Kelly Atkinson
Fort Collins,Colorado
Summary
Committed professional with 15+ years experience and proven knowledge of classroom management, instructional techniques, and staff recruitment. Motivated to improve relationships among faculty, students and administrators. Dedicated to increasing equity and achievement for all students. A determined advocate for families and students, committed to providing equal access and personalized learning opportunities for ALL.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean of Students
James Madison STEAM Academy
08.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with Principal and Assistant Principal on the Unified Improvement Plan and Performance Management Tool.
- Coached and evaluated special education teachers and support staff.
- Supported and coached teachers on the use of restorative and trauma informed practices to improve student behavior school-wide and help teachers better manage classroom environments.
- Collaborated with staff to create school based response to behavior flow chart.
- Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff.
- Partnered with families, mental health team, and outside organizations to support students struggling emotionally or behaviorally.
Fifth Grade Teacher
Madison Elementary
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Served on STEAM Team planning for opening of new JMSA.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Built positive collaborative relationships with students and families.
- Utilized data driven instructional meetings to identify skill deficits and plan for reteaching.
- Collaborated with team to ensure all instruction aligned with the standards and supported students' continued growth.
Dean/TOSA
Meeker Elementary
01.2018 - 05.2022
- Fostered a shift from deficit to growth mindset through professional developments that provided actionable steps promoting positive student/teacher interactions.
- Created social emotional support groups based on discipline referral data to proactively teach coping skills and reduce future behaviors.
- Conducted teacher observations and evaluations.
- Lead weekly Mental Health Team meetings in providing supports for students and families.
- Collaborated with Principal and Assistant Principal in the creation of the Unified Improvement Plan.
Special Education Teacher
Meeker Elementary
08.2013 - 01.2018
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Advocated for Equity and Inclusion for All Students by leading the implementation of the co-teaching model.
- Developed appropriate individualized accommodations allowing all students to access grade-level standards in the general education setting.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Instructional Paraprofessional
Werner Elementary
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Worked closely with lead teachers to develop curriculum materials that aligned with state standards and district objectives.
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Supported students during small group instruction, reinforcing concepts taught by the lead teacher.
Science Teacher/Pre-School/Special Education
Granby Elementary
08.2008 - 05.2011
- Utilized Alpine Achievement to create and align a new Science Curriculum for District.
- 2010/11 - Science teacher for grades 3-5.
- 2009/10 - Half-day special education assistant, half-day pre-school teacher.
- 2008/09 - Special education assistant supporting students with significant academic and behavioral needs.
Education
Specialist in Education - Ed. Leadership & Special Education Administration
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, COMaster of Arts - Special Education
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, COBachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Unified Improvement Planning & Utilization of Performance Management Tool
- Teacher Effectiveness Evaluations/RANDA
- RELAY Observation/Feedback & Data Teaming Process
- 504 Coordinator
- MTSS/EduClimber
- Screening & Hiring of New Staff
- Equity & Diversity
- Restorative & Trauma Informed Practices
- Co-Teaching
- Consensus & Collaboration
- Parental Communication
- Behavioral Management
Timeline
Dean of Students
James Madison STEAM Academy
08.2023 - Current
Fifth Grade Teacher
Madison Elementary
08.2022 - 05.2023
Dean/TOSA
Meeker Elementary
01.2018 - 05.2022
Special Education Teacher
Meeker Elementary
08.2013 - 01.2018
Instructional Paraprofessional
Werner Elementary
08.2011 - 05.2013
Science Teacher/Pre-School/Special Education
Granby Elementary
08.2008 - 05.2011
Specialist in Education - Ed. Leadership & Special Education Administration
University of Northern Colorado
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education
Florida State University
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