JENNIFER COOPER, Ed.D
Ridley Park,PA
Summary
Organizational leader and educational administrator offering over 10 years of educational expertise in grades K-12 and currently serving as an Elementary school Principal. Exercises honed competencies in development, implementation and execution of performance-enhancing programs. Outstanding skills in parent communication, conflict resolution and staff management. Known for consistently supporting faculty and staff as advocate leader.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Principal
Chester Community Charter School
Chester, PA
11.2019 - Current
- Building Principal of the only responsive building within the Charter network
- Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies.
- Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Establish and retain a team of professionals including teachers, paraprofessionals, and climate staff
- Communicate and foster a clear vision of expectations for instructional and behavioral growth for all stakeholders
- Evaluate and monitor teacher performance to improve instructional effectiveness
- Oversee student body of 362 students
- Facilitate and attend monthly parent engagement workshops
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Evaluate and monitor teacher performance to improve instructional effectiveness
- Facilitate a hiring committee aimed at recruitment, selection, and retainment of teachers
- Develop and maintain professional internal and external relations with all stakeholders
- Participate in the development and evaluation of educational programs
- Collaborate with various departments to support and establish programs, lessons and student activities
- Integrated positively with staff to demonstrate professional conduct expectations of teaching and administrative personnel.
- Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
Assistant Principal
Chester Community Charter School - Aston Campus
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Shaped vision of academic success for all students
- Cultivated leadership in others
- Conducted walk-throughs to observe classroom instruction and behavioral climate
- Assisted Principal in all areas of middle school management, administration, and daily activities
- Oversaw autistic support and life skills programs
- Oversaw safety measures and security policies for student body
- Advised, disciplined, encouraged, and counseled scholars as necessary
- Provided instructional leadership to staff
- Completed curriculum development and implementation
- Increased Math and ELA proficiency from 30% to 73%
- Reduced student discipline by 30%
- Increased student attendance by 15%
- Participated in development and evaluation of educational programs
- Fostered meaningful relationships among students through student field trips and team-work community service projects
- Met with parents to resolve behavioral and academic concerns and developed positive supportive relationships with families.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Led meetings to convey policy changes, gather information, and assess employee thoughts.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Instructed small groups of teachers and students.
- Supported hiring, training, and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
- Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
Instructional Coach
Chester Community Charter School - Aston Campus
Chester, PA
11.2019 - 08.2022
- Serve as a content specialist to assist in the development and implementation of campus instructional plans that align to district goals and curriculum
- Work with teachers and campus administration to analyze student data, diagnose instructional needs and identify research-based instructional strategies to close achievement gaps
- Provide professional development for teachers through modeling engaging, standards-based teaching as needed
- Provide daily or weekly individual and/or group instructional coaching and mentoring to teachers to improve classroom instruction for all learners
- Conduct regular teacher observations and/or walk-throughs and provide feedback in a timely manner that facilitates teacher reflection and growth
- Manage and distribute instructional resources to teachers and provide training on the use of those resources
- Developed ELA curriculum, scope and sequence, and lesson plans for ELA students in grades 6th-8th according to the PA State Standard
- Differentiated instruction for students in multi-grade level classrooms
- Co-facilitated classroom management training for teachers
- Performed administrative tasks during prep and after school as the Principal’s mentee.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
- Coached teachers to improve practices through professional development and modeling instructional strategies.
- Maintained records of student assessments, tutoring activities and results.
- Met diverse student population needs by planning and implementing lessons with wide variety of teaching strategies.
- Used variety of teaching methods to successfully help wide range of students.
- Developed staff members' attitudes, skills and knowledge through various professional development targeted topics.
- Conducted review sessions to help students prepare for tests.
- Planned and implemented lessons utilizing variety of teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Modeled ELA lessons for daily or weekly instruction.
- Reviewed formative and summative data and information from diagnostic tests to accurately assess students.
Special Education English Teacher, Case Manager
Upper Darby High School
Upper Darby, PA
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Provide a culture of achievement and success for a diverse student population
- Utilize collaborative learning and critical reading strategies
- Integrate interactive technology into classrooms
- Works with students individually and in groups to promote full academic functioning
- Assesses the skill level of students and aligns classroom goals and activities to established state and local standards
- Provides instruction in respective subject area
- Creates a classroom environment in which students have access to subject-related materials that address their needs and interests
- Provides research-based specialized instruction to address the instructional goals and objectives contained within each student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- Employs various teaching techniques, methods and principles of learning to enable students to meet their IEP goals
- Coordinates the delivery of special education services in each student's IEP
- Serves as primary contact for the parent
- Conducts special education evaluations and reevaluations.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Interventions Support (PBIS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Special Education Math Teacher and Case Manager
Universal Audenried Charter High School
Philadelphia, PA
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Collaborate with general education teachers to ensure that materials taught align with Pennsylvania State Curriculum
- Explore and assess educational concepts to enhance learning
- Work with students individually and in groups to promote full academic functioning
- Integrate interactive technology into classrooms
- Collaborate with students, parents, special education teachers, para-educators and administrators to help students prepare to become independently functioning adults
- Perform curriculum-based measurement assessments
- Design and implement effective curriculum units
- Implement student directed classroom management processes
- Provide a culture of achievement and success for a diverse student population
- Manage a caseload of 26 special education students
- Collaborate with general education teachers to write and implement IEPs
- Autistic Support Classroom
- Implemented an instructional, therapeutic, and skill development program for assigned students
- Planned and utilized appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment
- Partnered with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed
- Conducted assessment of student learning styles and generated instructional activities based on results
- Employed a variety of instructional techniques to meet the needs of each student
- Utilized the technology for teaching/learning process.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Special Education Math and Reading Teacher
Simon Gratz Mastery Charter School
Philadelphia, PA
08.2015 - 08.2017
- General Education and Special Education, Adapt high school curriculum to teach Basic Skills English and Basic Skills Mathematics to students with Intellectual Disabilities
- Collaborate with other general education teachers to ensure that materials taught align with Pennsylvania State Curriculum
- Work with students individually and in groups to promote full academic functioning
- Integrate interactive technology into classrooms
- Collaborate with students, parents, special education teachers, para-educators, and administrators to help students prepare to become independently functioning adults
- Perform curriculum-based measurement assessments
- Design and implement effective curriculum units
- Utilize collaborative learning and critical reading strategies
- Implement student directed classroom management processes
- Autistic Support Classroom
- Implemented an instructional, therapeutic, and skill development program for assigned students
- Planned and utilized appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment
- Partnered with classroom teachers to modify regular curricula as needed
- Conducted assessment of student learning styles and generated instructional activities based on results
- Employed a variety of instructional techniques to meet the needs of each student
- Utilized the technology for teaching/learning process.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
Confidential Investigator
Philadelphia Housing Authority, Audit and Compliance
Philadelphia, PA
06.2012 - 06.2015
- Conducted investigations regarding allegations of fraud, misconduct or other corrupt or unethical activities involving PHA officers, employees and persons or entities doing business with the PHA
- Responded promptly and professionally to internal and external investigations
- Utilized on-line case reporting system to prepare and submit accurate summations of case activity daily
- Performed in-house and field investigations in suspected contract and procurement fraud cases
- Conducted interviews of subjects and witnesses
- Conducted surveillance
- Utilized surveillance equipment such as cameras and cars
- Reviewed financial records and prepare reports
- Conducted investigative reviews and audits
- Worked with other investigative bodies
- Drafted subpoenas to obtain information and documents from businesses and individuals
- Testified at hearings and court proceedings
- Maintained regular contact with management and necessary parties on progress of each case.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
- Collected information pertaining to criminal proceedings and performed investigations to resolve cases.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Researched criminal cases and led investigations to determine appropriate course of proceedings.
- Questioned and consulted with subjects and witnesses for information pertaining to criminal cases.
- Interviewed and interrogated suspects.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Conducted impartial investigations into complaints by employees.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Organized and executed undercover surveillance operations.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Carefully documented statements, observations, and evidentiary materials.
- Collaborated with federal agencies on investigations.
ELECT Site Coordinator
Communities in Schools of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
01.2011 - 06.2012
- Managed staff daily to ensure all student needs and program goals were met
- Developed individual academic success plans for each student in the program
- Facilitated and monitored the success of each student and provide needed services to help students meet academic and social goals
- Analyzed statistical information to determine the current and future success of the program
- Worked with principals, teachers, counselors, families, higher level institutions, court systems and law enforcement agencies to achieve program goals for students
- Organized the flexible education program, independent study and Saturday schools
- Conducted workshops on topics such as health and nutrition, family planning, parenting skills, substance prevention, job skills, vocational careers and college information
- Organized summer and post-high school job/educational placement
Reintegration Case Manager
Abraxas Youth and Family Services
Philadelphia, PA
02.2010 - 12.2010
- Maintained a client caseload with appropriate service plans
- Coordinated and developed appropriate service plans to assist clients in making the transition from placement to the community
- Supervised client activities and prepared required progress reports of client behavior
- Supported clients and their families in completing court ordered conditions
- Coordinated efforts with the courts, probation department, schools, employers, recovery programs, counseling etc
- To meet the clients’ individual needs.
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives.
- Developed comprehensive discharge plans to transition clients to appropriate service providers in community.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions.
- Liaised with social worker to expedite financial assistance not covered by insurance.
- Provided evidence-based therapeutic interventions and crisis management to clients to lessen negative on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Utilized trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients.
Personal Development Coach II
Abraxas Youth And Family Services
Philadelphia, PA
02.2010 - 12.2010
- Prepared service plans and monthly reports on student behavior, attitude, achievement, and overall progress with assistance from the treatment team
- Developed and created individualized student service plans with input from the student, parent and treatment team
- Maintained student files reflecting standards of contacting families, social services agencies, school district personnel, and student, while adhering to the standards determined by outside agencies
- Reported significant changes in the behavior, attitude, or physical condition of students to team members, supervisors, and parents as necessary
- Intervened with and/or physically managed aggressive clients as trained by safe crisis management.
Assistant to CTE Coordinator/ College Intern
School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
03.2008 - 02.2010
- Assisted program leaders to coordinate and maintain 18 Career Technology programs in 20 schools serving over 300 students throughout the Philadelphia school district
- Provided guidance and support to students in high school with post-secondary career goals
- Issued working papers to student between the ages of 14-17 and assisted them in finding jobs
- Assisted supervisor with drafting job descriptions for jobs within the College, Career, and Technical Education Department
- Assisted human resource staff in posting job notices and hiring applicants
- Processed payroll for 75 staff and 15 high school interns employed by the Philadelphia School District within the Career and Technical Education Department
- Performed all administrative duties, including but not limited to, answering phones, drafting, and editing documents, handling incoming and outgoing correspondence.
- Engaged students in academic and practical conversations that elicited critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.
- Identified program successes and failures based on student assessments and course reviews.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Observed and evaluated students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA05.2022
Graduate Teaching Certification - English 7-12 And Special Education PK-12
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA2017
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, PA2012
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Chestnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA2009
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Technology Integration
- Annual Reviews
- Organizational Leadership
- School Administration
- Middle School Education
- Student Performance Data
- Curriculum Development
- Student and Parent Relations
- Curriculum Standards
- Classroom Management
- Special Education
Accomplishments
- Dissertation Consultant Present
- Montessori Works Delaware Present
- Board Member
- Professional Development and Training
- The Art of Coaching
- Conflict Resolution Education in Teacher Education (CRETE)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Positive Behavior and Intervention Systems (PBIS)
- Restorative Justice (RJ)
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Human Resource- Interviewing training
Certification
Child Abuse and Neglect | 2023
First Aid and CPR | 2023
Dyslexia Awareness | 2023
Child Abuse and Neglect | 2023
Mandated Reporter | 2023
PA Principal Certification| 2022
PA Special Education Certification Pk-12 | 2017
PA English 7-12| 2017
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Chester Community Charter School - Aston Campus
08.2022 - 03.2023
Principal
Chester Community Charter School
11.2019 - Current
Instructional Coach
Chester Community Charter School - Aston Campus
11.2019 - 08.2022
Special Education English Teacher, Case Manager
Upper Darby High School
08.2018 - 01.2019
Special Education Math Teacher and Case Manager
Universal Audenried Charter High School
08.2017 - 08.2018
Special Education Math and Reading Teacher
Simon Gratz Mastery Charter School
08.2015 - 08.2017
Confidential Investigator
Philadelphia Housing Authority, Audit and Compliance
06.2012 - 06.2015
ELECT Site Coordinator
Communities in Schools of Philadelphia
01.2011 - 06.2012
Personal Development Coach II
Abraxas Youth And Family Services
02.2010 - 12.2010
Reintegration Case Manager
Abraxas Youth and Family Services
02.2010 - 12.2010
Assistant to CTE Coordinator/ College Intern
School District of Philadelphia
03.2008 - 02.2010
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Saint Joseph's University
Graduate Teaching Certification - English 7-12 And Special Education PK-12
University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Saint Joseph’s University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Chestnut Hill College