Mary Katherine Ross
Pembroke Pines,FL
Summary
Organization-Wide Leader, including grade, department, school, and organizational leadership roles. A visionary leader with the initiative and drive to make the vision a reality.
Program Developer, including implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme through candidacy, authorization and reauthorization. Author of several iterations of Science Instructional Focus Calendars and Benchmark Exams. Standards-based, data-driven decision-maker with the ability to reflect and adapt practice based on various types of feedback.
Mentor and Trainer, including one-one-one and group mentorship and evaluation. Instructional coach who uses a growth mindset and effective communication to build positive relationships with all school stakeholders.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Coordinator
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2016 - Current
- Used the International Baccalaureate Standards and Practices to develop a program of rigorous instruction and assessment aligned with the IB Philosophy
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive professional development plan for approximately 30 teachers, including backwards planning, interdisciplinary unit planning, and creating and grading authentic assessments with standardized rubrics
- Lead Middle Years Programme Faculty Meetings, Year Level Meetings, and Subject Group Curriculum Meetings
- Developed the IB Ambassadors program placing student leadership in the forefront of the Middle Years Programme
Inservice Facilitator
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2015 - Current
- Created proposals for 13 Professional Learning Communities annually, monitored the approval, registration and in-service point award process for approximately 100 teachers.
- Coordinated activities and progress with 10-13 Professional Learning Community Facilitators.
- Established attendance procedures and records-keeping guidelines for campus and organizational professional learning communities.
Teacher Mentor
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2014 - Current
- Guided teachers in establishing classroom behavior plans, developing effective lesson planning practices, using data to inform instruction and create effective assessments.
- Coached teachers in developing positive relationships with students and parents, developing effective communication strategies, and problem-solving academic and behavior issues.
- Provided observational feedback to teachers in order to help them improve classroom management and overall instructional effectiveness.
Teacher & Team Leader
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2013 - Current
- Promoted a love for science by integrating engaging inquiry-based activities into daily lessons, sparking curiosity and critical thinking skills among students.
- Assessed student progress regularly through various evaluation methods, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to improve understanding.
- Provided individualized support for diverse learners by implementing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to each student''s unique needs and abilities.
- Developed standards-based curriculum maps for use by science teachers on all Franklin Academy campuses
- Planned and led science team meetings to ensure pacing and consistency of instruction among team members
- Initiated, planned, and facilitated afterschool camp to provide additional instruction based on benchmark assessment data.
National Junior Honor Society Chapter Founder and Advisor
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2013 - 08.2023
- Used national guidelines to establish the Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society
- Facilitated the selection and induction of new members to the Chapter
- Guided Chapter in various service projects benefitting the school and community.
Math Teacher/Advisor
PACE Center For Girls
05.2012 - 12.2012
- Mentored and supported struggling students through targeted one-on-one tutoring sessions, leading to increased confidence and success in mathematics.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
Teacher
Achievement First Endeavor Middle School
07.2008 - 05.2012
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Advised and counseled students to help them develop skills and knowledge required to succeed.
Teacher
Pioneer Middle School
07.2005 - 07.2008
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
Substitute Teacher (Grades 2-11)
Broward County Public Schools
01.2005 - 06.2005
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Clemson University
Clemson, SC12.1998
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Wofford College
Spartanburg, SC05.1997
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Curriculum Development
- Strategic Planning
- Decision Making
- Program Evaluation
- Project Management
- Team Building
- Professional Learning
- Data Analysis
- Staff Development
- Technology Integration
- Community Engagement
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Coordinator
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2016 - Current
Inservice Facilitator
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2015 - Current
Teacher Mentor
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2014 - Current
Teacher & Team Leader
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2013 - Current
National Junior Honor Society Chapter Founder and Advisor
Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8
01.2013 - 08.2023
Math Teacher/Advisor
PACE Center For Girls
05.2012 - 12.2012
Teacher
Achievement First Endeavor Middle School
07.2008 - 05.2012
Teacher
Pioneer Middle School
07.2005 - 07.2008
Substitute Teacher (Grades 2-11)
Broward County Public Schools
01.2005 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Clemson University
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Wofford College
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