Hi, I’m
Katie Ermert
Principal
Riverside,CA
Summary
Dynamic and visionary educational leader with over 14 years of progressive experience in special education, instructional coaching, and elementary school administration within the Val Verde Unified School District. Serving as Principal of Lasselle Elementary School for eight years, leadership efforts have resulted in significant improvements in attendance, school culture, community engagement, PBIS implementation, and student support systems. Recognized for a commitment to servant leadership and relationship building, fostering innovative family engagement while cultivating a culture of high expectations that ensures every student has access to a safe, rigorous, and supportive educational experience. Proven track record in driving academic success and creating collaborative school environments, with expertise in curriculum development, staff training, and student engagement that aligns with institutional goals and evolving educational needs.
Overview
1
Certification
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Val Verde Unified School DistrictMoreno Valley, CA
Principal
07.2018 - Current
Job overview
- Lead all instructional, operational, financial, and student support systems for a diverse TK–5 elementary school community.
- Supervise and support certificated and classified staff through coaching, professional learning, data analysis, and instructional walkthroughs.
- Led implementation of MTSS, PBIS, Community Schools initiatives, attendance systems, instructional rigor frameworks, and student engagement systems.
- Guided the school to earn PBIS Platinum Recognition for outstanding implementation of positive behavior systems and student supports.
- Supported Lasselle Elementary in receiving recognition as one of America’s Healthiest Schools through wellness-focused systems and student-centered supports.
- Helped lead Lasselle Elementary to become the #1 school in California for CalKIDS completion for two consecutive years through innovative family outreach and community engagement systems.
- Featured in a Forbes article highlighting innovative educational leadership and impactful community engagement efforts.
- Collaborated with Better Make Room initiatives to support college and career awareness opportunities for students and families.
- Presented at county and district leadership events on attendance improvement, school culture, and community engagement systems.
- Developed strong family engagement systems resulting in thousands of annual community interactions and increased family participation.
- Implemented attendance improvement systems that significantly reduced chronic absenteeism and strengthened student accountability.
- Led initiatives focused on instructional rigor, early literacy, student engagement, and cooperative learning structures.
- Fostered partnerships with community organizations and district departments to expand opportunities and supports for students and families.
- Maintained a leadership philosophy grounded in visibility, collaboration, servant leadership, and the mission of “Every Student, Every Day, No Matter What!”
Val Verde Unified School DistrictMoreno Valley
Assistant Principal
08.2017 - 07.2018
Job overview
- Supported schoolwide instructional systems, MTSS implementation, student behavior support, and campus operations.
- Conducted classroom walkthroughs and collaborated with teachers to improve instructional practices and student achievement.
- Assisted with attendance initiatives, restorative practices, student discipline, and family communication systems.
- Coordinated supervision systems, school safety procedures, and intervention supports for students.
- Worked collaboratively with staff and district departments to strengthen school culture and student outcomes.
Val Verde Unified School DistrictMoreno Valley
Instructional Coach
08.2016 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Supported approximately 25 teachers through coaching cycles, lesson modeling, PLC facilitation, and professional development.
- Assisted teachers with standards-based instruction, classroom management, differentiated instruction, and data analysis.
- Facilitated collaborative planning focused on improving student achievement and instructional effectiveness.
- Supported implementation of MTSS interventions and instructional best practices across grade levels.
- Built teacher capacity through reflective practice, collaboration, and relationship-centered coaching.
Val Verde Unified School DistrictPerris, CA
Special Education Teacher
08.2011 - 05.2016
Job overview
- Provided specialized academic instruction and behavioral support for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
- Developed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) while collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams.
- Supported inclusive instructional practices and differentiated instruction aligned to individual student needs.
- Monitored student progress, implemented interventions, and ensured compliance with special education regulations.
- Built strong relationships with students and families while supporting academic and social-emotional growth.
Education
National UniversityLa Jolla, CA
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Studies
01-2013
National UniversityLa Jolla, CA
Master of Science from Liberal Studies
01-2013
Skills
- Employee performance evaluations
- Staff management
- Community engagement
- Staff development
- Collaborative learning
- Student discipline
- Data-driven instruction
- Instructional leadership
- Organizational leadership
- Performance evaluations
- Student and parent relations
- Performance improvement
- Educational staff supervision
- Safety and security procedures
- Community relations
Accomplishments
- Established and managed a student mentorship volunteer program, leading to enhanced confidence levels and improved communication skills for all participants.
- Established schools social media presence and automated phone system to alert parents and students of critical or time-sensitive information.
- Set ambitious goals for both students and educators to motivate both parties to achieve their personal best and successfully implement long-term strategies with favorable outcomes.
- Awarded "America's Healthiest Schools" in 2024 and 2025.
- Awarded Platinum PBIS by the California Coalition 2019-2025.
Certification
- Administrative Services Credential
- Education Specialist Credential – Mild/Moderate Disabilities
- Autism Authorization
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Leadership Highlights & Recognition
PBIS Platinum School Recognition, America’s Healthiest Schools Recognition, Featured in Forbes article for innovative educational leadership, Better Make Room contributor and supporter of college and career awareness initiatives, #1 School in California for CalKIDS completion for two consecutive years, Presenter at county and district leadership events focused on attendance, PBIS, and school culture, Extensive experience in MTSS, instructional leadership, attendance systems, and community schools implementation
Forbes Brand Contributor
Partnered with Michelle Obama's Better Make Room, and Reach Higher. Sponsored to write an article in Forbes magazine around College readiness in Elementary.
Timeline
Principal
Val Verde Unified School District
07.2018 - Current
Assistant Principal
Val Verde Unified School District
08.2017 - 07.2018
Instructional Coach
Val Verde Unified School District
08.2016 - 05.2017
Special Education Teacher
Val Verde Unified School District
08.2011 - 05.2016
National University
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Studies
National University
Master of Science from Liberal Studies