Lauren R. Thomas
Houston,US
Summary
Dynamic educational leader focused on expanding leadership experience to foster an environment that maximizes academic potential while promoting continuous professional and personal growth. Proven expertise in designing innovative curricula and implementing effective educational programs, complemented by a collaborative approach and results-driven mindset. Adaptable to evolving educational needs, with a strong track record in curriculum development and team leadership, consistently delivering impactful instructional solutions that drive student success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Master Instructional Specialist, Social Studies
Klein Forest High School
Houston, TX
07.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented engaging instructional materials for diverse learning environments.
- Facilitated professional development workshops to enhance teaching strategies and instructional practices.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate technology into curriculum, improving student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate effectiveness of instructional programs and recommended improvements based on findings.
- Achieved improved instructional outcomes by coaching teachers with the Uncommon Schools: Get Better Faster system. Enhanced curriculum support through targeted feedback and professional development, resulting in increased teacher effectiveness. Collaborated with learning teams to address critical questions and surpass campus goals, contributing to a stronger instructional leadership team.
- Achieved enhanced curriculum quality through effective design and writing of social studies programs. Delivered impactful professional learning experiences that improved educators' social studies skills and content understanding. Curated high-quality instructional materials that enriched classroom learning. Collaborated on PLC task force for two years, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in teaching practices.
- Achieved model PLC designation for USH PLC in Q2 2025. Recognized as 2025-26 HAABSE Teacher of the Year. Guided USH team to 2nd place in district for QSE2 scores, reflecting substantial growth from the previous year.
Instructional Specialist, Social Studies
Klein Intermediate School
Houston, TX
01.2019 - Current
- Served as an administrative substitute during the school year and for summer school
- Has served on interview panels to obtain new talent
- Provided instructional support for 6th, 7th and 8th grade teachers of various levels of experience, where we experienced significant growth in student performances on 6th and 8th grade assessments; more students achieving Meets than in previous years
- Various methods of support used include: facilitated large and small group professional development sessions, coaching cycles, one-on-one lesson planning, conducting learning walks with administrators, teachers and students to continuously assess and adjust instructional program, classroom observations, classroom modeling, co-teaching, pulling small groups, conferencing, supporting team planning, facilitating data digs, creating student intervention and enrichment plans; collaborated with specialists and educators from around the district
- Member of Campus inKlein Committee- created lessons for Intervention/Enrichment period
- Campus leadership team member- Help plan, execute, monitor and evaluate various campus initiatives
- Helped write curriculum for African American Studies course during At-Home Learning
- Curriculum Refresh Team (4th, 6th, 8th grades)- created district assessments, curated lessons, other instructional resources
- CIDC member 2019-2020- helped create, execute, monitor and evaluate campus improvement plan
- 2019 Passport to Purpose SS Conference presenter
- Re-Imagine Learning Summit Presenter-2019, 2020, 2021
- 2020 Re-Energize New Teacher Summit presenter
- Mentored new teachers
- Mentored students
Teacher
Klein Intermediate School
Houston, TX
01.2011 - 12.2018
- Taught 8th grade U.S. History, 7th grade Texas History, PATH College and Career Readiness.
- Served as Social Studies 8th grade team leader since 2013
- Member of Campus Guiding Coalition since 2015
- Served on campus intervention task force since 2016
- Instructional Coach since 2015
- CIDC member
- Student Council Sponsor, 2016-2017
- Klein Leadership Academy Participant 2015-2016
- Klein Transform Academy Participant 2016-2017
- Social Studies Department Chair- 2018-2019
Substitute (Day-to-day)
Klein Independent School District
Klein, TX
12.2009 - 12.2010
- Substitute for teachers at various grade levels and subjects throughout the district as needed.
Student Worker/ Office Assistant
Office of Institutional Advancement, Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
03.2006 - 04.2006
- Worked front desk: greeted visitors (alumni, current and potential donors), answered phones.
- Performed various office duties as needed.
Intern
Amistad Research Center, Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
08.2005 - 08.2005
- Processed archives. Assisted researchers and supervised their handling of documents. Worked receptionist’s desk, greeting customers and answering phones.
Resident Advisor/Mentor
Upward Bound Bridge Program/ Xavier University
New Orleans, LA
06.2005 - 07.2005
- Supervised 6-11 female high school graduates in a dorm. Conducted study hall and assisted program participants academically with coursework from a variety of summer college courses in which they were enrolled: English, Sociology, Speech, Art, Computer Science and History.
Tutor
Upward Bound/ Xavier University
New Orleans, LA
09.2002 - 05.2005
- Tutored high school students (9-12) in the following areas: English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, ACT Prep and LEAP Prep.
Office Assistant
Upward Bound/ Xavier University
New Orleans, LA
06.2003 - 08.2003
- Performed basic office duties such as filing papers, cleansing files, preparing and distributing materials to teachers and students.
Intern/ Office Assistant
Hibernia National Bank
New Orleans, LA
06.2002 - 08.2002
- Human Resources Department (Summer 2002)
- Manually filed employee records. Prepared and mailed out medical/ retirement plan packages to employees. Updated employee loan records
- Trust Department (Summer 2001)
- Electronically recorded escheatment mail-outs and updated customer files using EXCEL and ACCESS.
Education
Master of Educational Administration - Education Administration
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies Education
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA08.2006
Diploma -
Warren Easton Fundamental Senior High School
New Orleans, LA05.2002
Skills
- Effective collaboration skills
- Strong ethical standards
- Personal accountability
- Digital literacy
- Relationship building
- Clear and concise communication skills
- Fostering skill growth
- Data analysis
Certification
- Texas Certifications
- Principal (EC-12)
- Social Studies (4-8), (8-12)
- EC-6 Generalist – All expire 08/31/2026
- Louisiana Certification
- Teaching Certificate, Level 1, Social Studies (7-12), expired 12/18/2010
Timeline
Master Instructional Specialist, Social Studies
Klein Forest High School
07.2022 - Current
Instructional Specialist, Social Studies
Klein Intermediate School
01.2019 - Current
Teacher
Klein Intermediate School
01.2011 - 12.2018
Substitute (Day-to-day)
Klein Independent School District
12.2009 - 12.2010
Student Worker/ Office Assistant
Office of Institutional Advancement, Xavier University of Louisiana
03.2006 - 04.2006
Intern
Amistad Research Center, Tulane University
08.2005 - 08.2005
Resident Advisor/Mentor
Upward Bound Bridge Program/ Xavier University
06.2005 - 07.2005
Office Assistant
Upward Bound/ Xavier University
06.2003 - 08.2003
Tutor
Upward Bound/ Xavier University
09.2002 - 05.2005
Intern/ Office Assistant
Hibernia National Bank
06.2002 - 08.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies Education
Xavier University of Louisiana
Master of Educational Administration - Education Administration
Lamar University
Diploma -
Warren Easton Fundamental Senior High School
Personal Information
- Citizenship: US
- Title: Instructional Specialist, Social Studies