Jessica L. Naismith
Warren,MI
Summary
Dynamic instructional leader with a proven track record of driving district-wide curriculum innovation and elevating teacher practice through strategic coaching and professional development. Expertise in ELA and cross-disciplinary curriculum design, complemented by a strong focus on data-informed decision-making. Committed to building collaborative systems that effectively close achievement gaps while fostering equitable, high-impact learning environments. Passionate about empowering educators and students to reach their fullest potential.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
District Content Coordinator- ELA
Chandler Park Academy
Harper Woods, MI
08.2018 - Current
- Provided ongoing, differentiated coaching to ELA teachers through co-planning, model lessons, and data-driven instructional feedback, leading to a 20–30% improvement in instructional effectiveness (as measured by walkthrough rubrics and student performance data).
- Authored district-wide pacing guides, unit frameworks, and common assessments aligned with the Science of Reading and state ELA standards, ensuring coherence and academic rigor.
- Facilitated five different PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) that fostered teacher collaboration, data analysis, and lesson study cycles, directly contributing to implementation of common assessments and increased student performance on benchmark assessments.
- Secured over $500,000 in federal grant funding to establish a district-wide curriculum lab and launch an innovative model classroom program, equipping educators with cutting-edge instructional resources and real-time coaching environments.
- Developed and led high-impact professional development on evidence-based literacy strategies, culturally responsive pedagogy, and formative assessment practices, with 90%+ of participants reporting improved instructional confidence.
- Championed cross-disciplinary literacy initiatives, collaborating with content-area teachers to embed reading and writing standards across the curriculum.
- Piloted a place-based science and literacy initiative in a kindergarten classroom, integrating local environmental themes with foundational reading and inquiry skills — a model that will be expanded in phases to district-wide due to its success in boosting student and parent engagement.
- Developed a district-wide transdisciplinary instructional model and lesson plan template, promoting cohesive, inquiry-driven learning across content areas.
English Language Arts Teacher
Chandler Park Academy Middle School
Harper Woods, Michigan
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, promoting a more holistic understanding of language arts.
- Mentored 14 new teachers in effective lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment methods, contributing to their professional growth.
- Assessed student writing using teacher-created rubrics aligned with state standards, ensuring consistent evaluation criteria across all assignments.
- Evaluated student progress and adjusted instructional strategies accordingly, leading to improved performance for struggling learners.
- Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.
English/Science Teacher
Wolverine Academy (Juv. Detention & FC School)
Detroit, MI
09.2014 - 06.2015
- Lesson plan for self-contained classroom of students according to Common Core State Standards and other Grade Level Content Expectations.
- Responsible for covering content in a timely and organized manner meeting the goals of student Individualized Education Programs.
- Effectively monitor attendance and behavior among 80juvenile offenders making sure that they are following the guidelines of their program.
- Communicate with treatment staff, social workers, case managers, as well as direct care workers regarding progress of students.
Community Relations Coordinator/ Social Media Manager
Mercyworks
Detroit, MI
03.2012 - 05.2015
- Engaged with city and county leaders to develop strategic plan for community urban farm and poverty alleviation program.
- Chaired committee for social media and marketing teams.
- Established a solid reputation as an approachable resource within the local area by attending networking events and engaging in community-focused conversations.
- Secured funding and resources for 5 additional sustainable food locations.
English Language Arts Resource Instructor
Central Collegiate Academy
Detroit, MI
02.2013 - 08.2014
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices for effective instruction.
- Advocated for appropriate accommodations and modifications based on each student''s unique needs and abilities.
- Improved parent involvement in the IEP process through consistent communication and accessible resources.
Education
Education Specialist - Education Leadership/ Curriculum & Instruction
University of Michigan, Flint
Flint, MI04-2020
Masters of Arts - Secondary Urban Education / Initial Teacher Certification Program
University of Michigan Flint
Flint, MI05-2015
Undergraduate Certificate - Social Media Certification | Concentration: Journalism
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI12-2012
Bachelor of Science - Community Development | Concentration: Non-Profit Admin.
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI05-2012
Skills
- Instructional Leadership & Coaching
- Curriculum Design & Alignment (ELA & Cross-Content)
- Program Development
- Professional Development Facilitation
- Data-Driven Instructional Improvement
- Content curation
- Organizational leadership
- Rubric creation
- Transdisciplinary Instruction Design
Certification
Standard Teacher Certificate
BA (6-12)
Expires 06/2029
School Administrator Certificate
Central Office (CO)
Expires 06/2030
Timeline
District Content Coordinator- ELA
Chandler Park Academy
08.2018 - Current
English Language Arts Teacher
Chandler Park Academy Middle School
08.2015 - 06.2018
English/Science Teacher
Wolverine Academy (Juv. Detention & FC School)
09.2014 - 06.2015
English Language Arts Resource Instructor
Central Collegiate Academy
02.2013 - 08.2014
Community Relations Coordinator/ Social Media Manager
Mercyworks
03.2012 - 05.2015
Masters of Arts - Secondary Urban Education / Initial Teacher Certification Program
University of Michigan Flint
Undergraduate Certificate - Social Media Certification | Concentration: Journalism
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Community Development | Concentration: Non-Profit Admin.
Central Michigan University
Education Specialist - Education Leadership/ Curriculum & Instruction
University of Michigan, Flint