JILLANN VALDEZ
Education
Littleton,CO
Summary
Results-oriented education leader with a proven track record in school support, leadership development, and strategic initiatives. Adept at implementing culturally responsive teaching practices and fostering collaboration between schools, universities, community partners, and internal departments to drive student success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Social Justice HS Teacher & SBOE Coach
KIPP Colligiate Denver
Denver, Colorado
07.2022 - Current
- Build, coordinate, and implement culturally responsive teaching and leadership practices.
- Collaborate with universities, community partners, and academic specialists to align resources with schools' improvement plans.
- Implement culturally responsive instructional strategies and strong instructional practices to support school staff in improving student performance.
- Analyze and interpret school data from various frameworks to inform social and academic improvement plans.
- Conduct Root Cause Analysis in collaboration with school leaders, student body, and communities to ensure tailored organizational support.
- Utilized data-driven teaching methods, such as performance measurements and assessments, to identify student learning needs and tailor instruction to address individual student needs.
High School Counselor/Teacher
East Otero School District
La Junta, CO
08.2017 - 07.2022
- Communicate closely with area counselors to implement consistent programming across regions.
- Lead team in development and implementation of mental health referral program to improve access to school-based services for students and staff.
- Designed and mplemented systems to maintain confidentiality of student mental health records.
- Identify and design Latinx Student Success programming and schoolwide development through professional development and community partnership.
- Work closely with district leadership and school communities to ensure district supports meet cultural needs of population.
- Perform conflict resolution and mediation for students and staff including creation of first-generation recognition initiative.
- Drive SEL and DEI initiatives via Mental Health and Wellness Team. Building Leadership Team (BLT).
Independent Filmmaker
Contractual
Española, NM
05.2009 - 08.2011
- Manage teams of up to 30 people comprising both cast members and crew professionals ensuring all aspects of productions ran smoothly and on schedule.
- Contribute to success of diverse film projects, showcasing passion for storytelling through innovative production design.
- Ensure cultural accuracy of content, language, and representation.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Effectively lead and manage team of art department professionals, including art directors, set decorators, graphic designers and college interns.
Project Specialist
Mi Casa Resource Center
Denver, Colorado
07.2000 - 12.2002
- Design and implement recruitment and retention strategic plan.
- Supervise team of 5-10 college students and Americorps Fellows.
- Manage caseload of over 50 youth to provide guidance in financial aid, college admissions processes, and career exploration.
- Create and implement Road to College program using culturally aligned methodology.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Psychology
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN 07.2019 - 03.2023
ASPIRE - Education
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO 08.2017 - 1 2018
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO 06.1997 - 05.2000
CDE Endorsements
Secondary Social Studies & Art, Elem Edu
SSP - In ProgressSkills
Teacher Leadership
Adult Learner Support
DEI curriculum design and integration
Spanish speaking
Strategic Initiative Design and Execution
Program management
Community Engagement
Strong public speaker
Data Analysis and Root Cause Analysis
Project Management and Coordination
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Microsoft Office/Google Products
Educational AI tools, database management
Accomplishments
2021- Implemented First-generation graduate recognition initiative at East Otero School District.
2020- Created school-based mental health referral and accountability system for East Otero School District to ensure student access to services while maintaining confidentiality of records.
2010-Wrote and produced and independent film "Carpio" a New Mexico Tale.
2002- Designed Road to College curriculum and implemented program in Mi Casa Resource Center to serve the Baker neighborhood youth and young adults in Denver, Colorado.
1999- Founded community organization committed to empowering indigenous women of North and Central America to succeed in mico-business ventures and build community infrastructure.. Raised and delivered funds sufficient to provide startup grants for 20+ micro-businesses.
2011- Best Production Design- Rosewell Film Festival
2009-Master Champion Face Painter
2008-World Champion Face & Body Painter
Timeline
Social Justice HS Teacher & SBOE Coach
KIPP Colligiate Denver
07.2022 - Current
Master of Science - Applied Psychology
Capella University
07.2019 - 03.2023
High School Counselor/Teacher
East Otero School District
08.2017 - 07.2022
ASPIRE - Education
University of Colorado Denver
08.2017 - 1 2018
Independent Filmmaker
Contractual
05.2009 - 08.2011
Project Specialist
Mi Casa Resource Center
07.2000 - 12.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Colorado Denver
06.1997 - 05.2000
CDE Endorsements
Secondary Social Studies & Art, Elem Edu