Lisa Kozaczka Hicks
Holden,MA
Summary
Strategic Educational Leader and District Instructional Coach with over 25 years of dedicated service to the Worcester Public Schools. A champion for diversity and multilingual learners, offering a unique perspective as a former English Language Learner and fluent Polish speaker. Proven expertise in instructional coaching, Title III compliance, and data-driven school improvement. Combines deep institutional knowledge of the Flagg Street community with high-level business operations experience in fiscal management and facility oversight.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Adjunct Instructor / RETELL Facilitator
Worcester State University & WPS
Worcester, MA
10.2025 - Current
- Graduate-Level Instruction: Facilitate the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement course for educators and administrators, providing rigorous, graduate-credit instruction on state-mandated pedagogical frameworks.
- Academic Assessment: Evaluate educator performance and mastery of SEI standards, ensuring all candidates meet the linguistic and instructional requirements for state licensure.
Multilingual Education District Coach
Worcester Public Schools
Worcester, MA
03.2020 - Current
- Co-developed and facilitated job-embedded professional development and PLCs for ESL/SEI teachers.
- Data-Driven Strategy: Partnered with principals to assess PD needs and assisted administration in analyzing student achievement data to inform instructional strategies.
- Compliance and Operational Oversight: Supported building principals to ensure ESL schedules met DOJ compliance; managed invoices and budgets for MLE after-school, summer, and community events.
- Special Education and Diversity Intersection: Facilitate DOJ-mandated training on the Intersection of ESL and Special Education; serve as core team member for SPED/MLE curriculum for students with severe disabilities.
- Teacher Mentorship and Evaluation: Supervise and evaluate ESL teacher candidates from Worcester State University in accordance with state regulations; mentor educators to promote high expectations for ELD.
- Fostered collaboration with community to promote educational programs: Launched Worcester Dual Language Magnet School through family functions and community celebrations; co-led partnership with Worcester Public Library to develop bilingual reading sessions for diverse learners.
- Strategic Committee Leadership: Active member of the Vision of a Learner, Curriculum Alignment, and Learning Journey Sub-Committees, contributing to the district’s long-term strategic roadmap.
- Professional Representation: Represent WPS in the MA DESE SLIFE Community of Practice and statewide meetings; contribute to MLE District Taskforce discussions on strategic initiatives.
ESL Teacher
Worcester Public Schools
Worcester, MA
08.2007 - 06.2020
- Leveraged 21 years of expertise to design and implement hands-on, differentiated ESL frameworks, significantly improving district-wide English proficiency and academic growth across diverse learner populations.
- Developed strategic partnerships with administrators, faculty, and families to align instructional strategies, monitor student progress, and promote a district-wide culture of multicultural awareness.
Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Worcester Public Schools
Worcester, MA
01.1999 - 06.2007
- Engineered and implemented diverse, standards-aligned curricula and integrated lesson frameworks, enhancing student engagement and academic outcomes district-wide.
- Established classroom management systems and conflict-resolution programs that fostered student self-esteem, critical thinking, and a positive learning culture.
Title III Implementation Coach (Acting)
Elm Park Community School
Worcester, MA
08.2006 - 12.2006
- Teacher Capacity Building: Facilitated professional development sessions empowering educators to deliver rigorous, standards-based core instruction, achieving compliance with Title III federal benchmarks.
- Instructional Leadership: Provided comprehensive coaching across all core subject areas, focusing on high-quality instructional practices, lesson design, and student engagement strategies.
Education
ESL Certificate -
School For International Training
Brattleboro, VT01-2007
Master of Arts - Elementary Education: Literacy
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA01-2005
Elementary Education Teacher Certification -
Worcester State College
Worcester, MA01-1998
Bachelor of Arts - Dual Major: Political Science And English
Assumption University
Worcester, MA01-1996
Skills
- Leadership & Culture: Self-motivated with a high degree of personal responsibility; dedicated to cultivating a school environment rooted in respect, patience, and a willingness to support staff and students wherever needed
- Instructional Expertise: Core Instructional Coaching, ESL/SEI Frameworks, WIDA 2020 Standards, Title III/DOJ Compliance, Curriculum Design, and Leadership Development
- Communication & Collaboration: Bilingual (English/Polish); values transparent consensus-building and collaborative guidance to resolve high-stakes conflict and engage the community
- Operations & Project Management: Adaptable in navigating new work conditions and complex building challenges; proficient in Project Management, Budget Forecasting, Asset Management, and Facility Safety
Certification
Massachusetts DESE License in Administrator, Principal/Assistant Principal, PreK-8
Strategic Business Operations & Management
Principal / Property Manager | Worcester | 1999 – Present
- Financial & Asset Management: Direct all fiscal operations for a portfolio of residential properties, including budget forecasting, capital improvement planning, and tax compliance.
- Operational Oversight: Manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations for facility maintenance, ensuring all assets meet state safety and habitability codes.
- Conflict Resolution & Law: Navigate complex housing regulations and legal requirements, utilizing high-level mediation and problem-solving skills to resolve tenant and property issues.
Prior Business Experience
Prior Business Ownership [Worcester]
Successfully owned and operated independent retail and service businesses, managing all personnel, inventory logistics, and daily financial reporting.
Languages
Polish
Professional
Timeline
Adjunct Instructor / RETELL Facilitator
Worcester State University & WPS
10.2025 - Current
Multilingual Education District Coach
Worcester Public Schools
03.2020 - Current
ESL Teacher
Worcester Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2020
Title III Implementation Coach (Acting)
Elm Park Community School
08.2006 - 12.2006
Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Worcester Public Schools
01.1999 - 06.2007
ESL Certificate -
School For International Training
Master of Arts - Elementary Education: Literacy
Lesley University
Elementary Education Teacher Certification -
Worcester State College
Bachelor of Arts - Dual Major: Political Science And English
Assumption University