Laura Carrera-Estrada
El Paso,TX
Summary
Visionary Leader, bridge builder and licensed educator with twenty - three years of educational experience dedicated to guiding students to succeed while inspiring a passion for learning. Focused in motivating to excel in team building, culture-improving and performance-increasing initiatives. Demonstrating versatility in leadership approaches to acquire active participation in collaborative activities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Da Vinci School Of Science & The Arts
El Paso, TX
07.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented 2021-22 Master Schedule
- Reviewed student transcript audits
- ARD and 504’s
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Supported hiring, training, and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
- Developed subject and grade leaders to advance oversight and improve instruction.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures for school faculty and staff.
- Communicated policies and procedures to students and parents regarding student behavior.
- Established instructional practices driven by statistical performance data.
- Managed all details regarding student discipline.
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students and teachers.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies and behavior modification.
- Encouraged interdepartmental and cross-functional teams collaboration in development and support of student activities, programs and lessons.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Administered standardized tests to evaluate student performance and progress.
- Supervised afterschool program to promote student growth and maintain safety for all attendees.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration and related activities.
- Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data.
Assistant Headmaster
El Paso Classical Academy
El Paso, TX
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Assisted in opening of new campus
- Facilitated transition from in person to virtual learning
- Developed and implemented procedures for car line
- Established textbook distribution procedure
- Conducted need assessment for classroom furniture and materials
- Created and implemented Master 2020-21 Schedule, in person and virtual
- Conducted Student registration and developed course schedule
- Attended 504's and ARDs
- Conducted recruitment, enrollment and program oversight for Dual Credit and AP
- Ordered testing materials and planned logistics for district and state exams
- Built and lead cohesive educational team focused on student success.
- Organized individualized behavior improvement plans for students struggling with compliance.
- Managed assemblies to recognize student achievement.
- Led efforts to boost student attendance and on-time arrivals with ambitious parent relations initiatives.
- Advised students on course selection, credits toward graduation and career decisions.
- Directed day-to-day operations of education program and supervised support staff to delegate assignments and evaluate performance.
- Helped teachers develop and diversify instruction to better serve students of different skill levels and backgrounds.
- Chaired hiring committees new core faculty members.
- Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff.
- Implemented consistent uniform policies for male and female students.
- Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
History Teacher
San Elizario HS, San Elizario ISD
San Elizario, TX
12.2019 - 05.2020
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- Communicated clear learning objectives to students on each unique chapter.
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Advised students on academic progress, goals and achievement.
- Attended professional advancement seminars and symposiums.
- Maintained regular verbal and written communication with school counselors and parents to update with student progress, class schedules and important test dates.
- Talked with students in need of extra attention and made plans to assist with concerns.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop after-school tutoring program for struggling students.
- Attended and facilitated IEP meetings for students and families.
- Fostered team collaboration between students through group projects.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of integrated classroom.
Assistant Principal
Franklin HS El Paso ISD
El Paso, TX
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Attended designated alpha 504s and ARDs
- Oversaw LPAC
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Led meetings to convey policy changes, gather information and assess employee thoughts.
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
- Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Monitored student attendance, behavior and enforced discipline policies.
Assistant Principal
Burges ECHS El Paso ISD
El Paso, TX
08.2015 - 08.2019
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration and related activities.
- Collaborated with team to develop functional budgets within allocated funds.
- Established instructional practices driven by statistical performance data.
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
- Led meetings to convey policy changes, gather information and assess employee thoughts.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Developed subject and grade leaders to advance oversight and improve instruction.
- Supported hiring, training, and disciplinary action in compliance with legal guidelines and requirements.
- Increased ECHS student applicants, retention and testing passing rate 95% at end of freshman year
- Developed Master schedule to provide best opportunities for Dual Credit, AP and technical courses offerings
- Facilitated campus wide professional development
- Coordinate and ensure implementation and compliance of Dual Credit Program student registration and enrollment at EPCC
- Coordinate and oversaw Burges Early College HS recruitment process, information meeting s and acceptance ceremony
- Monitored and evaluated ECHS program to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Realigned college course crosswalk in collaboration with EPCC counselors
- Developed dual credit book purchase and accountability procedure
- Lead New Teacher Academy
- Collaborated and presented Assistant Principal Evaluation system
- Participated in EPCC Early College HS steering committee, EPCC UTEP Administrator and counselor academy
- Coordinated retrieval and distribution of student records from other schools and institutions.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
- Administered standardized tests to evaluate student performance. progress.
- Created Summer Bridge Program for incoming ECHS students
- Created tutoring program for at-risk students
- Maintained and submitted reports to Educate Texas and EPCC
- Realigned college course crosswalk in collaboration with EPCC counselors
- Collaborated on and presented Assistant Principal Evaluation system
- Collaborated with ECHS deans and counselors on new MOU with EPCC crosswalk
- Attended designated ARDs and 504s
- Oversaw Cheerleaders/Dance programs
Campus Administrator
El Paso Academy Charter School
El Paso, TX
01.2014 - 08.2015
- Increased student attendance and graduation rate from 72% to 94%
- Increased graduation from 50 % to 80%
- Implemented tutoring program for academic advancement
- Implemented procedure for Homebound Program
- Provided Professional Development for STAAR
- Increased student participation in school activities
- Implemented procedure for online curriculum program
- Introduced and secured NMSI/Laying the Foundation training for teachers
- Conducted student recruitment and admission Interview
- Coordinated Award Ceremony and graduation
- Optimized student educational strategies with clear advice on course choices, progression and career options.
- Oversaw daily use of facility.
- Determined course schedules and coordinated teaching assignments and room assignments to optimize use of buildings and equipment.
- Created spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel for daily, weekly and monthly reporting.
- Followed district policy and procedures in disciplinary actions for students and faculty.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time.
- Modeled expected and appropriate leadership to promote to teaching staff and administrative personnel positive interaction with students and families.
- Facilitated continued education for teaching staff through implementation of quality curriculum training and appropriation of necessary resources.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students and teachers.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Administered standardized tests to evaluate student performance and progress.
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration and related activities.
- Oversaw daily use of facility
Assistant Principal
Bel Air HS Ysleta ISD
El Paso, TX
08.2011 - 01.2014
- Supported implementation of new course in Health Professions Magnet
- Increased number of enrolled students in Emergency Medicine Technician Basic
- Worked with Dell Grant Foundation for Advanced Placement Program
- Increased enrollment schoolwide in Dual Credit Program
- Increased number of schools visited for recruitment to Bel Air Center for Health Professions, TXVSN program Oversee AVID & Gifted and Talented.
- Implemented process for academic tutoring center
- Facilitated campus wide and AREA II professional development
- Ensured implementation and compliance of Dual Credit, AP, GT, Dual Language of AP programs and testing
- Ensured implementation and compliance of Dual Credit Program
- Oversaw Dual Language program, recruit and implement new courses
- Coordinated and oversaw process of year-round TAKS/STAAR classes and tutoring programs
- Registered students and planned logistics for AP/PAP Collage Board and Laying the Foundation Exams
- Supervised Virtual Learning Lab
- Coordinated awards ceremonies and Medical Symposium
- Conducted and participate in interview committees
- Attend truancy court as assigned
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration and related activities.
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Encouraged interdepartmental and cross-functional teams collaboration in development and support of student activities, programs and lessons.
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
- Instructed small groups of teachers and students.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
Assistant Principal
Eastwood HS Ysleta ISD
El Paso, TX
08.2007 - 08.2011
- Contributed to a significant increase in student performances on standardized testing (ELA +2%, Math +8%, Science +7% SS +2%)
- Provide instructional and administrative leadership for Academic Support Center where all students take advantage of college students as mentors and resources for problem solving, critical thinking and research
- Reduction of outstanding textbook balance from $115,000 to $40.00
- Worked with Dell Grant Foundation for Advanced Placement Program
- Increased schoolwide number of Dual Credit Program enrollment
- Facilitated campus wide and AREA II professional development
- Coordinated multiple assessments in compliance with district and state requirements to guide classroom instruction
- Coordinate and ensure implementation and recruitment for AP, Dual Credit, Dual Language, TXVSN, AVID & Gifted and Talented programs
- Supervised Distinguished Academic Plan (DAP)
- Coordinate year-round TAKS classes and tutoring programs
- Coordinated and supervised implementation of Laying the Foundation exams
- Supervised Virtual Learning Lab
- Developed and implemented Academic Support Center
- Developed and implemented and oversee textbook distribution and collection process
- Coordinate Academic Lettering Ceremony and AP awards
- Coordinate teacher TELPAS training and collection of writing samples Conduct and participate on interview committees
- Conduct classroom walk throughs and PDAS evaluations
- Administered standardized tests to evaluate student performance and progress.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Built productive relationships with parents and students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
- Encouraged interdepartmental and cross-functional teams collaboration in development and support of student activities, programs and lessons.
- Facilitated continued education for teaching staff through implementation of quality curriculum training and appropriation of necessary resources.
- Developed subject and grade leaders to advance oversight and improve instruction.
- Verified adherence to state, federal and private funding source requirements across programs and outcomes.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
Instructional Specialist Social
Socorro ISD
El Paso, TX
08.2006 - 08.2007
- Data gathering and dissemination to high schools and middle schools
- Incorporated in-house and external resources to develop lesson plans
- Developed district benchmark tests
- Developed/revised scope and sequences
- Active participant in development of district lesson template
- Facilitated district content meetings
- Presented AVID strategies
- Work with teachers to develop lesson plans
- Provide support to campuses
- Conducted needs assessment for program evaluation
- Verified compliance with all state and local education requirements.
- Collaborate with teachers to determine curriculum efficacy.
- Developed learning tools and curriculum and supported faculty with implementation.
- Designed course materials and supported implementation.
- Prepared reports and maintained administrative records.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Utilized recorded data to implement actionable curriculum improvements.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
Education
M. Ed. Educational - Educational Leadership
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX12.2005
B.A. - History
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX12.1998
Skills
- Policy Implementation
- Student Activity Program Planning
- Student Guidance
- Student Performance Data Analysis
- Attention to Detail
- Rule Enforcement
- Decision Making
- Staff Training
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Responsible and Dependable
- Needs Assessments
Certification
PDAS/ID Certified
T-TESS
Texas Principal Certification
Texas Teacher Certification History 6-12
Timeline
Principal
Da Vinci School Of Science & The Arts
07.2021 - Current
Assistant Headmaster
El Paso Classical Academy
06.2020 - 06.2021
History Teacher
San Elizario HS, San Elizario ISD
12.2019 - 05.2020
Assistant Principal
Franklin HS El Paso ISD
08.2019 - 11.2019
Assistant Principal
Burges ECHS El Paso ISD
08.2015 - 08.2019
Campus Administrator
El Paso Academy Charter School
01.2014 - 08.2015
Assistant Principal
Bel Air HS Ysleta ISD
08.2011 - 01.2014
Assistant Principal
Eastwood HS Ysleta ISD
08.2007 - 08.2011
Instructional Specialist Social
Socorro ISD
08.2006 - 08.2007
M. Ed. Educational - Educational Leadership
The University of Texas At El Paso
B.A. - History
The University of Texas At El Paso