Karen Holman
Philadelphia,United States
Summary
School-Based Teacher and Instructional Coach with 12+ years of experience supporting educator development and improving student outcomes. Expertise in designing and facilitating professional learning, leading instructional coaching cycles, and using data-driven strategies to enhance teacher effectiveness. Skilled in classroom observation, delivering actionable feedback, and modeling high-impact instructional practices.
Currently serve as an Instructional Coach with the Urban Teachers Apprenticeship Program (UTAP), coaching apprentice teachers through individualized support, weekly targeted critical conversations, and performance evaluations aligned to a standards-based rubric. Recognized as a strong communicator committed to building teacher capacity, fostering reflective practice, and driving continuous instructional improvement.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Coach
University of Pennsylvania-Urban Teachers Apprenticeship Program
Philadelphia, PA
08.2024 - Current
- Coached apprentice teachers to strengthen instructional practices through classroom observation, actionable feedback, and modeling of effective teaching strategies.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness by leading individualized coaching cycles and facilitating weekly targeted critical conversations focused on growth and progress.
- Provided ongoing feedback and conducted formal evaluations using a standardized rubric aligned with UTAP mission and instructional framework.
School Based Teacher Leader/Instructional Coach
School District of Philadelphia, Gilbert Spruance Elementary
09.2012 - 06.2024
- Established and maintained good interpersonal relationships with teachers and staff.
- Coached teachers to implement effective instructional strategies in ELA and Mathematics, including classroom management and differentiated instruction.
- Created coaching cycles and maintained records of individual performance to monitor progress towards goals.
- Trained in implementing the Skyrocket Teacher Coaching and Evaluation Framework.
- Created specific goals for each teacher, who was coached, reviewed and communicated progress throughout the year.
- Provided instructional support to teachers through classroom visits, modeled lessons, and feedback sessions aligned with the Danielson Framework.
School Based Teacher Leader
School District of Philadelphia, Gilbert Spruance Elementary
09.2003 - 06.2024
- Facilitated professional development to support instruction for teachers and staff in ELA, Mathematics, and school initiatives.
- Facilitated collaboration among teachers in weekly grade level Professional Learning Community meetings guided by data to increase student achievement.
- Established a culture of feedback and reflection among teachers in order to improve instructional practices.
- Served as a collaborative member of the school leadership team, site selection team, and key point person supporting best practices in instruction of Mathematics.
Mathematics Teacher (Grades 5-7)
School District of Philadelphia, Gilbert Spruance Elementary
09.2002 - 06.2008
- Implemented core curriculum for mathematics for inclusion classes.
- Integrated technology in lessons and instruction.
Grade Teacher (Grades 4-5)
School District of Philadelphia, Robert Morris Elementary
09.1995 - 06.2002
- Integrated technology in lessons and instruction.
- Developed, organized and implemented a program for gifted students. Implemented the curriculum in all subject areas.
- Cooperating Teacher
- Co-Chairperson of the Mathematics Committee
Gifted Support Teacher
School District of Philadelphia, Fairhill Elementary
09.1993 - 06.1995
- Developed and implemented an individualized instructional program utilizing materials for mentally gifted students.
- Participated in identifying and evaluating mentally gifted students.
Grade Teacher (Grade 3)
School District of Philadelphia, Reynolds Elementary
09.1986 - 06.1993
- Planned grade appropriate lessons in all subject areas.
- Trained in Adaptive Learning Environment Model.
- Grade Chairperson
Education
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
Gwynedd-Mercy University
BS - Elementary Education/Sped
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Skills
- Facilitation
- Mentoring
- Collaboration
- Coaching
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Time management
Timeline
Instructional Coach
University of Pennsylvania-Urban Teachers Apprenticeship Program
08.2024 - Current
School Based Teacher Leader/Instructional Coach
School District of Philadelphia, Gilbert Spruance Elementary
09.2012 - 06.2024
School Based Teacher Leader
School District of Philadelphia, Gilbert Spruance Elementary
09.2003 - 06.2024
Mathematics Teacher (Grades 5-7)
School District of Philadelphia, Gilbert Spruance Elementary
09.2002 - 06.2008
Grade Teacher (Grades 4-5)
School District of Philadelphia, Robert Morris Elementary
09.1995 - 06.2002
Gifted Support Teacher
School District of Philadelphia, Fairhill Elementary
09.1993 - 06.1995
Grade Teacher (Grade 3)
School District of Philadelphia, Reynolds Elementary
09.1986 - 06.1993
BS - Elementary Education/Sped
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Master of Education - Educational Leadership
Gwynedd-Mercy University