Michele Riise
Valparaiso,IN
Summary
Well-qualified and goal-oriented Instructional Leader bringing 35 years of progressive experience in education. Service-oriented and relationship-driven with good administrative and customer service skills. Dedicated and motivated to increase student growth and achievement while demonstrating success in streamlining operations and increasing financial efficiency and stability. Excellent record of guiding leadership on successful district-wide strategic academic and financial plans. Skilled in managing and communicating with all stakeholders and ensuring board member relationships.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Asst. Sup. of Academics and HR & Operations
School City Of Hammond
Hammond, IN
07.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented district-wide initiatives to improve student learning outcomes.
- Provided guidance and support to building principals in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and data analysis.
- Collaborated with departments within the school district on instructional strategies that met the needs of all learners.
- Evaluated curricula, teaching methods and programs to determine effectiveness and compliance with local regulations.
- Led efforts to create a system-wide approach for analyzing student achievement data across grade levels.
- Created professional development plans for teachers and administrators to ensure alignment with curriculum standards.
Superintendent of Schools
Griffith Public Schools
Griffith, IN
10.2017 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and other stakeholders to create a safe learning environment for students.
- Oversaw construction projects related to school facilities as well as maintenance issues.
- Monitored student performance data to identify areas of improvement in teaching methods or curriculum design.
- Analyzed budgetary trends and allocated resources accordingly while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Facilitated communication between various departments within the school system.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the school district, including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.
- Developed and implemented district policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements.
- Supervised the development of curriculum for K-12 schools to ensure alignment with state standards and goals.
- Coordinated professional development activities for staff members at all levels within the district.
- Developed and maintained strong customer-focused relationships with stakeholders.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents and staff to facilitate school operations and student success.
Superintendent of Schools and Elementary Principal
Argos Community Schools
Argos, IN
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed and implemented district policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state laws, regulations, and accreditation requirements.
- Monitored student performance data to identify areas of improvement in teaching methods or curriculum design.
- Conducted annual evaluations of district personnel to maintain high standards of quality instruction.
- Analyzed budgetary trends and allocated resources accordingly while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and other stakeholders to create a safe learning environment for students.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the school district, including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.
- Supervised the development of curriculum for K-12 schools to ensure alignment with state standards and goals.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from parents or guardians regarding their children's academic progress.
- Monitored construction schedule to deliver highest quality product on time and within budget.
- Cultivated positive relationships with parents and staff to facilitate school operations and student success.
- Enforced school rules for attendance, discipline and honesty.
- Oversaw day-to-day work of classroom teachers, administrative staff and school personnel to expertly serve students' needs and meet district and state standards.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Facilitated staff meetings to convey policy changes and hear employee input.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Oversaw the implementation of state-mandated testing programs.
- Served as liaison between parents, community organizations, administrators, and teachers.
Director of Quality Programs/Special Education Dir
Plymouth Community School Corporation
Plymouth, IN
06.2012 - 12.2014
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
- Prepared presentations for board meetings summarizing key developments within the company.
- Met with stakeholders to address issues and implement solutions.
Principal
Plymouth Community School Corporation
Plymouth, IN
05.2004 - 06.2012
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Created an environment where all students feel valued regardless of their background or cultural identity.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that require additional resources or support.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.
- Oversaw school budgets, documented changes and tracked expenses to allocate and manage school funds.
- Developed positive relationships with school students, teachers and local community.
- Assessed current teaching methods and techniques used by staff members in order to provide feedback on their effectiveness.
- Organized regular meetings with faculty members to discuss issues related to instruction, assessment strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of school employees.
- Reviewed test scores from standardized tests administered at different grade levels in order to track academic progress over time.
- Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness.
- Oversaw afterschool programs and monitored activities for safe and encouraging learning environment.
- Collaborated with other schools within the district on special projects such as after-school programs or extracurricular activities.
- Directed the implementation of district initiatives such as Response to Intervention program, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports system and 1, 1 technology integration plan.
- Enforced school rules for attendance, discipline and honesty.
Principal/Title 1 Director
Eastern Pulaski School Corporation
Winamac, IN
01.1997 - 05.2004
- Guided and motivated staff to drive maximum performance.
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes and class orientation sessions.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle.
- Resolved various situations to cultivate strong student and parent relationships.
- Provided leadership for school clubs, athletics teams, and afterschool activities, ensuring that they are conducted safely and effectively.
- Responded promptly to any complaints from parents or guardians regarding their child's education.
- Collaborated with district leaders on initiatives such as budgeting, curriculum planning, personnel decisions.
- Oversaw the implementation of state-mandated testing programs.
- Facilitated communication between parents and guardians regarding academic performance or behavior issues.
- Enforced school rules for attendance, discipline and honesty.
Teacher
Twin Lakes School Corporation
Monticello, IN
07.1988 - 12.1997
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies among students.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.
- Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
- Prepared weekly newsletters for parents outlining upcoming assignments or events at school.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Received recognition for contributions to innovative concepts in classroom instruction.
Education
Director of Exceptional Learners -
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12-2011
Ed S - Educational Leadership
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN01-2010
Master of Science - Education Administration
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-1997
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Kind Endorsement
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-1988
Skills
- Organizational Management
- Community Engagement
- Stakeholder Communication
- Facilities Management
- Instructional Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Labor Relations
- Program implementation
- Continuous Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Fiscal planning
- Performance Improvements
- Relationship building and management
- Key decision making
Accomplishments
- Nominee for Superintendent of the Year for District 1
- "A" School District 2014 and 2015 - Argos Community Schools
- Washington Elementary School AYP 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004
- Title 1 Distinguished School 2009
- Washington Discovery Academy - Project Based Learning Elementary School
Professional Learning
- Project Based Learning/New Tech Network
- Graduation Pathways
- Work-based Learning
- Modern Classroom
- Artificial Intelligence in School Districts
- MTSS
- Continuous Improvement in Academics with a focus on student growth
- Curriculum Development and Assessment
- District Strategic Planning
- District Financial Planning
- District Professional Development
- SMART Strength Training
- Community Schools
Membership and Associations
IAPSS
ISBA
AASA
Valparaiso University Education Board
Ready NWI
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Asst. Sup. of Academics and HR & Operations
School City Of Hammond
07.2021 - Current
Superintendent of Schools
Griffith Public Schools
10.2017 - 07.2021
Superintendent of Schools and Elementary Principal
Argos Community Schools
01.2015 - 01.2017
Director of Quality Programs/Special Education Dir
Plymouth Community School Corporation
06.2012 - 12.2014
Principal
Plymouth Community School Corporation
05.2004 - 06.2012
Principal/Title 1 Director
Eastern Pulaski School Corporation
01.1997 - 05.2004
Teacher
Twin Lakes School Corporation
07.1988 - 12.1997
Director of Exceptional Learners -
Purdue University
Ed S - Educational Leadership
Purdue University
Master of Science - Education Administration
Purdue University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Kind Endorsement
Purdue University
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