Kathrine Clark
Glendale Heights,IL
Summary
Educational leader specializing in instructional leadership development and professional development. Strong background in overseeing school operations and resource allocation, while fostering a culture of high expectations. Actively engaged in developing inclusive practices and leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences and support diverse student needs.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal/Principal PK-2
Country Club Hills SD # 160
01.2023 - Current
- As an accomplished educational leader, my expertise lies in strategic servant leadership, where I guide the establishment and implementation of a school's mission and vision to prioritize student achievement.
- This involves aligning educational programs with district goals, conducting crucial conversations based on performance data, and utilizing symbols and ceremonies to support the school's vision.
- Turning to teaching and learning, collaboration is key as we work together to develop effective frameworks, establish continuous improvement cycles, and ensure the implementation of differentiated instructional practices.
- Leading with integrity is non-negotiable, involving fair treatment of all stakeholders and upholding professional standards.
- In creating a culture of high expectations, the focus is on establishing and monitoring high aspirations, requiring consistent values, and fostering a positive school culture.
- My experience encompasses instructional planning, effective practice modeling, evaluations, supervision of special education programs, the planning and implementation of transitional bilingual education programs, and coordination of various school operations—all of which reflect a dedication to building positive relationships and achieving desired educational outcomes for students.
- Led educational initiatives at Zion Sykuta Elementary School, resulting in enhanced student achievement.
- Led Professional Learning Communities with teacher teams to enhance individualized and targeted learning experiences for students.
- Facilitated professional development sessions and PLCs, enabling teachers to effectively analyze data and implement a data-driven approach to instruction.
- Advocates for and ensures appropriate educational placements for students, demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, and individualized education plans.
- Implements CHAMPS and PBIS strategies, creating a positive school culture through high expectations for lesson delivery and positive interactions.
- Leads the implementation of MTSS to provide targeted student support, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing individual learning needs.
- Collaborates with teachers to establish goals for student success. Requires and advocates for maintaining high expectations for teaching and learning in classrooms, resulting in a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
- Conducts regular observations with relevant feedback for teachers, contributing to their professional growth, and improving instruction.
District Wide Instructional Coach PK-8
Bellwood School District #88
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Provided comprehensive support to teachers for the implementation of district programs and initiatives.
- Coordinated district programs and initiatives as part of the curriculum coaching team, focusing on blended learning, MTSS interventions, and STEAM projects.
- Worked closely with teachers, ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives, supporting instructional practices and aligning them with state standards, and the district's goals and objectives.
- Implemented Jim Knight's Impact Cycle (Identify, Learn, Improve) to partner with and coach teachers in achieving their student-focused goals.
- Collaborate with teachers to set goals, monitor progress, and collect, compile, and analyze data to achieve desired outcomes.
- Lead Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings focused on using data to guide instruction and implementing small group instructional strategies.
- This encompasses a wide range of areas, including conducting book pilots, facilitating district-wide professional development plans, promoting blended learning by integrating technology into instruction and led the implementation of micro-credentials through Bloom Board Learning, lead MTSS intervention teams, promoted the implementation of STEAM projects, school leader/coordinator of afterschool program, and contributing to the development of district assessment plans.
- Worked with teachers to create individualized learning plans to help students achieve grade-level standards.
- Coordinated testing activities with teachers, including IAR, NWEA MAP, ACCESS, and FASTBRIDGE testing, while also ensuring timely completion of grade-level assessments.
- Collaborated with publishers and the business office to order curriculum materials and plan professional development in all content areas.
Dean of Student Affairs/Assistant Principal
Bellwood School District #88
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Supervised over 750 students and 75 teachers, managing classroom practices and supporting professional development.
- Conducted evaluations of certified and classified school personnel, following assigned PERA established evaluation protocols based on the Charlotte Danielson framework.
- Supervised all special education programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and actively participating in individualized education program (IEP) meetings.
- Participated in district and school leadership teams to achieve and sustain high levels of student learning and growth.
- Collaborated with teachers to plan and implement designated instructional programs, ensuring alignment with the school's philosophy and meeting the needs of students.
- Modeled effective instructional practices and provided training to support teacher professional development.
- Created a positive school environment using restorative justice practices as an alternative method to student discipline.
- Collaborated with the district to lead implementation of transitional education programs at school level, facilitating smoother transitions for students.
Curriculum Coach
Academy of Urban School Leadership- Chicago Public Schools
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance curriculum effectiveness and instructional practices.
- Provided professional development workshops to improve teaching strategies and student engagement.
- Facilitated collaborative planning sessions with educators to create effective lesson plans aligned with curriculum goals.
- Guided educators in best practices for technology integration in classroom lessons, enhancing student learning experiences.
- Supported data analysis to identify areas for instructional improvement and student needs.
- Motivated teachers to pursue math certifications and participate in targeted professional development.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Educational Leadership
Concordia University
River Forest, IL07-2025
Master of Science - Education
Lewis University
Romeoville, ILBachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, ILSkills
- Curriculum Development
- Educational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Instructional leadership development
- Data analysis
- Blended learning
- Staff training
- Professional training
- Student Support
- Community Engagement
- Community relations
- Resource Management
Affiliations
- Illinois Principal Association (IPA)
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
- ASCD
- US Army Veteran
- Dupage County CASA Advocate
- Dupage County NAACP- Education Co-Chair
- Bridge Fellow
Certifications and Endorsements
- Type 03 Elementary Education
- Type 75 General Administrative
- Endorsements: Social Studies, Mathematics, Middle School, Superintendent, Evaluation
Timeline
Assistant Principal/Principal PK-2
Country Club Hills SD # 160
01.2023 - Current
District Wide Instructional Coach PK-8
Bellwood School District #88
01.2020 - 01.2023
Dean of Student Affairs/Assistant Principal
Bellwood School District #88
01.2015 - 01.2020
Curriculum Coach
Academy of Urban School Leadership- Chicago Public Schools
Doctor of Philosophy - Educational Leadership
Concordia University
Master of Science - Education
Lewis University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Elmhurst College