Larissa Anderson
Ithaca,NY
Summary
Dedicated and visionary educational leader with three years of experience in K-12 school leadership and 14 years in education. Proven track record of fostering a positive learning environment while driving academic excellence, student achievement, and staff development. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and curriculum development to meet the needs of ALL students. Adept at building strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, and community stakeholders to support the overall mission and goals of the school. Committed to promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Principal
Ithaca City School District
01.2023 - Current
- Developed positive and collaborative relationships with families through our PTA and support families by doing outreach in community spaces.
- Collaborated with teachers to create effective lesson plans to meet state standards and align with district's curriculum through observations using the Danielson rubric.
- Provided guidance through observations, staff meetings and professional learning community to teachers and staff on best practices in education.
- Managed daily operations of the school including scheduling activities and events.
- Ensured safety protocols were followed in accordance with district policy restorative justice practices and TCIS training.
- Actively participated in decision making processes related to strategic planning.
- Mentored staff members on instructional practices that promote student achievement using data-driven conversations/
- Facilitated professional development opportunities for staff members around restorative practices, anti-marginalization curriculum, project based curriculum, culturally responsive protocols and a culture or learning and reflection based on student data.
- Created and managed school budget that aligned with school vision and mission
Dean of Students
Ithaca City School District
08.2022 - 01.2023
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive student conduct program to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
- Provided guidance on disciplinary procedures related to violations of school policies or codes of conduct.
- Created an effective system for tracking student attendance and academic performance.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate educational programs and events that support student learning objectives.
- Facilitated workshops focusing on topics like stress management and time management for students.
- Resolved conflicts between students by utilizing mediation techniques and problem-solving skills.
- Oversaw disciplinary processes with fairness and consistency while adhering to institutional policies.
- Collaborated with faculty members to enhance curriculum quality and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
Culturally Responsive Specialist
The Mid-State Regional Partnership
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Guided districts through the NYSED Blueprint for Improved Results for Students with Disabilities and supported co-teaching teams and self-contained classrooms with Specially Designed Instruction and being culturally responsive.
- Provided districts with professional development related to disproportionality, based on target school identification through NYSED.
- Process data to help organizational leadership drive decision-making and solve root causes..
- Drafted reports summarizing progress towards achieving organizational goals related to diversity and inclusion.
- Implemented training sessions based on NYSED-CRSE Framework, Family Engagement: Communication and Culture, and Dimensions of Equity Education.
- Evaluated effectiveness of current diversity initiatives by conducting interviews with stakeholders.
- Created a system of support in which systemic change and improved outcomes and instructional practices for students with disabilities are prioritized.
- Developed training programs on equity issues such as unconscious bias, race relations, and gender equality for multiple school districts.
- Coordinated activities with other departments to ensure alignment with overall corporate objectives regarding equity.
- Developed and implemented systems to support data-tracking for IEP goals, educator rubrics for culturally responsive observations and student voice.
Pre-Kindergarten Special Ed. Teacher Summer School
Ithaca City School District
07.2018 - 08.2022
- Implemented Pre-K curriculum through purposeful play, hands-on learning cents and specific needs based on individual students IEPs
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in special education teaching techniques.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual needs.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Created a safe and inclusive learning environment that promoted respect, empathy, and understanding among students.
- Evaluated student performance consistently, using various assessment methods to measure growth and inform future instruction.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Collaborated with Special Education colleagues to plan weekly themed lessons and buddy up classes to create cooperative learning with peers
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Lead Teacher for Co-Taught Inclusive Classroom
Ithaca City School District
09.2015 - 10.2021
- Fostered critical thinking skills in students through problem-solving activities and real-world applications of concepts taught in class.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Coordinated grade level field trips, family conference, curriculum night, listening conferences and celebrations of learning for students to showcase their work to families and school peers.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Lead Teacher in Co-Taught ENL Classroom
Ithaca City School District
08.2010 - 08.2015
- Enhanced students'' language proficiency by utilizing diverse teaching methods and materials.
- Developed and taught ENL curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement, participating in professional development workshops and collaborating with colleagues on best practices.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, enhancing students'' understanding of various subjects.
- Promoted a growth mindset in the classroom by encouraging students to set goals, embrace challenges, and persevere through obstacles.
Tutor
Linden S.T.E.M Academy
08.2006 - 07.2010
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Implemented engaging learning activities that catered to various learning styles, increasing overall understanding.
- Conducted regular assessments to evaluate student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Boosted student confidence through positive reinforcement and individualized support.
- Strengthened math proficiency by implementing hands-on activities that reinforced basic concepts.
Student Teacher
Linden S.T.E.M Academy School
- Seven weeks complete teaching responsibilities for a 25-students kindergarten class
- Worked effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and skill sets
- Prepared and taught educational objectives and lesson plans in the areas of math, science, social studies and language arts
- Tutored students who were at an extremely at-risk level and got them to advance to a strategic level
- Planned with cooperating teacher and grade level teachers.
Teacher’s Assistant
Early Childhood Center
08.2006 - 07.2010
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Worked with lead teacher to monitor class schedule and take attendance.
- Graded assignments and reported individual progress to teacher.
- Collaborated with teachers for lesson preparation by preparing materials and setting up equipment.
- Attended training classes, parent conferences and faculty meetings to stay up-to-date on student progress.
Education
Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) - School Building Leader And School District Leader
SUNY College At Cortland
Cortland, NY06.2024
Master of Science - Teaching Students with Disabilities, Multiple and Severe Disabilities
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, NY05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education, Black World Studies
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH05.2010
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Verbal and written communication
- Instructional Leadership
- Child Development
- Group and individual instruction
- Student and parent relations
- Public Speaking
- Team Collaboration
Certification
- School Building Leader, Internship
- School District Leader, Internship
- Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
- Students With Disabilities (Grades 1-6)
- Severe Or Multiple Disabilities Annotation
Accomplishments
- Tenure Teacher at Ithaca City School District, June 2013
- Completed American Sign Language Courses 1 & 2
Technology Skills
- Educational software (e.g., Google Classroom, Canvas, Moodle)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, google forms, powerpoint,)
- Familiarity with educational technology tools for instruction and assessment (e.g., Kahoot!, Nearpod, Edpuzzle)
- Skilled in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau)
- Competent in using video conferencing platforms for virtual meetings and online instruction (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet)
- Proficiency in social media platforms for communication and community engagement (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Volunteer Experience
- Teacher Opportunity Corps Mentos, Cortland’s Urban Recruitment of Educators, Cortland, NY, Summer 17, Present, Mentoring college students through Cortland’s Urban Recruitment of Educators (C.U.R.E) program, Weekly motivational text messages and check-ins to see how classes were going and give them advice about teaching and tools they would need to graduate and get a teaching position, Monthly face-to-face check-ins to go over any questions about life, teaching, college courses and to practice mock interviews., Attend several SUNY Cortland workshops and discusses with mentees to further professional development.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ithaca NY, Ithaca, NY, Summer 16, Summer 17, Mentored a third grade student who was from Northeast Elementary, Met two works weekly and planned created a goal for each activity., Explored her different interests such as cooking, drawing, nature adventures, museums and going to different parks.
Timeline
Associate Principal
Ithaca City School District
01.2023 - Current
Dean of Students
Ithaca City School District
08.2022 - 01.2023
Culturally Responsive Specialist
The Mid-State Regional Partnership
11.2021 - 08.2022
Pre-Kindergarten Special Ed. Teacher Summer School
Ithaca City School District
07.2018 - 08.2022
Lead Teacher for Co-Taught Inclusive Classroom
Ithaca City School District
09.2015 - 10.2021
Lead Teacher in Co-Taught ENL Classroom
Ithaca City School District
08.2010 - 08.2015
Tutor
Linden S.T.E.M Academy
08.2006 - 07.2010
Teacher’s Assistant
Early Childhood Center
08.2006 - 07.2010
Student Teacher
Linden S.T.E.M Academy School
Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) - School Building Leader And School District Leader
SUNY College At Cortland
Master of Science - Teaching Students with Disabilities, Multiple and Severe Disabilities
SUNY Cortland
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education, Black World Studies
Ohio Wesleyan University