Michelle Astwood
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Well-rounded and dynamic education administrator with expertise in curriculum planning and development. Exercises honed competencies in development, implementation and execution of performance-enhancing programs. Offers student-focused, dynamic communication skills. Experience leading school administration and driving test scores through proven education methods.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of School
BASIS Charter Schools
06.2018 - Current
- Observe, supervise, and evaluate faculty in development and implementation of curriculum, including development of master schedule, teaching assignments, and student classes and schedules.
- Ensure compliance with all legal educational requirements of government regulations and agencies.
- Manage student recruitment and retention.
- Oversee academic guidance, grading, and standards for student assessment.
- Support faculty in classroom management, instructional methods, and school procedures.
- Facilitate opportunities for staff to exchange information and ideas to ensure school climate that is supportive with high morale.
- Lead school Annual Teacher Fund campaign as designated spokesperson.
- Help teachers develop and diversify instruction to better serve students of different skill levels and backgrounds.
- Develop strategies to improve student behavior school-wide and help teachers better manage classroom environments.
- Managed assemblies to recognize student achievement.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
Director Of Academic Programs
BASIS Scottsdale Primary East
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Supported and monitored curriculum and assessment coordination.
- Focused on student data analysis and management.
- Organized and reviewed results of assessments.
- Audited and monitored teacher grade books.
- Managed report card printing and distribution.
- Managed construction of student, course, bell, and teacher schedules.
- Supported teachers with curriculum and instruction through Craft Coaching.
- Guided and supported faculty and staff in development of new programs.
- Developed and implemented student success initiatives to recognize and encourage achievement.
Learning Expert Teacher
BASIS Scottsdale Primary East
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Created lesson plans to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
First/Second Grade ELA Teacher
Milestones Charter School
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Encouraged independent thought, good judgment and expression of original ideas.
- Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
- Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules and language skills.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
Fifth Grade Teacher
Sawyer Road Elementary School
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Received the Most Outstanding New Employee Award for the school in a district-wide ceremony
- Assisted in writing the ELA curriculum for the district using Lucy Calkins's Writer's Workshop.
- Instilled and implemented the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophies into daily teaching by encouraging and challenging students to achieve and excel both academically and personally in their studies.
- Used various methods such as oral presentation, workshops, and discussion to provide instruction to individual students and class.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
Third Grade Lead Teacher
Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School
07.2012 - 07.2014
- Used professional teaching skills to assist students in achieving optimum development of skills and mastery of knowledge identified by Fulton County and the state of Georgia by conducting assigned subject matter and grade level instruction.
- Established an instructional plan that is compatible with the school and system-wide curricular goals.
- Designed and implemented lesson plans for reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies that exceed Georgia State Standards to result in increased student scores on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT).
- Maintained a cohesive learning environment that motivates students to learn.
- Attended and participated in weekly team leader meetings and staff meetings to enhance the professional learning communities' model.
- Utilized and integrated technology into the learning process in all subject areas.
Assistant Principal
Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School
07.2011 - 07.2012
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Coordinated and supervised school activities with the Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO).
- Organized supervision of the cafeteria, transportation, and after school activities for students.
- Assisted in revising the school charter to meet the needs of our school population.
- Served as the acting principal in the absence of the school principal.
Fourth Grade Lead Teacher
Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School
07.2010 - 07.2011
- Planned, organized and presented information and instruction which helped students learn subject matter and skills that contributed to their educational and social development.
- Created an environment with high standards in learning, creativity, and personal growth based on student learning styles.
- Evaluated academic and social growth of students and kept appropriate records and assessment data.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
Third Grade, Sixth Grade, Kindergarten Teacher
The Wood Acres School
08.2005 - 06.2010
- Created and designed lesson plans using the Understanding by Design Model (UbD) that fostered individual learning styles and promoted student mastery in all curriculum areas.
- Instructed students using LabLearner, a unique hands-on science program.
- Expanded the range of learning through whole class, individual instruction, small group instruction, and cooperative learning groups.
- Utilized and integrated technology into the learning process in all subject areas.
- Taught Economics and Etymology to sixth grade students.
- Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to maximize student learning.
- Utilized SMART Board technology to promote interactive learning.
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Assisted in the school accreditation process.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching and Learning, Elementary Reading
Nova Southeastern University
2014
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Georgia State University
2005
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Staff Development
- Team Collaboration
- Strategic leadership
- Staff Management
- Relationship building and networking
- Prioritization
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
- Community Engagement
Certification
- Certified Elementary Education, K-8-State of Arizona
Timeline
Head of School
BASIS Charter Schools
06.2018 - Current
Director Of Academic Programs
BASIS Scottsdale Primary East
06.2017 - 06.2018
Learning Expert Teacher
BASIS Scottsdale Primary East
07.2016 - 06.2017
First/Second Grade ELA Teacher
Milestones Charter School
07.2015 - 07.2016
Fifth Grade Teacher
Sawyer Road Elementary School
07.2014 - 07.2015
Third Grade Lead Teacher
Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School
07.2012 - 07.2014
Assistant Principal
Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School
07.2011 - 07.2012
Fourth Grade Lead Teacher
Fulton Sunshine Academy Elementary School
07.2010 - 07.2011
Third Grade, Sixth Grade, Kindergarten Teacher
The Wood Acres School
08.2005 - 06.2010
Master of Arts - Teaching and Learning, Elementary Reading
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Georgia State University