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
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
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
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
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
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
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
- Master Teacher Certification: California Department of Education.
- Educational Leadership Certification -Virginia Department of Education.
- CPR/AED Certification
- First Aid Certification
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
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