Lori McKellar
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Innovative educational leader with over a decade of experience in elementary instruction, curriculum design, and human resources administration. Skilled in implementing science-based literacy instruction, integrating inclusive STEAM practices, and fostering community partnerships. Committed to utilizing data-driven strategies to promote equitable outcomes and support collaborative teams in creating an inclusive environment for all students.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
STEAM Innovation Specialist & Instructional Leader
Giberson Elementary, Harrison SD 2
08.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded the design and school-wide rollout of an integrated STEAM curriculum to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and equity of access for diverse student groups.
- Facilitated job-embedded professional development and collaborative coaching for classroom teachers, enhancing integration of STEAM concepts across core content areas.
- Mentored staff on design-thinking models and structured project-based learning, fostering student resilience and a growth mindset.
- Designed interactive, hands-on learning labs, increasing student engagement across all grade levels.
Elementary Educator & Grade-Level Leader – 3rd Grade
Giberson Elementary, Harrison SD 2
08.2018 - 05.2024
- Led grade-level Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in analyzing assessment data to design targeted interventions and small-group instructional strategies.
- Established positive classroom management system grounded in proactive behavioral supports and culturally responsive instruction, fostering a conducive learning environment.
- Differentiated core instruction to meet needs of English language learners, students with IEPs, and gifted learners, promoting inclusive educational practices.
- Cultivated home-school partnerships through proactive outreach, family engagement events, and consistent communication, enhancing student support.
Elementary Educator & Data Facilitator – 4th Grade
French Elementary, Widefield SD 3
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Evaluated district and state assessment data to establish success criteria and set grade-level growth targets that informed instructional strategies.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by guiding students in personal goal-setting and self-monitoring of academic progress.
- Fostered inclusive learning environment by guiding students in personal goal-setting and self-monitoring, enhancing accountability for academic progress.
Benefits Administrator & Human Resources Specialist
SI International
09.2005 - 01.2009
- Managed personnel policies and benefits programs for 2,000 employees, ensuring regulatory compliance with state and federal guidelines.
- Collaborated in cross-functional executive integration teams to align operational workflows and policies during subsidiary acquisitions.
- Administered employee benefits enrollment, eligibility changes, and life event processing with consistent data accuracy.
- Coordinated open enrollment activities, communicating plan updates and supporting employees through selection decisions.
- Resolved benefits inquiries regarding medical, dental, vision, retirement, and leave programs.
Education
Master of Science -
University of Colorado
Colorado SpringsMaster of Science - Human Resource Management
Troy University
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University of Colorado
Colorado Springs05-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Music
University of New Mexico
05-1998
Skills
- Literacy instruction expertise
- Data analysis skills
- Culturally responsive education
- Customer relations
- Expert problem solving
- Analytical thinking
- Project-based learning
- Human capital leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
Affiliations
- Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) – Member
- National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) – Member
- Science of Reading & Foundational Literacy Training – Focus on Systematic & Explicit Instruction
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) Professional Development
Certification
Colorado Initial Principal License (In Progress / Eligible), Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Professional Elementary Education Teaching License (Grades K–6), Colorado Department of Education
Timeline
STEAM Innovation Specialist & Instructional Leader
Giberson Elementary, Harrison SD 2
08.2024 - Current
Elementary Educator & Grade-Level Leader – 3rd Grade
Giberson Elementary, Harrison SD 2
08.2018 - 05.2024
Elementary Educator & Data Facilitator – 4th Grade
French Elementary, Widefield SD 3
08.2016 - 05.2018
Benefits Administrator & Human Resources Specialist
SI International
09.2005 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Music
University of New Mexico
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University of Colorado
Master of Science - Human Resource Management
Troy University
Master of Science -
University of Colorado