Kristina Farina
West Stockbridge,MA
Summary
Progressive and passionate educational leader with seven years experience in school administration preceded by 27 years in the high school mathematics classroom. Continuously reflecting and courageously learning in order to challenge myself and others, grow and refine practice, interrogate bias and work tirelessly to improve outcomes for students. A team player who believes deeply in the power of collaboration, community and partnership to redesign education into a personalized and deep learning experience that engages young people and helps each student reach their full potential.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Berkshire Hills Education Association President
Berkshire Hills Regional School District
07.2014 - 06.2017
- Navigated complex and confidential personnel matters while developing and maintaining strong partnerships between union leadership and administration.
- Established culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and partnering with administration to hold individuals responsible for results.
- Led successful contract negotiations, resulting in positive shifts in working conditions and salary for staff.
Mathematics Teacher
Monument Mountain Regional High School
08.1990 - 06.2017
- Taught Foundations of Mathematics to BC AP Calculus in team taught and cotaught settings as well as unleveled classrooms.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary project based learning curriculum, promoting comprehensive learning environments.
- Utilized formative assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lessons to address gaps in student knowledge or comprehension.
- Participated in ongoing professional development, staying current on best practices in teaching practices for high school.
- Created safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools, technology and resources specifically designed to personalize instruction and engage students.
- Enhanced student understanding by incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities into lesson plans.
- Established positive relationships with parents, maintaining open communication about student progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, fostering inclusive and respectful learning atmosphere.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing expertise and providing guidance on effective teaching strategies.
- Organized field trips and guest speakers to supplement classroom learning and expose students to diverse perspectives on mathematics.
- Led extracurricular clubs and student events to promote student life and engagement.
Principal
Monument Mountain Regional High School
05.2019 - Current
- Fostered meaningful relationships among teachers, staff students through development of Student Adult Advisory Board.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning for improved student engagement and achievement levels.
- Enhanced school performance by collaborating with fellow administrators across K-12 system.
- Promoted diversity within school community through inclusive practices (i.e. deleveling), programming (i.e advisory), and culture building (i.e. restorative justice) efforts.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds to best support student learning.
- Increased teacher efficacy through development of strong PLC culture built around peer learning cycles.
- Oversaw development of out of school learning programs that enhanced student learning and pilot project based learning.
- Created DEIB Parent Advisory to address parent concerns and foster supportive community culture for student success.
- Cultivated partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for students in need.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Fostered positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Expanded career and vocational offerings to provide meaningful pathways for students to reach personal goals.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures for school faculty and staff.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Established instructional practices driven through student performance data align to best practice.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures and led hiring process.
Director of Learning & Teaching
Berkshire Hills Regional School District
07.2017 - 05.2019
- Championed continuous learning within organization, fostering growth and development for all employees.
- Organizational Leadership - drafted district improvement plan, facilitated administrative agendas, created strategic plans, tracked district grant spending and teamed with building principals to align district K-12 work stream.
- Instructional Leadership - Provided and coordinated all professional development for district staff aligned to school and district improvement plans.
- Spearheaded successful grant applications, including Barr Foundation, SEL and Wellness & Rethinking Grading, leading to increased funding for school redesign initiatives.
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Observed and mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Established partnerships with external vendors and community partners for specialized training resources, optimizing budget allocation.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration between staff across buildings by designing district wide training sessions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on educational best practice by attending conferences, workshops, and networking events.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA12.1994
Bachelor of Science - Major- Mathematics ; Minor - Secondary Education
Gordon College
Wenham, MA05.1990
Skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Collaborative partner and community builder
- Experience with DEIB challenges
- Skilled leadership and facilitation development
- Proactive growth mindset
- Project planning, management and reporting
- Data and analytic skills
- School district policy context
- Strong written and verbal communicator
- Curriculum & assessment proficiency design
- Instructional Vision creation & coaching
- Engaging students in School Redesign process
Accomplishments
- 2024: Presenter at Barr Foundation Grant Convening on Instructional Core Redesign work
- 2018-2021 - Coach Training with Teachers' Development Group mathematics PD
- 2017: Nominated for the Presidential Award of Excellence for Math and Science Teaching
- 2016, Economics Across the Curriculum, American Institute of Economic Research
- 2015: Presenter at Association of Mathematics Teachers in MA
- 2014-2017: Selected as AP Calculus Reader
- 2011-2014: Data Team Lead
- 2008-2010: Mathematics Department Supervisor
- 2005-2008: PLC Critical Friends Group Facilitator
- Curriculum Development, National Science Foundation BioMath Research Project, Rutgers University
- Lead teacher for NSF Integrated Mathematics Program, Project Based Untracked Learning Model
Certification
State of MA Certificate # 50180895
- Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, all levels
- Mathematics, professional, Grades 9-12
Certified Critical Friends Group Facilitator - National School Reform - 2005-06
References
- Kate Burdsall, Berkshire Hills Director of Student Services, (413) 717-1954, kathryn.burdsall@bhrsd.org
- Ben Doren, Former W.E.B DuBois Middle School Principal, (989) 506-5013, bendoren@gmail.com
- Beth Cook, Berkshire Hills Instructional Coach, Former 9th grade Biology teacher, (518)573-1060, bethany.cook@bhrsd.org
Timeline
Principal
Monument Mountain Regional High School
05.2019 - Current
Director of Learning & Teaching
Berkshire Hills Regional School District
07.2017 - 05.2019
Berkshire Hills Education Association President
Berkshire Hills Regional School District
07.2014 - 06.2017
Mathematics Teacher
Monument Mountain Regional High School
08.1990 - 06.2017
Master of Arts - Education
Lesley University
Bachelor of Science - Major- Mathematics ; Minor - Secondary Education
Gordon College
- State of MA # 50180895
Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, all levels
Mathematics, professional, Grades 9-12
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