Lauren Thomas
Randolph,NJ
Summary
Experienced with curriculum development, instructional design, and educational leadership. Utilizes strategic planning and innovative approaches to enhance learning experiences. Track record of fostering collaborative environments and adapting to evolving educational needs.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Kinnelon Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
- Serve as the as the Superintendent’s delegate for all district matters, which includes daily responsibilities that include but not limited to facility, budgetary, personnel, and curricular requirements, and ensuring alignment with district goals and objectives
- Partner with the Business Administrator to strategically align the budget with instructional priorities and resource allocation
- Collaborate with the Director of Education and Instructional Platforms to streamline online resources at significant cost savings to the district
- Designed and continued to lead the implementation of a comprehensive Response to Intervention (RTI) program across K-12, enhancing student support and outcomes
- Supervise department leaders to ensure curriculum delivery aligns with district standards and addresses identified instructional needs
- Lead multiple public presentations to the Board of Education and school community, including annual state assessment updates, curriculum forums, and the introduction of new curricular initiatives
- Develop and manage the monthly agenda for the Education and Student Activities Committee, fostering consistent communication with members and stakeholders
- Oversee district-wide curriculum development and planning for K-12, ensuring alignment with state standards and educational goals
- Create enrichment opportunities for students at the K-5 level
- Successfully revamped the Gifted and Talented identification process and program
- Lead the development of new elective offerings for students for the 2025-2026 academic year
- Create a shared elective program for 8th grade students to aid in student retention and promote transition to high school
- Secure and manage Federal and State grants, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and timely submission of performance reports
- Successfully awarded the High Impact Tutoring Grant for the 2023-2024 school year, advancing district-wide academic support initiatives
- Design, implement, and evaluate professional development programs for instructional staff, supporting continuous growth and improved student outcomes including implementation of a district wide 'Ed Camp'
- Serve as the District Testing Coordinator, overseeing student assessments through NJSMART, Pearson, and WIDA, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting
- Chosen by the Morris County Superintendent’s Office to serve on a 4-member selection committee for the 2025 GEOY award
- Assist in the decision-making and participate in the transition process for building administrator transfers for the 2025-2026 school year
- Successfully managed the 2024 district QSAC review with district personnel in which passing scores were achieved for the district
- Introduced new ELA and Math resources for elementary instruction and revamped report cards to ensure standards alignment
- Built Science Pathways/Academies for high school students to assist in transition to college and career goals
Principal
Hackettstown Public Schools
07.2020 - 06.2023
- Conducted observations of staff utilizing the Danielson Framework for Teaching
- Provided professional development for staff, including a focus on curriculum development with Grade level teams
- Analyzed yearly assessment data to modify programs and teaching practices
- Coordinated transition activities to prepare students for the transition into middle school
- Created engaging elective offerings for students, K-5 and developed schedule for sharing of staff between two buildings
- Developed Band program for 4th grade students
- Reported yearly assessment data to the school community as well as the Board of Education
- Assisted in the development of District Goals as a committee member of the Strategic Planning Team
- Collaborated with Central Office to initiate and implement best teaching practices and District procedures
- Developed the RTI process and turnkey information to staff
- Led the I&RS team to develop comprehensive Action Plans for students, ensuring appropriate interventions and targeted goals
- Maintained school’s social media network for current events and showcase student accolades
- Created the building schedule to ensure equity of all academic areas and enrichment
- Oversight of building construction of additional classroom spaces
- Oversight of all building operations in conjunction with each department, and community stakeholders Including parents, local police department, district Board members, and the larger school community
Assistant Principal
Hackettstown Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2020
- Promoted a positive culture within the school with the implementation of Staff Member of the Month, Student Artist of the Month, and showcased accolades on social media consistently
- Assisted in the organization and implementation of professional development including RTI training, Danielson Model Refresher, and developed team building opportunities
- Implemented school policy and procedures as referenced in the Student Handbook
- Developed transition activities for 8th grade students in preparation for high school
- Developed a program utilizing alumni to promote college readiness for 12th grade students
- Managed student discipline and mediated resolution with parents and teachers
- Managed academic departments including English, Fine and Performing Arts, Special Education, and World Language
SLE/Transition Coordinator
Jefferson Township Public Schools
08.2012 - 06.2017
- Obtained job placements within the local community for Special Education students
- Designed Community-Based Instruction opportunities for students
- Hired, trained, and supervised job coaches
- Formed and maintained a community partnership with local organizations such as Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as local businesses in Morris County
- Connected special education students with appropriate state agencies such as DVRS, DDD, DAWN, and DPD
- Organized and hosted a multi-district Transition/Career Fair which included over 100 vendors
- Presented CBI and SLE programs to community members, school staff, and the Board of Education
Special Education Teacher – Self-Contained, In-Class Support
Union Township Board of Education
09.2001 - 06.2012
- Assisted in the development of the Life Skills Program for Union Township Schools as well as the extended school year program
- Planned and implemented lessons in all academic areas as well as Life Skills, to students in a self-contained setting
- Planned and implemented lessons in Math and Language Arts to special needs students in a small group and general education setting
Education
Bachelor of Science - Special/Elementary Education
Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, PA01.2001
Master’s Degree - Educational Administration
Kean University
Union, NJ01.2007
Certification
- New Jersey State Certifications: School Administrator
- New Jersey State Certifications: Supervisor & Principal
- New Jersey State Certification: Elementary Education
- New Jersey State Certification: Teacher of the Handicapped
Timeline
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Kinnelon Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
Principal
Hackettstown Public Schools
07.2020 - 06.2023
Assistant Principal
Hackettstown Public Schools
08.2017 - 06.2020
SLE/Transition Coordinator
Jefferson Township Public Schools
08.2012 - 06.2017
Special Education Teacher – Self-Contained, In-Class Support
Union Township Board of Education
09.2001 - 06.2012
Master’s Degree - Educational Administration
Kean University
Bachelor of Science - Special/Elementary Education
Saint Joseph’s University
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