Leaha Williams
Saint Joseph,Missouri
Summary
Empathetic lead teacher with progressive career in educational settings across all levels. Passionate professional delivering tools needed to promote success for students of all learning abilities. Developing teachers to improve performance and outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Building Administrator
State of Missouri- Department of Education
Jefferson City, MO
06.2022 - 02.2023
- Referred to student performance data to set educational goals and standards.
- Planned and led professional development activities for teachers, administrators and support staff.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Facilitated staff meetings to convey policy changes and hear employee input.
- Ensured compliance with all state and local regulations.
- Conducted regular reviews of student performance data.
- Recruited, hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents and staff to facilitate school operations and student success.
- Managed the budgeting process for the school.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of school employees.
- Observed teaching methods and examined learning materials to determine areas needing improvement.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers entering the profession.
- Investigated complaints from staff members or parents regarding any potential misconduct or safety concerns in the school building.
- Attended professional development conferences to stay abreast of educational trends.
- Developed platform for instructional practices design through data-driven decision-making.
- Engaged in frequent collaboration with other principals in the district.
Lead Teacher
Saint Joseph School District
Saint Joseph, MO
08.2019 - 07.2022
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
- Attended district meetings related to curriculum changes or initiatives.
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
- Conducted individualized academic interventions for struggling students as needed.
- Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
- Worked with teachers to design interactive lessons and increase student success.
- Utilized data-driven decision making processes to assess student progress, inform instruction, and monitor teaching effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with state standards by incorporating them into lesson plans.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Coached new teachers on school guidelines to decrease training time and increase teacher success.
- Assisted in developing evaluation tools such as rubrics or checklists for assessing student work.
- Enhanced lessons with smart board technology, iPads and computers to address common core goals.
- Arranged classrooms to facilitate optimal education for student groups.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers during their onboarding process.
Special Education Teacher
North Andrew School District
Rosendale, MO
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Collaborated with outside agencies providing services for students and families to deliver cohesive support.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Assisted with classroom observations to identify developmental delays and behavioral issues.
Career Transition Specialist
Leavenworth School District
Leavenworth , KS
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Evaluated training materials prepared by instructors and offered actionable suggestions for improvement.
- Suggested and offered specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Guided clients in learning to complete job tasks to develop motivation and skills.
- Supported participants to assist in achieving vocational and non-vocational goals.
- Worked collaboratively across departments and with various stakeholders to deliver comprehensive, effective training sessions.
- Prepared reports summarizing client data collected through surveys, interviews or focus groups.
- Worked with staff to develop, monitor and resolve skills training or vocational issues.
- Created and offered additional materials to enhance training.
Autism Specialist
Kansas City Public Schools
Kansas City, MO
01.2017 - 08.2018
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with autism spectrum disorder.
- Facilitated IEP meetings in collaboration with school personnel, parents and guardians, outside agencies and other professionals involved in the development of IEPs.
- Worked collaboratively with physical therapists and occupational therapists to ensure successful integration of therapy into classroom activities.
- Implemented various instructional approaches including visual supports, positive behavioral interventions and supports, functional behavior assessments, discrete trial training, task analyses, and errorless learning principles.
- Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Consulted regularly with special education administrators regarding program implementation and effectiveness.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Attended professional development sessions related to Autism Spectrum Disorder best practices.
Special Education Teacher
Savannah RIII
Savannah, MO
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Attended parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Maintained open communication with team members and stakeholders, resulting in successful project outcomes.
- Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Analyzed student data and prescribed remediation and enrichment to meet learning needs.
Special Education Teacher
Mid Buchanan School District
Faucett, MO
01.2008 - 05.2012
- Developed IEP to leverage developmental practices and educational theories to achieve educational objectives.
- Supported diverse student populations through equitable instructional design and programming.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Provided direct instruction to students with special needs in a variety of areas, including academics, behavior management and social skills.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Attended Individualized Education Program meetings with parents, teachers, administrators and outside service providers as needed.
- Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies designed to meet the unique needs of each student.
- Provided support for mainstreaming of special education students into regular classrooms when appropriate.
- Instructed students in standardized subjects as well as general learning strategies and skills for social development and character.
- Engaged in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
Special Education Teacher
Clarke Community School District
Osceola, IA
08.2007 - 01.2008
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Created a positive learning environment that encourages the development of social skills and self-esteem.
- Developed transition plans for students moving from one level or program to another or transitioning into postsecondary settings.
- Conducted assessments of student abilities to determine appropriate services and accommodations.
- Conferred with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies.
- Assisted in the implementation of behavior management systems for students as needed.
- Provided guidance and support to teachers, staff, parents, and administrators on best practices in educating students with disabilities.
Special Education Teacher
Saint Joseph School District
Saint Joseph, MO
03.2004 - 08.2007
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Created a positive learning environment that encourages the development of social skills and self-esteem.
- Developed transition plans for students moving from one level or program to another or transitioning into postsecondary settings.
- Conducted assessments of student abilities to determine appropriate services and accommodations.
- Assisted in the implementation of behavior management systems for students as needed.
- Coordinated testing activities such as administering standardized tests or completing formal evaluations when necessary.
- Supported classroom instruction by providing direct instruction when needed or co-teaching classes.
- Monitored progress of students with special needs through regular observations and data collection.
- Actively participated in school committees related to special education initiatives.
- Planned, directed and monitored instructional methods and content of educational and vocational programs.
Lead Teacher
High Roads of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph, MO
02.2023 - present
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
- Assisted fellow teachers with assignment development, special projects, tests, administrative updates, and grading.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Conducted individualized academic interventions for struggling students as needed.
- Coordinated professional development activities for teachers within the department.
- Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
- Worked with teachers to design interactive lessons and increase student success.
- Utilized data-driven decision making processes to assess student progress, inform instruction, and monitor teaching effectiveness.
- Completed teacher observations to identify areas for improvement and suggest changes to teaching methods.
Education
Specialist - District Administration
Park University
Kansas City07-2026
Master of Science - Leadership And Administration
Park University
Kansas City, MO07-2021
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MO05-2004
Skills
- Negotiation
- Decision-Making
- Performance Assessment
- Staff Management
- Customer Relations
- Relationship Building
- Critical Thinking
- Budget Preparation
- Staff Coordination
- Administrative Leadership
- Employee Motivation and Guidance
- Local and State Laws
Certification
- Certified in the State of Missouri in the areas of School Leader K-12,Elementary Education 1-6, and Special Education k-12
Timeline
Lead Teacher
High Roads of Saint Joseph
02.2023 - present
Building Administrator
State of Missouri- Department of Education
06.2022 - 02.2023
Lead Teacher
Saint Joseph School District
08.2019 - 07.2022
Special Education Teacher
North Andrew School District
08.2018 - 08.2019
Career Transition Specialist
Leavenworth School District
08.2017 - 08.2018
Autism Specialist
Kansas City Public Schools
01.2017 - 08.2018
Special Education Teacher
Savannah RIII
08.2012 - 08.2013
Special Education Teacher
Mid Buchanan School District
01.2008 - 05.2012
Special Education Teacher
Clarke Community School District
08.2007 - 01.2008
Special Education Teacher
Saint Joseph School District
03.2004 - 08.2007
Specialist - District Administration
Park University
Master of Science - Leadership And Administration
Park University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Missouri Western State University
- Certified in the State of Missouri in the areas of School Leader K-12,Elementary Education 1-6, and Special Education k-12
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