Karly Foster
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Dynamic and professional instructional design expert with extensive experience in curriculum development and professional development management within the e-learning industry. Led cross-functional teams to expand professional development offerings and enhance educational resources, resulting in improved learning outcomes. Collaborative approach to working with stakeholders to ensure alignment with standards and best practices. Proven track record of driving continuous improvement and achieving organizational objectives. Strategic thinker passionate about fostering educator growth and improving learning outcomes.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional Development Manager
National Athletic Trainers' Association
09.2022 - Current
- Collaborate with KI Director, staff and volunteers to develop aspects of the strategic plan and to develop and execute measurable tactics and programs that support successful implementation of the strategic plan and approved initiatives
- Expand professional development offerings including live and hybrid educational events, microlearning series, on-demand, blended solutions, etc
- Work with SMEs on the development of content, assuring content is compliant with credentialing body standards
- Identify and manage vendors who support with the development of professional development and continuing education projects (including budget for the design, capture, scheduling production and delivery)
- Collaborate with committees dedicated to educational programming, and with other NATA committees/groups to design content targeted to specific work settings and/or to content on selected, strategic topics
- Monitor and analyze outcomes of educational initiatives to ensure continuous improvement
- Utilize expertise in legal matters affecting material delivery and development, encompassing copyright adherence, disclaimer application, contract negotiation, ADA compliance, and regulatory conformance
Learning Designer, Superkids
HIGHLIGHTS FAMILY OF COMPANIES - ZANER BLOSER
01.2022 - 09.2022
- Ensured Superkids product aligns with evidence-based instructional practices, national and state standards, and Science of Reading
- Conceptualized product components (teachers' guides, skills books, digital resources, student practice materials, etc.)
- Developed scope and sequences and writer's guidelines to support product development
- Collaborated with Digital, Marketing, Product Management, and Design teams
Professional Development Content Developer (Learning A-Z - Writing A-Z, Foundational Skills A-Z)
CAMBIUM LEARNING GROUP (through various acquisitions)
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Collaborated with Product Management, Professional Learning Services, Marketing, and Content Development to determine needed professional development content assets
- Lead teams of developers to create digital learning content assets including scripts, audio, videos, and interactivities that align to the science of reading
- Oversaw the design and build of professional development content assets including those that focus on culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning in addition to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom
- Worked with Editorial Services to create and maintain professional development content style guides
- Provided requirements for professional development content assets to Engineering in order to deploy content
Editor, Curriculum and Instruction (Learning A-Z)
CAMBIUM LEARNING GROUP (through various acquisitions)
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Collaborated with Product Management, Project Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Instructional Design, and UX teams as Editorial Lead, Instructional Editor, and Site Partner on a variety of projects
- Served as Project Manager for Headsprout Early Reading and Advanced Reading Comprehension and Reading A-Z Digital Writing and Community Resources projects
- Collaborated with Multimedia team to create on-site training videos
Professional Development Leadership Specialist (WritingCity Formerly WriteSteps)
CAMBIUM LEARNING GROUP (through various acquisitions)
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Designed and delivered professional development sessions (remotely and on-site) to groups of educators and administrators
- Created educational content for the WritingCity curriculum that aligned with state and national standards
- Worked collaboratively with internal designers to support product enhancements
- Served as a key resource and support pillar for Sales, Marketing, Development, and Implementation teams as an expert in curriculum and pedagogy
- Exhibited at the International Literacy Association and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conferences
- Developed and executed research plans for an efficacy study
Communications Specialist and Professional Development Coach
WriteSteps
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Organized, coordinated, and presented remote and in-person professional development workshops for teachers and administrators
- Composed all company communications (e-newsletter, e-mails, case studies, marketing materials, etc.)
- Wrote and designed marketing materials for administrators and educators
- Managed document control/records and style guides
- Developed a blended learning program in collaboration with Write About
- Created, edited, and revised K-6 writing and grammar curriculum
- Designed and wrote presentations for national conferences
- Trained new team members on company policies & procedures, the company mission, job functions, etc
- Applied for industry awards on behalf of the company
- Streamlined internal communication processes by implementing effective communication tools and platforms.
- Copyedited, proofread and revised company advertisements, print materials and press releases before dispersal.
- Created persuasive sales collateral that effectively communicated product benefits, resulting in increased lead generation efforts.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive messaging for promotional materials and events.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Red Apple Learning Centers
01.2009 - 12.2015
- Created training videos and professional development protocols for all teachers for six locations
- Hired, trained, and coached new staff members; maintained employee files
- Coordinated student and teacher schedules to accommodate ever-changing situations
- Managed medical billing (including worker's compensation and auto insurance)
MENTOR TEACHER
University of Pittsburgh/Falk Laboratory School
01.2004 - 12.2008
- Mentored MAT interns from the University of Pittsburgh
- Developed and implemented lessons in Language Arts with focus on Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening
- Communicated weekly with parents via e-mail and/or telephone regarding student progress, issues, or parent inquiries
- Differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners
- Designed the school yearbook; assisted with the annual school musical; coached the 6th grade girls' basketball team
- Developed innovative lesson plans, resulting in increased student engagement and retention of material.
- Established strong rapport with students through genuine interest in their well-being, academic growth, and personal achievements.
- Integrated project-based learning activities into instruction, encouraging critical thinking skills and real-world connections for students.
- Strengthened student performance through consistent feedback, assessment, and targeted support.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques for successful outcomes.
- Coordinated extracurricular programs that fostered teamwork, leadership skills, and community service values among participating students.
- Evaluated instructional materials regularly to assess their effectiveness in meeting course objectives while adapting as needed for continuous improvement in student outcomes.
TEACHER
Incarnation Academy
01.2002 - 12.2004
- Designed lesson plans for multi-age Language Arts classes and middle school Spanish classes that included a variety of teaching strategies to accommodate individual learning styles
- Created rubrics and criteria sheets for all assignments in order to ensure student awareness of objectives and teacher expectations
- Prepared lessons that emphasized multi-cultural learning and provided tutorial services for students needing additional help
- Organized the annual School Talent Show
Education
M.Ed. - English/Communications
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PAB.A. - Elementary Education, Spanish
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PASkills
Coaching and Mentoring
- Innovation and Creativity
- Organizational Development
- Training design
- Strategic thinker
- Written and oral communication
- Public Speaking
- Training facilitation
- Team direction
- Course Development
Certification
- Level II PA Teaching Certificate, K-6
- PA Middle School English/Language Arts Certificate, 7-9
Consultingexperience
- Voyager Sopris, SME
- Lexia, LETRS Editor
- Junior Achievement, SME (Adult Learning)
- 95% Group, Content Developer
Professional Development
- PAISTA National Conferences
- ILA National Conferences
- FETC National Conferences
- Lindamood Bell Visualizing & Verbalizing Conference
- National Council for Teacher of English National Conference
- National Middle School Association Annual Conference
- American Sign Language - Level 1, University of Pittsburgh
- Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
Timeline
Professional Development Manager
National Athletic Trainers' Association
09.2022 - Current
Learning Designer, Superkids
HIGHLIGHTS FAMILY OF COMPANIES - ZANER BLOSER
01.2022 - 09.2022
Professional Development Content Developer (Learning A-Z - Writing A-Z, Foundational Skills A-Z)
CAMBIUM LEARNING GROUP (through various acquisitions)
01.2020 - 12.2022
Editor, Curriculum and Instruction (Learning A-Z)
CAMBIUM LEARNING GROUP (through various acquisitions)
01.2019 - 12.2020
Professional Development Leadership Specialist (WritingCity Formerly WriteSteps)
CAMBIUM LEARNING GROUP (through various acquisitions)
01.2017 - 12.2019
Communications Specialist and Professional Development Coach
WriteSteps
01.2014 - 12.2017
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Red Apple Learning Centers
01.2009 - 12.2015
MENTOR TEACHER
University of Pittsburgh/Falk Laboratory School
01.2004 - 12.2008
TEACHER
Incarnation Academy
01.2002 - 12.2004
M.Ed. - English/Communications
University of Pittsburgh
B.A. - Elementary Education, Spanish
Westminster College
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