Lisa Zielinski
Summary
Relationship-driven Dean of Students focused on maximizing student learning by developing positive student culture and structured, supportive environments. Excellent disciplinarian with compassionate, analytical approach to addressing and solving behavior issues. Skilled in overseeing daily activities and planning special events.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Dean of Students
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2021 - Current
- Oversaw disciplinary processes with fairness and consistency while adhering to institutional policies.
- Served as a liaison between students, parents, faculty, and administration to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts.
- Supervise the Dean's Office, managing Deans and Dean assistants, and the attendance office. Oversee school attendance, ensuring accurate records and addressing attendance issues promptly.
- Enforce clear, school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff, improve student behavior, and help teachers manage classroom environments.
- Handle all student reviews, address disciplinary issues, and liaise with the Archdiocese of Miami for further actions.
- Monitor and improve overall student punctuality and attendance rates.
- Conducted thorough interviews to select and hire two new Deans who aligned with the values and standards of our institution.
- Evaluated candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and alignment with our mission and provided comprehensive training sessions to the newly hired Deans, covering office protocols, administrative procedures, and institutional expectations.
- Work closely with the police department on school behavior and security issues, fostering a safe learning environment.
- Serve on the school security team, monitoring security before and after school, and ensuring the safety of students and faculty.
- Provided leadership in crisis management situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members.
Dean of Students
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2015 - 06.2021
- Enforced comprehensive school-wide disciplinary procedures, enhancing overall student behavior and supporting teachers in classroom management.
- Addressed individual student behavior issues with a compassionate, analytical approach, ensuring fair and consistent discipline.
- Led initiatives to boost student attendance and punctuality through effective parent engagement strategies, resulting in improved attendance rates.
- Implemented consistent uniform policies for male and female students, aiming to increase uniform compliance.
Assistant Athletic Director
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2010 - Current
- Oversaw scheduling of competitions, practices, and facilities usage to maximize efficiency and optimize resources.
- Monitored academic progress of student-athletes by working closely with academic advisors to ensure eligibility requirements were met consistently.
- Promoted academic excellence by founding the National Athletic Honor Society chapter.
Health and Physical Education Department Chair
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2009 - Current
- Managed curriculum and instructional plans to ensure state compliance.
- Administered summer school programs, including facility scheduling and course material implementation.
- Performed teacher observations of all faculty in the Physical Education Department
- Represented the Physical Education Department in school-wide meetings.
- Integrated instructional technologies for both in-class and online delivery.
- Mentored department staff.
- Planned and executed professional development sessions for department faculty and staff.
- Optimized course scheduling processes to maximize enrollment numbers while meeting student needs efficiently.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities, allocating resources effectively to meet departmental needs and goals.
Physical Education Teacher
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.1988 - 06.2015
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports, and safety.
- Encouraged students to set and achieve fitness goals to develop sense of accomplishment.
- Prepared lesson plans to teach age-appropriate exercises in alignment with school curriculum.
- Educated on health and wellness education to help students develop holistic understanding and incorporate in everyday life.
- Created a safe and inclusive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations for behavior and respect among students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Head Women's Volleyball Coach
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.1988 - Current
- Led the varsity volleyball team to 7 state championships, 15 regional championships, and 30 district titles.
- Inducted to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, 2024.
- Inducted into the Broward County Athletic Hall of Fame 2015.
- Achieved a career record of 872-190, a .839 winning percentage.
- Placed over 85 players into collegiate volleyball programs nationwide.
- Maintained strong community and media relations to support the volleyball program.
- Established a supportive environment that encouraged growth, accountability, sportsmanship among players.
Head Women's Tennis Coach
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.1988 - 06.1991
- Coached established tennis players in advanced game techniques and competition strategies.
- Oversaw practices and regular season play, maximizing team performance through strategic player assignments.
Education
Master of Science - Physical Education
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NYMaster of Science - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR12.2023
Skills
- Parental Communication
- Crisis Management
- Personnel Management
- Behavioral Management
- Discipline
- Training and mentoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Cultural Competency
- Student and parent relations
- Policy Implementation
Timeline
Lead Dean of Students
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2021 - Current
Dean of Students
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2015 - 06.2021
Assistant Athletic Director
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2010 - Current
Health and Physical Education Department Chair
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.2009 - Current
Physical Education Teacher
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.1988 - 06.2015
Head Women's Volleyball Coach
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.1988 - Current
Head Women's Tennis Coach
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
08.1988 - 06.1991
Master of Science - Physical Education
Ithaca College
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Arkansas State University
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