Kalina A. Potts
Salt Lake City
Summary
Strategic and equity-driven school leader with experience across U.S. and European education systems. Proven expertise in school transformation, instructional leadership, and multilingual learning environments. Skilled in aligning curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment with rigorous, standards-based frameworks. Committed to inclusive, student-centered education and global citizenship.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Parkview ES; Mary W. Jackson ES
01.2022 - Current
- Lead diverse school communities with a focus on equity, inclusion, and academic excellence
- Drive school improvement through data-informed strategy and culturally responsive teaching
- Build teacher capacity through targeted professional development and instructional coaching
- Strengthen family and community engagement across multilingual populations
Assistant Principal
Emerson ES (SPED, DLI, ELP)
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Supported leadership of complex, multilingual programs including Dual Language and Special Education
- Led Professional Learning Communities focused on inquiry, collaboration, and instructional improvement
- Coached teachers and improved instructional quality through evaluation and development systems
Assistant Principal
James Madison School
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led turnaround efforts, improving mathematics achievement through research-based strategies
- Implemented targeted interventions to close achievement gaps
- Aligned school systems with district policy and accountability frameworks
Assistant Principal
New Bridge School
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Oversaw school operations and supported high-quality teaching and learning systems
- Promoted a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment
Instructional Coach & Curriculum Designer
Granger ES
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Designed standards-based curriculum and coached teachers in student-centered practices
- Led professional development and data cycles to improve student outcomes
Professional Development Facilitator
Utah State Board of Education
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Delivered statewide training on standards-based instruction and assessment
- Supported educators in curriculum alignment, assessment design, and effective teaching strategies
Education
Doctoral Studies - Educational Leadership & Policy
University of Utah
M.Ed. - ESL
Westminster College
B.A. - Elementary Education & ESL
University of Veliko Tarnovo
BulgariaSkills
- Employee performance evaluations
- Staff management
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
Certification
- Utah Administrative/Supervisory License
- ESL Endorsement
CORE EXPERTISE
- Leadership & Strategy: School improvement, change management, organizational alignment
- Teaching & Learning: Inquiry-based learning, curriculum design, instructional coaching
- Global Competence: Multilingual education (ELP/DLI/ESL), culturally responsive teaching
- Operations: Data-driven decision-making, staff evaluation, resource management
INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
- Multicultural background with European and U.S. educational experience
- Extensive work with multilingual learners and diverse communities
- Strong commitment to global citizenship and inclusive education
- Adaptable leadership style for international and cross-cultural environments
Languages
Bulgarian
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Professional Working
Timeline
Principal
Parkview ES; Mary W. Jackson ES
01.2022 - Current
Assistant Principal
Emerson ES (SPED, DLI, ELP)
01.2021 - 01.2022
Assistant Principal
James Madison School
01.2019 - 01.2021
Assistant Principal
New Bridge School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Instructional Coach & Curriculum Designer
Granger ES
01.2014 - 01.2018
Professional Development Facilitator
Utah State Board of Education
01.2012 - 01.2015
M.Ed. - ESL
Westminster College
B.A. - Elementary Education & ESL
University of Veliko Tarnovo
Doctoral Studies - Educational Leadership & Policy
University of Utah