Lenae Ray, M.Ed
Austin
Summary
Instructional Designer with over 4+ years of experience in e-learning and curriculum development for wide variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Offering insightful analysis of content and design to create value-added learning programs that achieve desired business outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Master Teacher
Stellar Virtual
11.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented innovative virtual curriculum enhancing student engagement.
- Mentored fellow educators in best practices for online instruction and classroom management.
- Analyzed student performance data to refine instructional strategies and improve learning outcomes.
- Fostered inclusive learning environments by adapting materials for diverse learner needs.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment that encouraged critical thinking skills by implementing inquiry-based instructional approaches.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding and retention.
Middle School Testing Coordinator
Del Valle Independent School District
Del Valle, TX
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Managed all high-stakes testing activities, including STAAR, TELPAS, and NAEP exams, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Increased test administration efficiency by 15%, measured through reduced testing time and fewer administrative errors.
- Collaborated with core teachers and campus LPACs to enhance instructional practices for Emergent Bilingual students, improving targeted instruction by 10%.
Creative Writing Curriculum Developer
Breakthrough Central Austin
Austin, TX
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Designed a creative writing curriculum for grades 6-9, focusing on self-exploration and cultural responsiveness.
- Improved student engagement by 20%, as measured by classroom participation and creative writing submissions.
- Collaborated with educators to integrate interdisciplinary approaches (folklore, music, poetry) and trained teachers for curriculum delivery.
Curriculum Developer, Teacher Humanities
Liberal Arts & Science Academy
Austin, TX
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Reimagined the 10th-grade Humanities curriculum, integrating real-world learning and culturally responsive teaching.
- Increased student interest in complex societal themes by 30%, based on student surveys.
- Developed instructional resources that aligned with diverse student interests, fostering deeper connections to content.
- Collaborated with faculty to revise benchmark lessons and address curriculum gaps.
Instructional Coach
Breakthrough Central Texas
Austin, TX
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Led the development of a vertically aligned creative writing curriculum, emphasizing identity, culture, and literacy.
- Trained 20 teachers in curriculum implementation, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate from professional development feedback.
- Coached teachers to improve instructional practices through modeling and reflective teaching strategies.
ELAR Coach, RTI Coordinator & Facilitator
Decker Middle School
Manor, TX
08.2018 - 07.2022
- Designed instructional frameworks that supported diverse student needs, particularly through RTI and AVID practices.
- Improved reading proficiency rates by 15% through targeted interventions and culturally responsive teaching.
- Led curriculum development for grade-level teams, ensuring vertical alignment and differentiated instruction.
- Facilitated professional development for teachers on data-driven strategies, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness by 25%.
Curriculum Designer
Manor Independent School District
Manor, TX
07.2021 - 09.2021
- Designed a culturally relevant secondary ELAR curriculum aimed at vertical alignment and accelerated learning.
- Boosted student mastery levels by 18%, tracked through standardized assessments.
- Developed teacher training materials and delivered workshops on effective curriculum implementation.
- Collaborated with colleagues in developing benchmark lessons and identifying curriculum needs of faculty.
- Teamed with subject matter experts in evaluation and revision of training tools in order to continually improve learning platforms.
4th Grade English/Social Studies Teacher
Texas Empowerment Academy
Austin, TX
08.2016 - 07.2018
- Created differentiated lesson plans focused on culturally responsive content to enhance student engagement.
- Improved student performance by 12%, as reflected in formative assessments.
- Utilized student data to continuously refine instructional materials and ensure alignment with diverse learning needs.
Education
Masters of Education - Educational Leadership
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - English & Creative Writing
University of North Texas
Denton, TX07-2010
Skills
- Curriculum alignment
- Collaborative learning
- Teaching strategies
- Curriculum implementation
- Teacher training
- Project-based learning
Timeline
Master Teacher
Stellar Virtual
11.2024 - Current
Middle School Testing Coordinator
Del Valle Independent School District
08.2023 - 11.2023
Creative Writing Curriculum Developer
Breakthrough Central Austin
01.2023 - 08.2023
Curriculum Developer, Teacher Humanities
Liberal Arts & Science Academy
08.2022 - 05.2023
Instructional Coach
Breakthrough Central Texas
06.2022 - 08.2022
Curriculum Designer
Manor Independent School District
07.2021 - 09.2021
ELAR Coach, RTI Coordinator & Facilitator
Decker Middle School
08.2018 - 07.2022
4th Grade English/Social Studies Teacher
Texas Empowerment Academy
08.2016 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Arts - English & Creative Writing
University of North Texas
Masters of Education - Educational Leadership
Texas State University
Skills Overview
- Exceptional instructional design strategist with the ability to create learner-centered, data-driven curricula and training programs that improve educator performance and student outcomes, ensuring inclusivity and adaptability for diverse audiences.
- Effective e-learning and curriculum developer demonstrated by designing interactive and engaging digital learning experiences, ensuring alignment with educational goals and enhancing the adaptability and scalability of instructional content.
- Influential training and onboarding leader with expertise in facilitating professional development sessions, utilizing multimedia and technology to train educators and staff in the implementation of new instructional tools and techniques.
- Thorough data analyst and continuous improvement advocate, leveraging learning analytics to assess instructional effectiveness, identify gaps, and refine learning experiences for optimized engagement and mastery.
Project Achievements & Impacts
Thanked in July 2023 by Chief Executives at Breakthrough for designing a culturally responsive creative writing curriculum that was implemented across four different sites. Trained teachers and instructional coaches, supporting Emergent Bilingual students and those struggling with reading comprehension, while highlighting diverse backgrounds.
Applauded in May 2021 by District Level Curriculum Coordinators and Middle School Principals at Manor ISD for developing a cohesive and rigorous middle school ELAR curriculum, resulting in a 15% increase in classroom engagement and standardized test performance across all middle school campuses in the district.
Congratulated in December 2019 by the District Curriculum Department and Campus Administration at Decker Middle School for creating a culturally responsive curriculum that boosted student benchmark performance by 20%, elevating students from approaching to mastering standards.
Areas of Expertise
- Instructional Design & Technology
- Curriculum Development
- Professional Development & Training
- Data-Driven Instructional Strategies
- Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
- E-Learning Development
- New Employee Mentorship
- Vertical Curriculum Alignment
- Assessment Coordination and Compliance
- Project-Based Learning Design
Technical Tools
Google Suite
Google Classroom
Pear Deck
Flipgrid
Padlet
Microsoft Suite
Nearpod
Canva
Capcut
Socrative
Classkick
Zoom
TikTok