Katrena Ellison
Huntsville
Summary
Innovative and experienced Assistant Principal with over 25 years of experience in K–8 education, specializing in special education and instructional leadership. Adept at supporting teachers and students in both in-person and virtual environments through data-driven practices, technology integration, and collaborative problem-solving. Recognized for strong communication skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships that support student achievement and equity.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Alabama Connections Academy
Athens
09.2024 - Current
- Demonstrate a high level of integrity and transparency and accountability
- Communicate with Parents and Students to ensure their IEP goals are being met and needs are addressed in a timely manner
- Work along side other teachers to coordinate specially designed instruction regarding students academic goals
- Ensure 100% compliance with state and federal guidelines under the Alabama Administrative Code for Special Education Services
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in Powerschool and the Special Education Dataview
- Develop, write and implement IEP's Conducted IEP meetings with Caretakers and Students
- Teach Live Lessons for students with Behavior and Executive Functioning needs
- Assist with School Improvement Plan for Special Education
- Assist with state testing as a Site Lead for ACT with Writing
- Serves on Professional Learning Community for High School State Accountability
Manager of Special Populations
Missouri Connections Academy
Springfield
09.2023 - 09.2024
- Demonstrated a high level of integrity and transparency and accountability
- Assisted with Mission Statement, school goals and School Improvement Plan
- Supervised, manage, and evaluated a team of Special Education Teachers
- Collaborated with School Leader bi-weekly to discuss compliance and all Special Education items
- Collaborated weekly with Leadership Team
Senior Student Service Advisor
Pearson
Columbia
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed daily workflow to ensure completeness and compliance
- Onboard new Special Education Leaders and teachers joining Connections Academy
- Collaborated with Student Specialist and Special Education Leaders to resolve issues and assist with compliance
- Processed & received academic documentation
- Organized and completed assigned projects as needed
- Assisted with Special Education Teacher Orientation Course
- Assisted with Transitioning Great Lakes Learning Academy Connections under the authorization of Pearson Online Classroom
- Collaborating weekly with different Special Education Managers to assist with specific needs
- Assisted with organizing Counselors and Special Educators Conference
Assistant Manager for Special Education
Alabama Connections Academy
Athens
08.2021 - 09.2022
- Demonstrated a high level of integrity and transparency and accountability
- Met weekly with Leadership Team
- Supervised, managed, and evaluated a team of special education teachers
- Worked along side School Manager to plan Professional Development and Team Meetings
- Ensured compliance with federal and state special education processes and timeline
- Conducted/Initiated Referrals
- Conducted Eligibility and I.E.P Meetings
- Assisted with School Improvement Plan for Special Education
- Collaborated with Related Service Providers
- Testing Lead for State Testing
Assistant Principal
Heart Academy @Julian Newman Elementary
Athens
08.2016 - 07.2021
- Exhibited high integrity, transparency, and accountability in all professional interactions.
- Collaborated with the Principal and Instructional Partner to design and deliver data-driven professional development, incorporating both in-person and virtual learning strategies to improve instructional effectiveness.
- Led teachers in aligning lesson planning and instructional delivery to Alabama Course of Study Standards, strengthening instructional rigor and student mastery of grade-level expectations
- Conducted classroom observations using research-based frameworks, providing feedback to improve teaching strengthening consistency across classrooms
- Utilized student performance data to monitor and refine instruction aligned to Alabama Course of Study Standards, resulting in targeted interventions and improved academic outcomes
- Partnered with instructional teams to design and implement District and School Improvement Plan (SIP) goals, supporting teachers through coaching and professional development aligned to district and school priorities
- Supervised and facilitated all IEP and 504 meeting, collaborating with stakeholders and families to ensure student-centered plans and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Built and sustained strong relationships with families, staff, and community stakeholders through consistent communication, problem-solving, and engagement strategies in both traditional and virtual settings.
Special Education Teacher
Heart Academy @Julian Newman Elementary
Athens
08.2007 - 06.2016
- Demonstrated a high level of integrity and transparency and accountability
- Ensured compliance with federal and state special education processes and timeline
- Conducted referral, eligibility and IEP Meetings.
- Assisted with School Improvement Plan
- Collaborated with all Stakeholders to ensure IEP processes were put in place with compliance
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives
- Taught small group instruction aligning with the students IEP goals and accommodations
Education
Masters in Education (AA) - Educational Leadership
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL, US05-2020
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Finance
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL, US01-2014
EdS - Educational Leadership
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN, USMasters in Special Education -
Alabama A&M University
Huntsville, AL, USSkills
Instructional Leadership Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Teacher support
- Teacher evaluation
- Data-driven decision making
- MTSS implementation
- School improvement planning
- Curriculum Alignment to Alabama Course of Study Standards
- Professional development
Core Professional Skills
- Collaboration & Team Leadership
- Time Management & Organizational Skills
- Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution
- Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities Simultaneously
- Exceptional Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Composure Under Pressure
Timeline
Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
Alabama Connections Academy
09.2024 - Current
Manager of Special Populations
Missouri Connections Academy
09.2023 - 09.2024
Senior Student Service Advisor
Pearson
10.2022 - 09.2023
Assistant Manager for Special Education
Alabama Connections Academy
08.2021 - 09.2022
Assistant Principal
Heart Academy @Julian Newman Elementary
08.2016 - 07.2021
Special Education Teacher
Heart Academy @Julian Newman Elementary
08.2007 - 06.2016
Masters in Education (AA) - Educational Leadership
University of West Alabama
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Finance
University of North Alabama
EdS - Educational Leadership
Walden University
Masters in Special Education -
Alabama A&M University