Laura DeWees
Zuni,VA
Summary
Dedicated instructional leader and program manager with a psychology and leadership degree and high-level expertise in data-driven decision execution. Possess a skillset that can be best utilized in a clinical or education setting. Developed programs and promoted opportunities for student achievement in school systems from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Background in mental health in a clinical setting: inpatient and outpatient. Excellent statistical, systems management and communications skills leading to optimum outcomes. Talented professional considered knowledgeable leader and dedicated problem solver. Brings 10+ years of valuable expertise and attention to detail with experience in coordinating projects, programs, and improvements.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Isle of Wight County Schools
Smithfield, VA
07.2017 - 10.2024
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Maintained sensitive student records in accordance with federal law under IDEA and maintained federal compliance
- Maintained documentation for Title 1 federal program funding and budget
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with instructional coaches and educational directors to ensure curriculum alignment
- Established intervention programs for struggling students, improving overall academic achievement levels at the school.
Reading Intervention Specialist
Isle Of Wight County Schools
Smithfield, VA
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Supported school-wide initiatives focusing on improving literacy skills across all grade levels through collaboration with faculty members.
- Worked closely with 22 special education staff to support over 100 students receiving additional services, aligning instructional approaches for maximum success.
- Contributed to the establishment of a school-wide literacy framework, assisting with the development of curriculum guidelines and academic goals.
- Monitored 600+ student progress through regular assessments, adjusting intervention strategies as needed for optimal results.
2nd Grade Teacher
Isle Of Wight County Schools
Smithfield, VA
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Served on a program selection committee for the division, as well as, knowledge and mentored w staff to implement new curriculum
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
- Isle of Wight Achiever Award recipient (2017)
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
- Implements a variety of teaching methods that engages struggling learners and promotes inquiry learning for all students
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Establishes clear objectives and goals for all curriculum and projects
- Maintains a high level of expectation based on accountability, perseverance, and respect
- Improves student's reading growth through small group and whole group instruction
- Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
5th Grade Teacher
San Diego School District
San Diego, CA
08.2005 - 05.2011
- Implemented effective instruction for large class sizes (32 students) utilizing CA content standards and NCLB guidelines
- Maintained expectations for the highest standard of student behavior needed for a collaborative and productive classroom
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of a high population of struggling learners and English Language Learner (ELL) enrollment
- Facilitated after school and summer break enrichment for at risk students
- Served on a committee to help develop programs that would support families with outreach for food, housing, and employment opportunities
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, modifying instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 5th grade students.
School Based Crisis Case Manager
Community Hospital North
Indianapolis, IN
02.2000 - 05.2004
- Provided case management for high risk students age 4-16 in low income, urban public school setting
- Completed screenings and assessments to determine crisis level and hospitalization for mental health intervention
- Reduced repeat crises with proactive case management and consistent followup.
- Provided on-site crisis response services at schools or other community locations where immediate assistance was needed.
- Facilitated daily therapeutic group sessions targeting behavior modifications both in school and inpatient setting
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for effective coordination of care.
- Conducted home visits with families to increase follow through with medication therapy and decrease truancy
- Employing conflict resolution skills when working with diverse populations allowed me to effectively manage challenging behaviors.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, interventions, and progress toward goals.
Mental Health Crisis Intervention Specialist
Youth Opportunity Center
Muncie, IN
07.1997 - 02.2000
- Provided emotional support to clients, enabling them to better cope with challenging situations.
- Supported families in understanding their loved ones'' needs during times of crisis, promoting better engagement in the healing process.
- Maintained accurate records and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring seamless service delivery.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, establishing trust and fostering open communication channels.
- Served as a liaison between clients and other service providers, coordinating care plans efficiently.
- Evaluated intervention effectiveness by tracking outcomes and adjusting strategies as needed, leading to more successful resolutions over time.
Education
Masters of Educational Leadership - Leadership
Longwood University
Farmville, VA05-2017
Master of Education - Cross Cultural Education
National University
San Diego, CA01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Criminal Justice
Ball State University
Muncie, IN01.2000
Skills
- Program leadership
- Critical thinker
- Conflict resolution and empathetic
- Flexible and adaptive
- Effective Communicator
- Active listener
- IEP and IDEA compliance
- Advocates for all learners
- Parent and family engagement
Workshopsandseminars
- Trauma Informed Practice by National Education Association-2022
- VAESP conference: Rejuvenating Educators and Programs-2022
- The Key to Authentic Engagement: TTAC ODU-2021
- Math For Struggling Learners by Lois Williams, 2019
- Virginia State Reading Association (VRSA), 2018
- American Reading Company: Research Committee, 2018
- GLAD and Gradual Release of Responsibility by Dr. Fischer, 2018
- Ball-I-Vizics: Cross Lateral Brain Development, 2015
Accomplishments
- Increased overall student academic performance on standardized tests for special education from 68% to 75% in reading through data dig learning communities with staff.
- Managed school operations for up to 670 students.
- Focused on staff and teacher retention by 90% while promoting leaders on staff.
- Instituted peer review program for teaching professionals, which promoted collaborative teamwork, respect and appreciation among staff members for increased job performance and satisfaction
- Documented and resolved cases with educational advocates which led to families no longer requesting representation.
Certification
- Master Teacher Certification: California Department of Education.
- Educational Leadership Certification -Virginia Department of Education.
- CPR/AED Certification
- First Aid Certification
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Isle of Wight County Schools
07.2017 - 10.2024
Reading Intervention Specialist
Isle Of Wight County Schools
08.2016 - 07.2017
2nd Grade Teacher
Isle Of Wight County Schools
08.2014 - 08.2016
5th Grade Teacher
San Diego School District
08.2005 - 05.2011
School Based Crisis Case Manager
Community Hospital North
02.2000 - 05.2004
Mental Health Crisis Intervention Specialist
Youth Opportunity Center
07.1997 - 02.2000
Masters of Educational Leadership - Leadership
Longwood University
Master of Education - Cross Cultural Education
National University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology And Criminal Justice
Ball State University