Karen Scher
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
As a thought leader in the field of education, with a particular focus on English Language Arts (ELA), I have trained thousands of teachers to create student-centered, equity-focused classrooms and educational spaces over the last 20 years. I am seeking a leadership opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills I have gained as a secondary educator and nonprofit professional, to further support teacher professional development and curriculum development that aligns with my deep commitment to justice-oriented educational work.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
English Language Arts Lead
Facing History & Ourselves
07.2022 - 04.2024
- Shaped vision for professional development arc of learning for Facing History's ELA resource collections
- Led cross-functional team to design and deliver ELA-focused multi-day seminars and mini-courses, reaching thousands of secondary educators
- Co-facilitated team of 10 Program Associates to collaboratively develop and refine ELA program delivery, ensuring alignment with educational standards and best practices
- Delivered internal staff development for approximately 50 Facing History program colleagues to build capacity for delivering ELA-focused professional learning for educators
- Elevated organizational profile in the ELA field, from fostering connections with young adult authors and education thought leaders, to scholarly dissemination
- Researched and analyze emerging trends and best practices in English Language Arts education to inform the development of Facing History's ELA professional development.
Senior Program Associate
Facing History & Ourselves
05.2019 - 04.2024
- Designed and facilitated professional development workshops and seminars, both face-to-face and virtually, for individual teachers, teacher teams, administrators, and school faculties
- Coached and mentored pre-service, early-career and veteran educators to create classrooms that engaged the mind, heart, and conscience of young people through civil discourse, academic rigor, culturally responsive pedagogy and social emotional learning
- Established relationships with education scholars and school leaders to build bridges to organizational work
- Fostered positive relationships with school and district leaders, leading to school and district contracts
- Participated in Teaching for Equity and Justice team to design and facilitate workshops for educators that helped them develop critical consciousness and equity mindsets
- Collaborated with universities such as Columbia Teachers College and Montclair State University to train pre-service educators in Facing History pedagogy and content
- Evaluated programs on an ongoing basis, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes
Program Associate
Facing History & Ourselves
02.2014 - 05.2019
- Recruited new schools and districts to implement programs; led introductory sessions and established partnerships
- Cultivated, maintained, and documented relationships and communication with educators, school and district leaders
- Facilitated professional learning for educators, school teams and district leaders through in-person and virtual workshops and seminars
Humanities Teacher
Oceana High School
07.2005 - 05.2013
- Created and taught curriculum for 9th and 10th grade Global History humanities courses
- Developed and implemented curriculum for Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
- Led Peer Coaching Group sessions for cross-disciplinary staff to explore classroom dilemmas and opportunities
- Employed variety of teaching strategies and instructional techniques to allow for student differentiation
- Communicated effectively with community, families and students to build belonging and inclusion
Education
Master of Arts - Urban Secondary Education
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Women's Studies
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY05.1999
Skills
- Civil discourse
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Culturally responsive education
- English Language Arts education
- Instructional coaching
- Pedagogical practice
- Professional learning
- Project management
- Public speaking
- School and district programs
- Thought leadership
- Webinar facilitation
Timeline
English Language Arts Lead
Facing History & Ourselves
07.2022 - 04.2024
Senior Program Associate
Facing History & Ourselves
05.2019 - 04.2024
Program Associate
Facing History & Ourselves
02.2014 - 05.2019
Humanities Teacher
Oceana High School
07.2005 - 05.2013
Master of Arts - Urban Secondary Education
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts - Women's Studies
Colgate University
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