Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Teacher
Kristin Chesterman

Kristin Chesterman

West Lafayette,Indiana

Summary

Certified elementary teacher, instructional coach, and trauma-informed specialist with 28 years of experience. Learning consultant knowledgeable about theories and methods used in designing, developing, and delivering successful training programs. Rooted in an understanding of human development, neuroanatomy, and stress/trauma based on existing research in education and neuroscience. Highly motivated and committed to embracing new challenges with a strong work ethic and a passion for excellence. Enthusiastic about sharing ideas, collaborating, and empowering educators and students. Skilled in building meaningful relationships with staff and students, leveraging insights to address educational needs effectively.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Title 1 Behavioral Support Teacher

Wea Ridge Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
  • Created and implemented a brain-aligned Behavioral Response to Intervention (BeRtI) framework
  • Provide ongoing support and coaching for leadership teams, staff, and teachers on research-based best practices for tiered intervention
  • Provide individualized coaching to support teachers in developing their own social-emotional capacity
  • Collaborate with Data Team to identify students who need additional SEL support
  • Create problem solving plans that focused on safety, connection, and proactive strategies and interventions
  • Oversee development of Tier 1, 2, and 3 intervention protocols, problem-solving processes, data-based decision-making, and progress monitoring
  • Design and facilitate dynamic professional development that support consistent implementation of trauma-informed practices and integrating SEL into their instructional practices
  • Directly teach SEL skills, emotional regulation strategies, and conflict resolution skills

K-5 Instructional Coach

Wea Ridge Elementary School
08.2015 - 08.2022
  • Established and utilized the Student-Centered Coaching Model, facilitating full, micro, content, and video coaching cycles.
  • Implemented research-based instructional strategies to address achievement gaps among various student populations, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
  • Supported data-driven instruction by assisting teachers with analyzing assessment results and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
  • Improved instructional strategies for diverse learners by conducting classroom observations and providing constructive feedback to teachers.
  • Assisted new teachers to acclimate quickly into their roles through comprehensive mentoring programs and ongoing support.
  • Created customized professional development tailored to address specific challenges identified by our Leadership Team.

K-5 Instructional Coach

Eastlawn Elementary School
06.2012 - 07.2015
  • Met weekly with teachers to discuss effective instructional strategies and student performance
  • Observed and assessed student performance and kept thorough records of progress
  • Instructed Tier II, Tier III, and High Ability students
  • Taught an after-school math enrichment program
  • Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement
  • Implemented remedial programs for students requiring extra assistance
  • Attended workshops and coached peers in the latest developments in reading and math
  • Managed instructional assistants in the intervention program.

Classroom Teacher, grades 1-5

Twin Lakes School Corporation
06.1996 - 06.2012
  • Established clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects
  • Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks
  • Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers, and school administrators
  • Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning
  • Improved students' reading levels through individual conferencing, guided reading groups, and whole group instruction
  • Created lesson plans in accordance with state standards and district-wide curriculum guides
  • Used children's literature to teach and reinforce reading, writing, and grammar throughout all subjects
  • Differentiated instruction in all subject areas according to student ability and skill level.

Education

Certificate - Applied Educational Neuroscience

BUTLER UNIVERSITY
Indianapolis, IN
05.2023

Master of Education -

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Marion, IN
08.2003

Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education -

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
Muncie, IN
12.1995

Skills

  • Developing and facilitating professional development trainings
  • Knowledge and proven experience in effectively providing teacher consultation and classroom coaching
  • Knowledge of best practices for coaching and providing feedback to adults
  • Knowledge of RTI, SEL, and trauma-informed practices
  • Demonstrated success in working with students and families of diverse backgrounds
  • Able to quickly establish and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships and engage with a broad range of school-based staff
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Strong analytical, time management, organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to collect and analyze data to drive decision-making and improvement
  • Excellent project management skills, ability to balance multiple priorities with proven ability to anticipate challenges, solve problems, and maintain a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations
  • Experienced in assessing student development and mentoring new teachers
  • Well-versed in educational technology and best practices
  • Devoted to professional development and continuing education
  • Proficient in Panorama software, Google programs, and Microsoft Office programs

Accomplishments

  • Selected to present at Conscious Discipline's national conference (2024)
  • Recipient of the College Football Playoff Foundation/Big Ten Conference Educational Initiative grant (2022)
  • Named an Olin Davis Regional Award Winner in 2012 for exceptional teaching of economics
  • Wrote and received numerous grants from various sources for instructional materials
  • Facilitated corporation curriculum mapping and vertical alignment of Indiana math standards
  • Developed and led comprehensive online summer book studies
  • Initiated technology lessons for K-4 students, resulting in increased technology skills.
  • Designed and conducted numerous professional development sessions covering a range of topics.

Certification

Trauma-Informed Specialist Certification (2024)

Applied Educational Neuroscience Certificate (2023)

Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Training (2023)

TSC Conscious Discipline Academy (2022)

Orton-Gillingham Training (2020)

TBRI and Trauma-Informed Classrooms Training (2020)

Google Level 1 Certified

Timeline

Title 1 Behavioral Support Teacher

Wea Ridge Elementary School
08.2022 - Current

K-5 Instructional Coach

Wea Ridge Elementary School
08.2015 - 08.2022

K-5 Instructional Coach

Eastlawn Elementary School
06.2012 - 07.2015

Classroom Teacher, grades 1-5

Twin Lakes School Corporation
06.1996 - 06.2012

Certificate - Applied Educational Neuroscience

BUTLER UNIVERSITY

Master of Education -

INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education -

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
Kristin Chesterman