La-Tarsha James
Middle River,MD
Summary
Goal-oriented Assistant Principal offering 25 years of education experience. Resourceful and passionate educator with talent for developing and implementing successful strategies.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal/Managing Principal
DC Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Managed staff of 40 employees
- Collaborates with school leadership to develop and implement policies, procedures, and initiatives tailored to unique needs of early childhood education setting, fostering safe and supportive learning environment
- Lead and supervise daily operations, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning of school, with focus on creating positive and engaging atmosphere for young learners
- Implements evidence-based instructional practices and curriculum enhancements, working closely with teachers to align educational strategies with developmental stages of early childhood
- Conducts regular classroom observations and provided constructive feedback to teachers, contributing to professional development and improvement of instructional quality
- Analyzes student data, including academic performance, attendance records, and behavioral trends to identify specific student populations that may require additional support or interventions
- Manages student discipline and behavior intervention strategies, creating positive and nurturing school culture conducive to early childhood development
- Collaborates with MTSS team to analyze and utilize data for decision-making, implementing targeted interventions to address academic and behavioral trends among early childhood students
- Collaborates with community stakeholders and external partners to enhance resources and support services available to early childhood students
- Model effective communication practices by actively listening, acknowledging different perspectives, and responding thoughtfully to feedback and concerns
- Offer professional development in communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building for staff
- Resolve conflicts promptly and constructively within school community
- Cultivate empowering environment for all members to voice opinions and ideas
- Strategically leveraged expertise of retired teacher volunteer to orchestrate targeted interventions focused on phonics and phonemic awareness, resulting in significant academic advancements for kindergarten students.
Assistant Principal
Archdiocese of Baltimore
07.2017 - 08.2021
- Articulate clear instructional vision alongside principal with school-wide focus on teaching and learning that is data-driven, standards-aligned and rooted in belief that all students can achieve at high levels
- Coordinate resources, personnel and communications to meet needs of preschool age children and their parents and assure access to school readiness services
- Implement consistent school-wide instructional practices that are clear, results-oriented and research-based
- Create opportunities for ongoing learning and staff development that are informed by data
- Align human resources to school needs, setting high expectations and effectively managing all school employees to meet school goals
- Executes results-focused school operations and resource management that ensure minimal disruptions to teaching and learning and promote success of all students and staff
- Develops and maintains purposeful school culture that supports safe and effective learning environment
- Focus on evidence-based growth and results to drive school towards annual and long-term goals
- Engages school community members effectively to ensure all stakeholders are included in school improvement efforts
- MTSS Lead- ensuring tiered interventions are implemented with fidelity for student success
- Makes key contributions as Local Education Agency Representative of School Advocacy Team; ensures compliance with procedural and substantive requirements of IDEA
- Serves as Administrative Testing Designee: coordinates testing schedules/logistics and oversees its delivery
- Reduced referrals by 25% school wide after launching Positive Behavior Incentive Program
- Wrote proposals and managed 5 State/Federal grants (Title I, II, IV, MD Nonprofit Textbook funding, and ESSR grant) established school based monitoring plans, performance measures and prepared summative evaluation of effectiveness of use of grant.
Interrelated Special Education Teacher
Cobb County Public Schools
07.2015 - 07.2017
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to diverse needs of middle school students with special needs
- Provide differentiated instruction and support to students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and other exceptionalities in inclusive and self-contained settings
- Collaborate with general education teachers to modify curriculum, develop accommodations, and implement strategies for students with diverse learning needs
- Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instructional plans accordingly
- Facilitate and participate in IEP meetings with parents, administrators, and other relevant stakeholders to review student progress and revise educational goals
- Assist in preparation of data for local, state, and federal reports
- Assures all due process procedural safeguards are afforded students and their parents
- School Leadership Academy Member
- PBIS Humanities Team Representative
- School Improvement Team Committee Member.
Title 1 Neglected and Delinquent Tutor /Middle and High School
Rose Garden
09.2012 - 07.2017
- By end of academic year, 90% of students residing in group home demonstrated minimum 35% improvement in their grades across at least two subject areas as evidenced by pre- and post-tutoring assessments and teacher feedback."
- Provide tutoring, group, and one-on-one academic assistance.
Early Intervention Program Teacher
Bryant Elementary School
12.2012 - 06.2015
- Utilized diverse resources, technology, and instructional strategies to accelerate elementary literacy and mathematics skills in grades K-5 through Tier 2 intervention programs
- Implemented individualized instruction based on IEPs or identified goals to enhance student proficiency in literacy and mathematics
- Administered assessments based on student needs and state regulations to contribute to data collection informing program goals
- Collected and interpreted data to develop goals, modify instruction, and report progress for Tier 2 interventions in literacy and mathematics in grades K-5
- Integrated assessment results and input from faculty and administrators into Reevaluation Report to refine goals and strategies aligned with school's Mission and Vision
- Facilitated revision of school's Mission and Vision for 2013 and beyond, as member of School Leadership Key Team and School Data Team
- Assistant Test Coordinator
- Assisted school test coordinator in monitoring test administrations, developing school-wide testing plan, maintaining test material security, distributing materials, and coding documentation for school district.
Private Tutor
07.2011 - 08.2012
- Delivered personalized and structured learning experiences for elementary students, enhancing academic performance and personal growth through individualized instruction in Reading, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Language Arts using 'Best Practice' strategies.
Academic Interventionist
Marietta City Public Schools
10.2010 - 06.2011
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to identify individual student needs in math and reading
- Developed customized instruction tailored to students' abilities and needs
- Utilized technology and innovative lesson plans to achieve curriculum goals
- Conducted ongoing student assessments and provided progress reports as needed
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement classroom intervention strategies.
1st Grade Teacher
Archdiocese of Baltimore
08.2004 - 06.2010
- Elevated students below grade level through differentiated instruction in math and reading, employing interactive writing, shared reading, and guided math groups
- Mentored new teachers and facilitated school-wide educational reforms in mathematics and science, integrating technology and literacy strategies
- Contributed to Middle States Accreditation Process and served on School Improvement Team
- Conducted in-service and pre-service workshops on interventions, classroom management, and best practice strategies.
4th grade Team Leader / 3rd grade Teacher
Baltimore City Public Schools
12.2000 - 06.2003
- Developed and implemented innovative lesson plans for third and fourth grade students
- Adapted curriculum to accommodate students with learning disabilities and special needs, offering personalized tutoring support as needed
- Provided demonstration lessons in Reading/Writing Workshop for the 'Achievement First' Reading program
- Mentored new teachers and contributed to the School Improvement Team.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
The Children’s Guild, Inc.
01.1999 - 06.2000
- Instructed diverse student populations, including those with ADD, developmental and learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral challenges
- Developed individual educational plans (IEPs) for 12 students with moderate to severe behavior disabilities
- Attained student success as measured by Benchmark exams and alleviated frustration through modified instruction
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to promote academic, social, and emotional adaptation, aiming for mainstreaming into the general education system.
Education
BA Political Science -
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD05.1998
MAT Elementary Education -
Towson State University
Towson, MD05.2004
Certificate in Administration & Supervision -
University of Maryland Notre Dame
Baltimore, MD12.2019
Skills
- Instruction Strategy & Assessment
- Student Advocacy & Outreach
- Program & Policy Development
- Professional Development
- Budget Forecasts & Allocations
- Community Relations
- Data Driven
- Federal Funding
- Culture & Change Management
References
References available upon request
Affiliations
- National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
- Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
- National Council of Negro Women
- NAACP
- National Association of Elementary School Prinicpals
- ACT Maryland Council Member
Timeline
Assistant Principal/Managing Principal
DC Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Assistant Principal
Archdiocese of Baltimore
07.2017 - 08.2021
Interrelated Special Education Teacher
Cobb County Public Schools
07.2015 - 07.2017
Early Intervention Program Teacher
Bryant Elementary School
12.2012 - 06.2015
Title 1 Neglected and Delinquent Tutor /Middle and High School
Rose Garden
09.2012 - 07.2017
Private Tutor
07.2011 - 08.2012
Academic Interventionist
Marietta City Public Schools
10.2010 - 06.2011
1st Grade Teacher
Archdiocese of Baltimore
08.2004 - 06.2010
4th grade Team Leader / 3rd grade Teacher
Baltimore City Public Schools
12.2000 - 06.2003
Middle School Special Education Teacher
The Children’s Guild, Inc.
01.1999 - 06.2000
BA Political Science -
Morgan State University
MAT Elementary Education -
Towson State University
Certificate in Administration & Supervision -
University of Maryland Notre Dame
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