly with parents or guardians regarding student progress, behavior, and academic achievements through conferences, emails, or newsletters
- Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay current with advancements in science education and teaching methodologies
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other teachers and staff members to align science instruction with other subjects and promote interdisciplinary learning
- Safety: Ensure the safety of students during science experiments and activities by following safety protocols and guidelines
- Technology Integration: Integrate technology into the curriculum, using educational software and online resources to enhance science instruction
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and other pertinent information as required by the school or district
- Cultural Sensitivity: Foster a culturally sensitive and inclusive classroom environment that respects and values the diversity of students and their backgrounds
- Extracurricular Activities: Participate in or lead extracurricular science-related activities such as science clubs or science fairs to enhance students' interest in the subject
- Professional Ethics: Adhere to the school's code of ethics and conduct, promoting ethical behavior and integrity among students
- Continual Improvement: Reflect on teaching practices, gather feedback from students and peers, and continually seek ways to improve instruction and student outcomes
- Rated highly effective teacher
Language Arts Teacher / 6th Grade Team Leader
River City Science Academy
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Lesson Planning: Create daily lesson plans that incorporate a variety of teaching strategies, resources, and materials to address different learning styles and abilities
- Classroom Management: Maintain a well-organized and disciplined classroom environment that fosters respect, cooperation, and a love for learning
- Instructional Delivery: Deliver engaging and interactive lessons that focus on reading comprehension, grammar, writing skills, vocabulary development, and critical thinking
- Assessment: Regularly assess and evaluate students' progress using a variety of assessment tools, including quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations
- Individualized Instruction: Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students, including those with learning disabilities and advanced learners
- Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to students and communicate their progress to parents or guardians through parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, and other means
- Professional Development: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in ELA education and participate in professional development opportunities to improve teaching techniques and strategies
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other teachers and school staff to promote a supportive and cohesive educational environment
- Classroom Environment: Create a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere that promotes a love for literature and writing
- Cultural Sensitivity: Foster an inclusive classroom that respects and celebrates diversity in cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives
- Behavior Management: Implement effective behavior management strategies to address challenging behaviors and maintain a safe and respectful classroom
- Safety: Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times, both inside and outside the classroom.
Teacher
Parson’s Christian Academy
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Classroom Instruction: Deliver effective lessons that promote reading comprehension, writing proficiency, grammar skills, and communication abilities
- Assessment: Evaluate and assess student progress through quizzes, exams, projects, and other assessment tools
- Provide timely and constructive feedback to students and parents
- Differentiated Instruction: Adapt teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring all students have an opportunity to succeed
- Classroom Management: Maintain a positive and organized classroom environment conducive to learning
- Implement behavior management strategies as needed
- Individualized Support: Provide extra help and support to students who are struggling with reading and language arts concepts
- Develop and implement intervention strategies as required
- Parent Communication: Communicate regularly with parents or guardians to keep them informed about their child's progress and any concerns that may arise
- Professional Development: Stay current with educational trends and best practices in reading and language arts instruction
- Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences as necessary
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with colleagues, such as other teachers, special education staff, and administrators, to support the overall educational goals of the school
- Data Analysis: Analyze student performance data to make data-driven instructional decisions and to identify areas for improvement
- Cultural Competence: Foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects and values the cultural backgrounds and diversity of students.
HR Specialist
FPMI Solutions
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Coordinate new hire orientations and ensure a smooth onboarding process for new employees
- Maintain applicant tracking systems and databases
- Employee Relations:
- Address employee inquiries and provide information on HR policies and procedures
- Assist in resolving employee relations issues and conflicts in compliance with company policies and regulations
- Conduct exit interviews and analyze feedback for continuous improvement
- Benefits Administration:
- Support the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits
- Assist employees with benefit inquiries and enrollment
- HR Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws and regulations
- Maintain personnel records and ensure confidentiality of sensitive HR information
- Assist in HR audits and reporting as necessary
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Prepare HR-related reports and maintain accurate HR records
- Assist in drafting HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.
General Administrative Support
- Provide administrative support to the HR department, including scheduling meetings, maintaining calendars, and handling correspondence.
Client Services Representative
Paychex Business Solutions
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Serve as the main point of contact for assigned clients, providing support and assistance in a timely and professional manner
- Payroll Processing: Assist clients with payroll processing, including data entry, payroll adjustments, and ensuring accurate and on-time payroll runs
- HR Support: Provide guidance and support to clients on various HR-related topics, such as employee benefits, compliance, and HR best practices
- Problem Resolution: Identify and address client concerns, issues, or discrepancies promptly and effectively, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction
- Client Training: Educate clients on Paychex software and tools, helping them optimize their use of our services for greater efficiency
- Documentation: Maintain accurate records of client interactions and service requests in the CRM system
- Compliance: Stay updated on federal, state, and local payroll and HR regulations to ensure clients' compliance with relevant laws
- Client Retention: Actively engage with clients to build strong relationships and promote client retention and upsell opportunities
- Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, such as sales, technical support, and HR specialists, to address client needs effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FLMasters - Education Leadership
Lynn University
Skills
- Positive Learning Environment
- Public Speaking
- Curriculum Development
- Lesson Planning
- Staff Development
- Organizational Leadership
- Behavioral Intervention
- Team Collaboration
- Community Engagement
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Staff Management
- Schedule Oversight
- Multitasking Abilities
- Performance Evaluations
- Technology Integration
- Transportation Coordination
- Parent Rapport-Building
- Standardized Testing Coordination
- Community Relations
- Curriculum Review
- Faculty Performance Monitoring
- Human Resources
- Disciplinary Action
- Interpersonal Strengths
- Student and Family Relationships
- Staff Assessments
- Curriculum Planning
- Training
Certification
Florida Professional Teaching Certificate Elementary K-6
Certified YMHFA Facilitator
Timeline
Dean of Students
River City Science Academy Elementary
01.2018 - 01.2022
th Grade Science Teacher, Grade Team Lead
River City Science Academy Elementary
01.2016 - 01.2018
Language Arts Teacher / 6th Grade Team Leader
River City Science Academy
01.2013 - 01.2016
Teacher
Parson’s Christian Academy
01.2008 - 01.2013
HR Specialist
FPMI Solutions
01.2003 - 01.2005
Client Services Representative
Paychex Business Solutions
01.2000 - 01.2003
Assistant Principal/Dean of Operations
River City Science Academy Elementary
General Administrative Support
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of North Florida
Masters - Education Leadership
Lynn University
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