Karen N. Harkness Ed.D.
Cincinnati,Ohio
Summary
Professional educator with strong leadership capabilities and proven track record in school administration. Known for fostering collaborative environments and driving academic achievement through strategic planning and curriculum development. Adept at managing diverse teams and adapting to evolving educational needs, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality education. Strong organizational and communication skills, with focus on creating positive outcomes for students, staff, and community.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal: 1st-12th
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health
08.2024 - Current
- Facilitateds monthly coaching of Intervention Specialists
- Serves as mentor for Principal
- Established school culture focused on improving academic and social outcomes from holistic approach
- Utilizes strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
K-12 Principal: South Elementary & Alternative Programs
Mt. Healthy City School District
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Established an Alternative Program for grades 1st-6th
- Mentored aspiring administrators resulting in increased retention rates.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement by utilizing data analysis and evaluation tools in the pursuit of educational excellence.
- Evaluated staff performance, provided constructive feedback, and supported professional development opportunities that contributed to overall school success.
- Expulsion Officer
Principal: Glendale Elementary
Princeton City School District
08.2020 - 07.2022
- Exceeded district's 60% i-Ready student typical growth measure by 10% in Reading and 8% in Math
- Increased student achievement through effective instructional leadership, data driven decision making, and the utilization of MTSS and PBIS
- Managed budgets, resources, and personnel efficiently to maximize educational opportunities for students and staff
- Lead staff in culturally responsive practices: Black History Program, Inclusive Week, & National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Established initiatives to increase parental involvement & build student SEL capacity "2nd Cup of Coffee", Junior Tennis Program, Adopt A Class, & Bilingual PTO
Assistant Principal Elementary & Middle School
North College Hill
08.2016 - 07.2020
- Restructured daily operation systems: schedule, arrival, dismissal, lunch, behavior incentives, and In-school suspension to enhance school culture
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification during weekly Teacher Based Team meetings
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- PBIS District Chairperson
7th Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher
North College Hill Middle School
10.2011 - 05.2016
- Taught 7th grade honors English & Social Studies
- Students exceeded AIMS Web growth measures
- Devised lesson plans reflecting student educational, cultural and language diversity.
- Utilized technology to enhance student education and grasp of materials.
At Risk Teacher
Alliance Academy
09.2008 - 05.2010
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Increased parental involvement in students' education by organizing regular communication and events.
Early Education Childhood Instructor
Wright State University
08.2007 - 05.2008
- Taught reading and writing methods courses in Early Childhood department
- Supervised pre-service teachers in Dayton and Cincinnati
- Incorporated technology into instruction via WebCT
Alternative Classroom Teacher
Winton Woods City School District
08.2005 - 06.2007
- Utilized Soar to Success and Orton to address reading deficiencies
- Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of 3rd & 4th grade Reading data contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
- Assisted in organization of school events, contributing to vibrant school culture. (Basketball Fundraiser)
Consultant Teacher
Cincinnati Public Schools
08.2003 - 06.2005
- Mentored and evaluated novice and veteran teachers
- Held post conferences to identify strengths and strategize for weaknesses
- Sought out workshops, literature, and effective teachers to be observed
- Facilitated bi-weekly professional development
Elementary Teacher
Cincinnati Public Schools
08.1994 - 05.2003
- Grades: 4th, 1st/2nd, 2nd/3rd, 2nd, 5th, 6th
- Trained in various reading programs: Success For All, Reading Mastery, Soar to Success,
- Instructed through differentiation, subject integration, technology, and cooperative learning
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
Education
Ed.D - leadership studies
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio05-2022
Master of Science - Education/Administration
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio06-2000
Bachelors of Science - Education
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio12-1993
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Relationship building and management
- Staff education and training
Websites
Certification
- Elementary Teaching License, 1st-8th
- Administration License for Elementary, K-8th
- Superintendent License
Accomplishments
- Lead Teacher (Cincinnati Public), 2003-2005
- 7th grade students exceeded AIMSWEB growth measures, 2013-2015
- Increased Curriculum Night Attendance (NCH) from 25-200, 2017
- 15% Decrease in Discipline Referrals, 2017-2018
- 5 Stars in Gap closing, 2022, Glendale Elementary
Additional Professional Activities
- Liaison for Community Agencies, Appalachian Community Council, 1994
- Liaison for Community Agencies, Junior League, 1999
- Language Arts Curriculum Council, 1996-1997
- Member of Local School Decision Making Committee, 1998-1999
- Administrator Development Academy at the University of Cincinnati, 1999
- Lead Teacher, 2003-2005
- Instructional Leadership Team, 2003-2004
- Ohio Writing Project Participant, Miami University, 2016
- Published 'Roots' in Ohio Journal of English Language Arts, 2018
- District Positive Behavior Intervention Systems Chairperson, 2017-2019
- Multi Tiered Support Systems Committee, 2019
- District Leadership Team, Princeton City Schools, 2020-2022
- District Leadership Team, Mt. Healthy City School, 2023-2024
- Objective 1, District Curriculum Leadership Team, 2023-2024
Timeline
Principal: 1st-12th
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health
08.2024 - Current
K-12 Principal: South Elementary & Alternative Programs
Mt. Healthy City School District
08.2022 - 06.2024
Principal: Glendale Elementary
Princeton City School District
08.2020 - 07.2022
Assistant Principal Elementary & Middle School
North College Hill
08.2016 - 07.2020
7th Grade Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher
North College Hill Middle School
10.2011 - 05.2016
At Risk Teacher
Alliance Academy
09.2008 - 05.2010
Early Education Childhood Instructor
Wright State University
08.2007 - 05.2008
Alternative Classroom Teacher
Winton Woods City School District
08.2005 - 06.2007
Consultant Teacher
Cincinnati Public Schools
08.2003 - 06.2005
Elementary Teacher
Cincinnati Public Schools
08.1994 - 05.2003
Ed.D - leadership studies
Xavier University
Master of Science - Education/Administration
University of Cincinnati
Bachelors of Science - Education
University of Cincinnati
Similar Profiles
JOHN M WEISS JRJOHN M WEISS JR
SBDT Team Lead at Best Point Education & Behavioral HealthSBDT Team Lead at Best Point Education & Behavioral Health
Ashlee FoistAshlee Foist
Lead Teacher at Best Point Education & Behavioral HealthLead Teacher at Best Point Education & Behavioral Health
Sabrina WeibelSabrina Weibel
Behavioral Health Therapist at Best Point Education & Behavioral HealthBehavioral Health Therapist at Best Point Education & Behavioral Health
Tyena ColeTyena Cole
Analyst at RADcubeAnalyst at RADcube
Jacob C. FrymanJacob C. Fryman
Sales Professional at Heidelberg DistributingSales Professional at Heidelberg Distributing