Kelly F. Buchan
Dana Point,CA
Summary
Dynamic secondary educator and school leader with over 20 years of experience in public education, including founding Faculty Member at Yorba Linda High School. Proven track record in instructional leadership, staff collaboration, program coordination, and ensuring schoolwide compliance. Expertise in Advanced Placement instruction, curriculum development, and student achievement analysis, complemented by a strong commitment to co-curricular leadership. Prepared to excel as an Assistant Principal at the middle or high school level, with a leadership approach centered on rigor, relationship-building, and student-focused decision-making.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Studies Teacher | Founding Staff Member
Yorba Linda High School — Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Yorba Linda High School
01.2009 - Current
- Led AP European History and honors-level Social Studies courses, fostering an environment of academic excellence that consistently produced the highest pass rates in the district since 2015.
- Engaged in collaborative efforts to create and refine inquiry-based curriculum for inaugural honors civics course, ensuring alignment with museum's educational mission.
- Encouraged teamwork and Mustang pride to enhance team performance as Head Coach of Academic Decathlon (2015–present).
- Facilitated academic support services for student-athletes, ensuring alignment with educational goals and athletic commitments.
- Oversaw the organization and execution of student educational travel programs, facilitating enriching experiences in Washington D.C., Europe, and China.
- Partnered with educators to ensure curriculum alignment and prepare students for AP exam success.
- Additional Leadership Roles:
- Managed logistics and scheduling for CAASPP testing, ensuring timely and efficient execution.
- Coordinated collaboration among stakeholders to ensure alignment with SPSA goals and objectives.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance and implement district-approved multicultural studies curriculum for diverse learning environments.
Home/Hospital Instructor
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
District Wide
01.2006 - Current
- Directed individualized instruction to students unable to attend school due to medical needs
- Coordinate with families, counselors, and school staff to maintain academic continuity
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and comprehension.
Test Scorer
College Board — AP European History Exam Reader
Kansas City
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Conducted thorough evaluations of AP European History free-response submissions to provide constructive feedback and uphold assessment quality.
- Utilized national scoring rubrics to maintain consistency and fairness in assessment processes aligned with College Board standards.
- Engaged with educators across the country to establish consistent scoring practices, reinforcing the integrity of exam assessments.
Social Studies Teacher
Bernardo Yorba Middle School — Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Yorba Linda, California
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Taught World History and United States History with an emphasis on historical literacy and civic understanding
- Developed instructional strategies supporting diverse learners
Education
Master of Arts - School Administration
Concordia University
Irvine, CA01-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06.2001
High School Diploma -
El Dorado High School
Placentia, California06.1997
Skills
- Advanced Placement Instruction (AP European History)
- Curriculum Design & Assessment
- Enthusiast of Notebook LM, Gemini
- Academic Coaching & Student Mentorship
- Program Coordination & Compliance (CAASPP, SPSA)
- Educational Travel & Experiential Learning
Affiliations
- Civic education and historical literacy
- Experiential and inquiry-based learning
Leadership & Program Development
- Head Coach, Academic Decathlon (regional and county-level competition preparation)
- Founding staff member contributing to the culture, academic standards, and traditions of Yorba Linda High School
- Curriculum development contributor for district-wide Multicultural Studies course
- Designer and instructor of experiential civics programming connected to national institutions
Timeline
Test Scorer
College Board — AP European History Exam Reader
01.2019 - 01.2022
Social Studies Teacher | Founding Staff Member
Yorba Linda High School — Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
01.2009 - Current
Home/Hospital Instructor
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
01.2006 - Current
Social Studies Teacher
Bernardo Yorba Middle School — Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
01.2004 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Santa Barbara
High School Diploma -
El Dorado High School
Master of Arts - School Administration
Concordia University