Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Involvement
Conferences and Courses
Timeline
Generic

Karen Parnell

Dallas,TX

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record in education and instructional leadership. Adept at fostering team collaboration, problem-solving, and delivering exceptional results. Demonstrated ability to excel in fast-paced environments while maintaining a high level of organization and efficiency. Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher

Chapel Hill Independent School District
08.2023 - 05.2024
  • Maintained open communication with students, parents, and administration through clear oral and written correspondence, fostering effective relationships and collaboration
  • Collaborated with colleagues and supervisors to align teaching strategies with district and state guidelines, contributing to improved educational outcomes.
  • Proficient in various word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, enhancing instructional delivery and administrative tasks.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through interactive teaching methods, such as group projects, hands-on activities, and technology.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.

Construction Supervisor

Self-Employed
06.2015 - 08.2023
  • Oversaw and directed construction projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets
  • Facilitated collaboration with architects, subcontractors, and suppliers to coordinate project logistics effectively, achieving project goals on time and within budget
  • Managed property acquisition, procurement of materials, invoice processing, and budget tracking, ensuring smooth project operations
  • Attained certification as an Interior Decorator, enhancing expertise in project aesthetics and design, contributing to project success.

Instructional Specialist

Richardson Independent School District
08.2010 - 06.2012
  • Served as liaison between district personnel, campus administrators, counselors, and teachers to ensure compliance with state and district educational standards
  • Monitored teacher performance through data analysis, classroom observations, and lesson plan evaluations, providing constructive feedback and support to enhance instructional quality.
  • Coached teachers on effective classroom management strategies, fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
  • Assisted in the development of curriculum aligned with state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of required content.
  • Promoted a culture of reflection among faculty through ongoing dialogue about teaching practices and student progress.

Outside Consultant-TPC Program

Region 10 Education Service Center
06.2001 - 05.2010
  • Independently managed caseload of first-year teacher candidates, providing mentorship and support to facilitate their professional development
  • Produced detailed reports and documentation to track candidate progress and compliance with certification requirements, ensuring program effectiveness
  • Established effective communication channels with administrators to address concerns and facilitate professional development initiatives, contributing to the success of educational programs.

Middle School Special Education Teacher

Irving ISD
08.1995 - 05.2001
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing positive reinforcement strategies to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment.
  • Designed lesson materials specifically targeted at reinforcing key concepts for struggling learners, boosting comprehension levels among those facing academic challenges.
  • Developed collaborative partnerships with general education teachers, working together to create inclusive classrooms that met needs of all learners.
  • Mentored new special education teachers, sharing best practices in pedagogy and classroom management to support their professional development.

Education

Master of Education -

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
08.1997

Bachelor of Science, Merchandising Management -

University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
12.1993

Skills

  • Classroom Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Motivating students
  • Growth Mindset
  • Positive Role Model and Mentor
  • Student rapport

Additional Involvement

  • Charter Board Member, Young Men's Service League-Lake Highlands Chapter
  • Board Member, MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers)
  • PTA Board Member

Conferences and Courses

New Jersey Writing Project in Texas (1996)

3 week institute


Capturing Kids' Hearts, Leading the Way, Pressing On

(1998-1999 and 2023)

Flippen Group


Love and Logic Seminar (1999)

Led by Dr. Jim Fay


Professional Learning Communities (2011)

Solution Tree 


Differentiated Instruction Institute (2011)

Led by Carol Ann Tomlinson- U.Va.

Timeline

6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher

Chapel Hill Independent School District
08.2023 - 05.2024

Construction Supervisor

Self-Employed
06.2015 - 08.2023

Instructional Specialist

Richardson Independent School District
08.2010 - 06.2012

Outside Consultant-TPC Program

Region 10 Education Service Center
06.2001 - 05.2010

Middle School Special Education Teacher

Irving ISD
08.1995 - 05.2001

Master of Education -

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Bachelor of Science, Merchandising Management -

University of North Texas
Karen Parnell