Natalie McHugh
Philadelphia
Summary
Visionary, literacy-focused educational leader with over a decade of building-level administrative experience and an active PK-12 Principal certification. Currently serving as Assistant Principal in the School District of Philadelphia, demonstrating a proven track record of driving academic excellence and closing achievement gaps through data-informed instructional leadership, teacher mentorship, and strategic curriculum design. Expertise as a certified Reading Specialist is leveraged to foster equitable, high-performing learning environments that prioritize student success. Skilled in cultivating collaborative school-community cultures, leading restorative behavioral initiatives, and managing complex urban school operations to support diverse student growth.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Southwark School – School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
10.2015 - Current
- School Administration & Operations: Partner with the Principal to oversee daily operations, instructional leadership, and school safety for a diverse PK-8 urban school community.
- Instructional Leadership & Literacy: Leverage Reading Specialist expertise to spearhead school-wide literacy frameworks, align curriculum with state standards, and drive measurable growth in reading proficiency metrics.
- Data-Driven Strategy: Analyze school-wide diagnostic data and standardized performance metrics to implement targeted, tiered academic interventions, effectively closing achievement gaps in underperforming student demographics.
- Teacher Mentorship & Evaluation: Observe, evaluate, and coach instructional staff using the district-approved framework, providing actionable feedback to directly improve instructional quality and foster a culture of continuous professional growth.
- School Climate & Behavioral Supports: Oversee positive school climate initiatives and restorative practice frameworks, resulting in a measurable reduction in disciplinary incidents and a safer, more inclusive learning environment.
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate collaborative partnerships with parents, community organizations, and district stakeholders to enhance student support systems and enrich school programs.
Lead Teacher
Southwark School – School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
09.2013 - 09.2015
- Instructional Leadership: Modeled exemplary, research-based instructional practices across grade levels, specifically focusing on school-wide literacy and targeted student interventions.
- Faculty Collaboration: Facilitated grade-level meetings and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to analyze student data, align lesson plans with state standards, and share best practices.
- Peer Mentorship: Mentored new and struggling teachers, providing informal peer coaching, classroom management strategies, and curriculum implementation support.
Classroom Teacher / Reading Specialist
School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
09.1994 - 06.2013
- Literacy & Core Instruction: Delivered high-quality, differentiated instruction aligned with district benchmarks and state standards across classrooms.
- Reading Intervention: Utilized Reading Specialist training to diagnose literacy deficiencies, design targeted intervention plans, and accelerate reading growth for striving readers.
- Assessment & Data Analysis: Administered school and district-wide diagnostic assessments to track student progress, guide lesson planning, and communicate growth effectively to families.
- Leadership Contributions: Actively contributed to school improvement committees, curriculum mapping projects, and student support teams over a dedicated 19-year tenure.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Cabrini University
Radnor, PA01-2017
Master of Education - undefined
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA01-2000
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA01-1992
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Parent communication
- Academic performance tracking
- Evidence-based instruction
Certification
- Administrative / Principal PK-12 Certification – Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) | Active
- Reading Specialist Certification (K-12) – Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) | Active
- PreK-8 Education Certification – Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) | Active
- Middle Years Literacy Certification – Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) | Active
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Southwark School – School District of Philadelphia
10.2015 - Current
Lead Teacher
Southwark School – School District of Philadelphia
09.2013 - 09.2015
Classroom Teacher / Reading Specialist
School District of Philadelphia
09.1994 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Temple University
Master of Education - undefined
Temple University
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Cabrini University
Core Competencies
- Instructional Leadership: Curriculum design, PK-12 alignment, teacher evaluation, and systemic literacy initiatives.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyzing student growth metrics, diagnostic benchmarks, and school performance data.
- School Culture & Equity: Restorative practices, positive behavioral interventions (PBIS), and inclusive education.
- Faculty Development: Professional learning community (PLC) facilitation, instructional coaching, and mentorship.
- Operations & Compliance: Resource management, school safety, state standards alignment, and community relations.