Melissa Knowles
Wilbraham,MA
Summary
I am a detail-oriented team player with a passion for educational excellence with a deep understanding of effective teaching strategies. Dedicated to educational excellence, I foster a culture of continuous improvement. I possess strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Throughout the years, I've implemented site based visits in school and district and analyzed and evaluated data to inform best practices. As a systems thinker, I have extensive experience creating and establishing data teams at various schools led to implementations of best practices for continuous improvement. Through this work, I have also established school and district systems for cycles of progress monitoring with focus on subgroups. My biggest accomplishment is leading and underperforming school through turnaround initiatives using data, best practices, standards based instruction, assessment and evaluation with success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Ludlow Public Schools
07.2011 - Current
- Principal of Veterans Park Elementary School (10 years), Harris Brook Elementary School (1 year) and Paul R Baird Middle School (2 years)
- Enhanced school performance by implementing strategic plans and collaborating with fellow administrators.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Implemented data teams to analyze multiple sets of data and progress monitoring systems to improved student outcomes
- Utilized multiple data points, including MCAS, NWEA, and the Student Outcome Comparison Tool Heat Map to analyze gaps and targets in subgroups
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning that improved student engagement and achievement levels based on data
- Spearheaded successful grant applications for mathematics leading to increased funding for various school initiatives.
- Successfully championed technology integration in classrooms to increase efficiency in lesson delivery while also preparing students for the digital age.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and building operations.
- Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Ludlow Public Schools
08.2004 - 06.2011
- Improved reading comprehension skills by implementing guided reading groups and literature circles.
- Enhanced students'' mathematical abilities through hands-on activities and real-world examples.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enriching the overall learning experience for students.
- Provided individualized support for struggling learners, fostering a growth mindset and boosting confidence in their abilities.
- Designed differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and ensure all students were engaged.
- Established high expectations for both academic achievement and behavior, inspiring students to reach their goals while upholding school values.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
Education
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study - Educational Administration
American International College
Springfield, MA05.2011
Master of Arts - Special Education
Springfield College
Springfield, MA05.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Saint Michaels College
Colchester, VT05.2004
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Student Performance Data Analysis
- School wide data collection to inform best practices for improvement
- Professional Development Planning
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Instructional Methods Development
- Multitasking ability
- Strategic leadership
- Staff Management and Supervision
- Organizational Management
- Systems Thinker and Creator
- Curriculum Development
- Data-Driven Instruction
- School Improvements Planning
- Strong knowledge of Massachusetts Standards and standards based instruction
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Excel
Certification
- Licensed MA Elementary Teacher 1-6
- Licensed MA Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
- Licensed MA Administrator, Principal PreK-6, 5-8
- Sheltered English Immersion Endorsed, Administrator
Timeline
Principal
Ludlow Public Schools
07.2011 - Current
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Ludlow Public Schools
08.2004 - 06.2011
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study - Educational Administration
American International College
Master of Arts - Special Education
Springfield College
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Saint Michaels College
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