Teacher of the Year and Level 5 educator recognized for excellence in developing individualized lesson plans that promote holistic growth across diverse age groups. Demonstrates a strong commitment to a student-centered approach, consistently achieving high levels of student success. Experienced in mentoring fellow educators by sharing best practices and fostering a collaborative teaching environment. Aiming to continue enhancing educational outcomes through innovative teaching strategies and leadership.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher, K-2 Math Lead
Warner Elementary
Nashville, TN
10.2021 - Current
Facilitated ongoing team meetings to evaluate student achievements
Coached teachers in effective instructional techniques, including scaffolding activities to promote student engagement
Delivered professional development sessions on effective mathematics teaching strategies
Applied the Pyramid Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Model to enhance students' emotional intelligence and social skills, creating a nurturing classroom environment that supported academic and personal growth
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: From Fall 2023 to Winter 2024, the Kindergarten class grew from 43% on or above grade level in ELA to 80%, and from 64% on or above grade level in Math to 93%.
Elementary Math Independent Contractor
Leap Consulting
, Remote
01.2024 - 06.2024
Consolidated resources to create succinct and accurate teacher guides
Identified opportunities for process improvement within the organization.
Collaboratively assessed and scored 50+ graduate student submissions, ensuring consistent and fair evaluation standards [In the Fall 2023 school year graduate student survey, 93% of graduate students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'Professor Gillis communicates clearly.']
Efficiently handled clerical tasks to support the lead professor, contributing to the smooth functioning of the academic department. [In the Fall 2023 school year graduate student survey, 100% of graduate students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'Professor Gillis works well as a team with the course professor.']
Produced model videos and exemplar work samples, offering valuable resources to enhance student understanding and proficiency in coursework. [In the Fall 2023 school year graduate student survey, 93% of graduate students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'Professor Gillis displays knowledge of the material.']
Facilitated Praxis Workshops in Math and Social Studies. [100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'I received sufficient support from the instructor and/or my peers in this workshop.' 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'As a result of this workshop, I feel more confident in how I will perform on my exam.']
Kindergarten ELA Independent Contractor
StrongMind
, Remote
09.2023 - 12.2023
Created dynamic grammar and phonics worksheets based on The Science of Reading methodology
Created rigorous evaluation tools to gauge mastery of essential topics
Optimized processes by leveraging skills in Helios, SharePoint, and Bynder
Dean of Kindergarten-2nd Grade Math and Science
East End Prep
Nashville, TN
06.2019 - 10.2021
Presented math and science curriculum training sessions
Delivered weekly constructive feedback on lesson plans and materials for eighteen teachers
Led teacher meetings aimed at refining instructional methods through data analysis
Facilitated regular check-ins using structured see it, name it, do it framework
Advanced teaching skills of two seasoned educators from proficient to advanced rubric in a single semester
5th Grade Math Teacher, Mentor Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher
Nashville Classical Charter School
Nashville, TN
05.2015 - 06.2019
Conducted professional development sessions on classroom management and academic topics.
Observed and evaluated student-teacher performance in the classroom
Effectively mentored edTPA for successful educator development
Established a founding grade vision aligned with school values.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: In 2017/2018 school year, grew 96% of Kindergarteners to on or above grade level in reading, 2018/2019 school year 71% of class of 5th graders scored meeting or exceeding expectations on TN Ready, with 0 students scoring below expectations
Education
MASTER'S DEGREE - MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING
Relay Graduate School of Education
05-2018
BACHELOR'S DEGREE - BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
05-2014
Skills
Science of Reading
Diverse Learning Techniques
Expertise in Instructional Design
Emotional Intelligence Development
Certification
499 ELEMENTARY K-6, Professional License
440 Middle Grades 4-8, Professional License
Professional Development
Science of Reading Training, 2022
CPI Certification, 2019, 2021
Accomplishments
Teacher of the Year (2024-2025)
Level 5 Educator (2022-2023, 2023-2024)
Affiliations
Social Emotional/Cultural Bias Training Speaker, 2019, 2020, 2021