Kelly L. Crisler
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced educator with more than twenty years of experience in early childhood education, instructional leadership, and equity-centered practice. Skilled in data-driven decision making, professional development design, and coaching educators to improve instructional outcomes. Demonstrated ability to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning environments that support early literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional growth. Experienced in curriculum development, student assessment, and collaboration with families, staff, and community stakeholders. Committed to culturally responsive teaching, restorative practices, and the implementation of anti-bias and equity-focused strategies that promote inclusive and effective learning environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
James R. Doolittle Academy
08.2025 - Current
- Provide standards-aligned instruction in literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development for a classroom of 31 kindergarten students within a diverse urban school setting.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and foster creativity.
- Implement data-driven instructional practices using formative and summative assessments to monitor progress and differentiate instruction.
- Develop and deliver standards-based lesson plans aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and district curriculum frameworks.
- Use evidence-based early literacy strategies including phonemic awareness, phonics instruction, guided reading, and language-rich read-alouds to build foundational reading skills.
- Facilitate hands-on, inquiry-based mathematics instruction to strengthen number sense, counting, operations, and problem-solving skills.
- Differentiate instruction through small group rotations, learning centers, and individualized supports to address varied learning needs and developmental levels.
- Maintain ongoing progress monitoring and data analysis to adjust instruction and support student growth.
- Establish strong family partnerships through regular communication, conferences, and engagement activities that support learning at home.
- Foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment emphasizing social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally responsive teaching.
- Collaborate with grade-level teams, support staff, and school leadership to implement school improvement goals and instructional best practices.
Community School Coordinator
Peaceful Schools
Syracuse, NY
12.2022 - 06.2025
- Training team member
- Facilitated conflict resolution, restorative justice practices, and mediation services for approximately 400 students
- Equity Lead for NYS Community Schools Thruway Coalition Initiative
- Trained under Dr. Bryant T. Marks at the National Training Institute on Race & Equity in Atlanta, GA
- Coordinated multicultural events aimed at fostering awareness and appreciation, showing diverse histories and cultures from across the globe, attended by 420 staff and students
- Created and implemented high-quality programs and services in line with the community school model, including parent and family engagement, adult education, and targeted interventions.
- Collaborated with health services, community organizations, and food services to support students and families with specific needs
- Organized multicultural fairs to enhance awareness and appreciation, celebrating history and cultures from around the world for 420 staff and students
- Developed varied monthly exhibitions to recognize diverse cultures throughout the year
- Designed and presented a professional development workshop titled, Addressing Racial and Cultural Equity: A Resonance Approach
- Collaborated with the building principal and school stakeholders to strategically plan, recruit, oversee, and manage student supports and services offered by various community partners
- Managed the collaboration of diverse school partners, ensuring their efforts were aligned with school stakeholders and priorities
- Managed and oversaw the gathering of data, ensured the prompt submission of reports, and addressed requests for information
- Aided both the school and partner agencies in resource management and development, encompassing fund development and grant maintenance
- Forged alliances and cultivated new partnerships with city and county agencies, businesses, and non-profit collaborators that aligned with school goals and requirements
- Established a comprehensive continuum of services for students, families, and community members
- Supervised and coordinated the collection of data, timely submission of reports, and responses to other requests for information
- Oversaw and organized data collection, ensured the punctual submission of reports, and managed responses to additional requests for information
DEI Consultant/School Leadership Team/Equity Team
Syracuse City School District
Syracuse, NY
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Developed surveys on the cultural climate to evaluate student attitudes regarding teacher-student relationships
- Guided the principal in transformative organizational change by implementing data driven anti-racist practices
- Led the administrative staff through exercises, activities, and dialogues aimed at enhancing intercultural competence and fostering inclusion among teachers and students
- Aided the Equity Team in crafting student surveys to pinpoint disparities and ensure a fair and inclusive environment for all students
- Contributed to the formulation of the school’s Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP)
- Conducted continuous assessments of educational program and their influence impact on student achievement
- Recognized strategies to foster a more collaborative and inclusive school culture by examining educational practices, protocols, and procedures
- Developed a Backwards Design approach to aid the principal’s initiatives in promoting equity with regard to cultural dynamics and classroom discipline
- Crafted a professional development for teachers to integrate practices of equity and inclusion into teaching and learning methods
- Developed engaging professional development activities to address issues of bias, equity, and inclusion
- Collaborated with the PTO to assume leadership in driving diversity and inclusion initiatives lead diversity and inclusion initiatives at the programmatic level
Universal PreK Program Manager
Catholic Charities
Syracuse, NY
08.2018 - 12.2021
- Developed an online instructional curriculum for preschool in response to COVID 19 restrictions
- Worked in collaboration with external agencies, including Syracuse City School District, Head Start, and The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
- Executed the policies, procedures, and regulations of the agency, board, and Department of Health (DOH)
- Executed procedures and devised strategies in coordination with staff from various functional areas such as Education, Social Service, Administration, Health and Nutrition, Safety and Facilities, etc
- Engaged with staff, parents, and the community to maintain open lines of communication, ensuring the program delivered appropriate services
- Developed staff work schedules, incorporating specific timelines for task completion
- Adhered ruinously to and enforced agency policy regarding confidentiality and HIPAA requirements
- Implemented professional learning strategies and tools (Teaching Strategies Gold, CLASS)
Math and ELA Instructional Coach
Dr. King Elementary
Syracuse, NY
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Oversaw and directed a team of four assistants
- Utilized trend data from walkthroughs and classroom observations to identify teachers’ professional development needs
- Crafted and delivered professional development sessions along with accompanying materials to assist and support teachers and coaches
- Designed evaluation instruments to assess training effectiveness and the achievement of goal objectives
- Suggested effective approaches to support curricular alignment across all grade level and individual schools
- Fostered a culture centered on standards, data, and results
- Conducted bi-monthly discussions with grade-level teams on school and district-level standards
- Completed forms, records, and reports, and attended meetings and trainings as directed
- Aided principal in the preparing quarterly, district, and state review reports
- Conducted weekly with principal to review benchmarks and established data points to assess student progress towards established instructional goals
- Served as a resource in identifying suitable research-based instructional strategies and interventions to improve achievement for all students
- Demonstrated and/or co-taught as necessary to enhance instructional delivery practices
- Participated as a member of the School Leadership Team, No-Nonsense Nurturing Cultural Team, and the Opportunity Culture Team
Second Grade Teacher
Jesse Owens
Chicago, IL
08.2014 - 12.2015
- Maintained communication with parents regarding child’s performance, track and record student progress and keep records up to date for progress reports and report card conferences
- Taught students according to the district-approved curriculum and utilize available instructional technologies in the classroom
- Openly communication with parents and guardians regarding their child’s progress
- Developed lesson plans and delivered education tailored to the individual abilities of each student
- Ensured the accuracy of student records
- Developed and conducted assessments to evaluate students’ comprehension of concepts
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies including lectures, group discussions, centers, and inquiry, to enhance understanding
Kindergarten Teacher
Burnham Math and Science Academy
Chicago, IL
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Attained a 92% success rate in developing first-time readers
- Enhanced critical thinking skills through read-aloud texts and extension activities
- Fostered fundamental mathematical skills through activities such as classifying attributes, comparing numbers, number recognition, quantity, geometry, ordinal numbers, measurement
- Offered academic assistance and enrichment through whole group, small group, and individual instruction while building and maintaining relationships with both students and parents
- Conducted and supervised district-wide assessments on two occasions
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Dumas Technology Academy
Chicago, IL
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Tailored instruction and curriculum to provide approximately 30 students with instructional materials that addressed individualized learning plans
- Evaluated student progress towards objectives, expectations, and goals set quarterly
- Developed critical thinking skills through read-aloud texts and extension activities
- Cultivated student vocabulary to enhance self-awareness and self-esteem
Project Program Manager
Children’s Learning Research Collaborative (The Ohio State University)
Columbus, OH
08.2010 - 06.2012
- Engaged in research activities for a federally funded research project on child development, involving grants of $1million and $6 million, within a research laboratory
- Contributed to the recruitment and supervision of 10 research assistants and five project coordinators related to data collection and data management
- Worked with 10 research staff members in developing coding schemes and associated protocols for implementation
- Oversaw and organized all projects direct and indirect paperwork, video materials, and data assessment materials for students and teachers in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Education
- Assisted the project director and principal investigator in completing reports required by the Internal Revenue Board and in the long-term and day-to-day progress towards project deliverables
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Riverdahl Elementary School
Rockford, IL
08.2007 - 06.2008
- Managed and delegated responsibilities to a classroom assistant in classroom of approximately 20 students
- Fostered a cultural learning environment through the collaboration of parent/family involvement
- Created an environment that was inclusive of English Language Learners
Second Grade Teacher
Rudyard Kipling Elementary School
Chicago, IL
08.2003 - 07.2007
- Established a teacher-student connection with around 120 students residing in a neighborhood with a low socio-economic status
- Participated in quarterly professional development regarding content area and pedagogical knowledge
- Utilized varied instructional approaches to support learners with diverse needs
- Administered and proctored state assessments
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership and Management
Capella University
05.2020
Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood Education
Capella University
05.2012
Bachelor of Science in Education - Early Childhood Education
Northern Illinois University
05.2003
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Parent-teacher communication
- Lesson planning
- Early Childhood Development
- Early Childhood & Instructional
- Assessment & Data Skills
- Teacher Development & Leadership
- Equity & Inclusive Education
- Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Research & Academic
Certification
- Certificate in Principal Preparation, American College of Education, 2025
- Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification, Northwestern University, 2021
- Post-Master’s Certificate of Education: Leadership and Accountability, Capella University, 2018
- Post-Master’s Certificate of Education: Leadership and Management, Capella University, 2018
- The Center for Transformative Teacher Training, No Nonsense Nurturing, 2016
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
James R. Doolittle Academy
08.2025 - Current
Community School Coordinator
Peaceful Schools
12.2022 - 06.2025
DEI Consultant/School Leadership Team/Equity Team
Syracuse City School District
11.2020 - 12.2021
Universal PreK Program Manager
Catholic Charities
08.2018 - 12.2021
Math and ELA Instructional Coach
Dr. King Elementary
08.2015 - 06.2016
Second Grade Teacher
Jesse Owens
08.2014 - 12.2015
Kindergarten Teacher
Burnham Math and Science Academy
08.2013 - 06.2014
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Dumas Technology Academy
08.2012 - 06.2013
Project Program Manager
Children’s Learning Research Collaborative (The Ohio State University)
08.2010 - 06.2012
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Riverdahl Elementary School
08.2007 - 06.2008
Second Grade Teacher
Rudyard Kipling Elementary School
08.2003 - 07.2007
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership and Management
Capella University
Master of Science in Education - Early Childhood Education
Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Education - Early Childhood Education
Northern Illinois University