Laura Taylor Jacobs

• Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions grounded in cognitive behavioral theory and growth mindset principles.
• Collaborated with parents, teachers and other school personnel to complete social development studies and create individualized education plans.
• Facilitated parent engagement through regular communication, informational sessions, and collaborative meetings.

• Supported student social-emotional development, course selection, academic progress, career exploration and post-secondary planning.
• Facilitated career assessments for 9th grade using the Xello platform. Students identified career clusters and researched jobs of interest.
• Group facilitator for faculty book study of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond.

• Developed a collaborative STEM community to promote identity development, academic self-efficacy, and career exploration amongst underrepresented K-12 students.
• Partnered with industry, community and university stakeholders to provide outreach programs focused on relationships, relevance and rigor.
• Engaged students from Houston's 3rd and 5th Ward public housing communities in summer camps, monthly campus events, project-based learning and near-peer mentoring.
• Managed cross-functional team of 12 staff to deliver exceptional program outcomes within budget ($400K annually) and time constraints.
• Collected longitudinal data and performed statistical analysis to assess a peer recitation program funded by a $1.5M grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

• Managed an academic program serving 23 counties and 117 school districts. Hosted 1100 7th-12th grade students in 17 STEM categories.
• Managed event operations, school district and partner communications, program evaluation, fiscal administration and fundraising efforts.
• Improved volunteer team efficiency by streamlining project management processes and implementing new collaboration tools.
• Redesigned event judging phases, converted to online project registration and IRB approval, and streamlined judge training and communication.

• Provided instruction to 700+ undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education. Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning, encourage participation and build supportive peer relationships.

Courses Taught

• Personal Development & College Success: Theory and research on cognitive, motivational, and behavioral factors related to academic success and career goals.
• Dynamics of Family Relationships: Multidisciplinary research related to internal dynamics of contemporary families with emphasis on interpersonal communication, family policies, and impacts of stress and crises on families
• Academic Writing & Research: Graduate advanced interdisciplinary writing course focused on academic literacy, scientific writing, library research, and documentation of sources.
• Introduction to Gifted and Talented Education: Examined five core competencies: nature and needs, identification and assessment, social and emotional needs, differentiating curriculum, and creativity and instructional strategies.

• Program Evaluator for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant ($4M). Provided afterschool programming to 20 campuses in Harris County
• Collected quantitative data from 11 school districts, and qualitative survey data from 1,000 stakeholders.
• Conducted statistical analysis, compiled findings, and provided recommendations for program fidelity and performance improvement.
• Mentored graduate students from the School of Public Policy at Texas A&M University, guided a longitudinal study of afterschool program participation and criminal behavior.

• Member of external evaluation team for a nationally recognized program designed to deepen scientific knowledge and develop advanced teaching methods amongst elementary school educators.
• Conducted focus groups and analyzed quantitative program data that captured pre and post content knowledge.
• Produced qualitative and quantitative analysis of participant survey responses at the conclusion of the program and composed summative reports.

• Co-Principal Investigator for a privately funded residential science camp for underrepresented minority middle school students.
• Designed and facilitated team building, journal reflection, college readiness and STEM career exploration activities.
• Trained and supervised 15 undergraduate pre-service teaching interns to mentor campers and assist with project based learning activities.

• Created a supportive environment for diverse student populations with various academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Developed career and education plans for 400 9th-12th grade students. Conducted degree audits and facilitated student course selection based on student career interests and abilities.
• Designed workshops focused on connecting career interests, occupation salary averages, and long-term goal-setting.
• Enhanced student college application success by providing tailored guidance and support throughout the process.

• Provided academic planning, career and college readiness and crisis intervention services to 400 students.
• Facilitated Early College Start program in collaboration with Austin Community College. Increased 2009 dual-credit course enrollment by 50%
• Enhanced student career development by conducting individual counseling sessions and group workshops.
• Evaluated student assessments and aptitude tests to identify strengths, interests, and suitable career choices.
• Faculty Advisor for Round Rock Step Team

• Coordinated a NASA funded grant providing a project-based Mars Rover curriculum for 600+ students in grades 3-8.
• Directed annual competition, managed venue contracts, implemented marketing efforts, and partnered with student organizations to provide STEM workshops.
• Recruited 400 undergraduate student and industry judges, managed competition data collection, and directed awards ceremonies.

• Transitioned GED graduates into college and continuing education programs
• Provided academic advising, created developmental plans and supported career exploration with non-traditional students.
• Connected students with supportive resources to remove barriers to enrollment. Increased student recruitment from correctional facilities and substance abuse treatment centers.