Kala Russell
Boonville,IN
Summary
Dedicated educator with experience it a variety of educational settings who seeks to support the learning and growth of students and teachers in the creation of positive learning opportunities and the achievement of learning goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Learning Specialist
Warrick County School Corporation
Boonville, IN
06.2022 - Current
- Created and distributed instructional materials for group and one-on-one use for teachers.
- Implemented instructional technology support using various tools for teaching and learning.
- Liaised with team of professionals to implement comprehensive educational action plans for special needs and at-risk teachers.
- Mentored and supported teachers on classroom teaching practices using professional development programs and instructional techniques training.
- Assisted in the collection of analysis to determine the best instructional strategies.
Title 1 Teacher
Warrick County School Corporation
Boonville, IN
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Interpreted assessment data to determine best intervention methods for students.
- Established positive and engaging classroom environment that was conducive to improving literacy skills.
- Analyzed and reported on each student's progress in reading in accordance with school district's policies.
- Spoke with parents to discuss student progress and discuss reading issues.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
5th Grade Teacher
Warrick County School Corporation
Boonville, IN
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Maintained positive classroom environments by reinforcing rules for behavior and relationship-building actions.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Established and communicated clear learning objectives to foster student progress and academic performance.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
Special Education Teacher
Warrick County School Corporation
Boonville, IN
08.2011 - 08.2018
- Worked with students with specialized needs to accomplish tasks and build practical skills.
- Collaborated with conventional education instructors across multiple departments to optimize student learning.
- Fostered positive and trusting relationships with students to increase engagement.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Transitioned students across grade levels through careful planning and preparation.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Ball State University
Muncie, IN12-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary And Special Education-Mild Intervention
Oakland City University
Oakland City, IN12.2010
Associate of Arts - Education
Rend Lake College
Ina, IL05.2008
Skills
- Student Motivation and Engagement
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Curriculum Development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Behavior improvements
- Learning management systems
Certification
- Licensed Building Level Administrator
- Licensed Elementary Education and Special Education-Mild Intervention
- Certificate of Completion for training in Orton-Gillingham through the M.A. Rooney Foundation
Accomplishments
- Helped develop district level trainings for MTSS as well as develop uniform district forms and processes for the elementary RTI process
- Helped establish and served as the co-chair of the Social-Emotional Learning Committee and SEL program at Oakdale Elementary School
- Was the co-chair of the PL 221 committee at Oakdale when it was one of the final schools considered for the Distinguished Title I Award
References
Jamie Pryor
- Principal at Oakdale Elementary School
- jpryor@warrick.k12.in.us
- 812-202-3996
Jason Fischer
- Director of Learning at Warrick County School Corporation
- jfischer@warrick.k12.in.us
- 812-686-3421
Julie Kemp
- Principal at Boonville High School
- jkemp@warrick.k12.in.us
- 812-573-8987
Community Involvement
- leads team ten from St. John's UCC at the Warrick Ecumenical Soup Kitchen
- Coached youth softball, baseball, basketball, and soccer.
- Helped facilitate Strengthening Families through Yourthfirst.
- Planned and organized family involvement activities at Oakdale Elementary.
- Provided free tutoring after school to students and at after school programs.
- Organized fundraisers for local charities with athletic teams.
Timeline
Elementary Learning Specialist
Warrick County School Corporation
06.2022 - Current
Title 1 Teacher
Warrick County School Corporation
08.2020 - 05.2022
5th Grade Teacher
Warrick County School Corporation
08.2018 - 08.2020
Special Education Teacher
Warrick County School Corporation
08.2011 - 08.2018
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Ball State University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary And Special Education-Mild Intervention
Oakland City University
Associate of Arts - Education
Rend Lake College