PAULA LUCAS
Chicago,IL
Summary
Accomplished in successful classroom management, student evaluations, and test preparation. Proven history of improving student learning outcomes by adapting lesson plans to student needs. Dedicated to promoting academic performance and fostering social skills and character development.
As an educational leader, I envision creating a collaborative culture where students are engaged and motivated to learn. I believe that effective administration is rooted in strong relationships—with students, staff, and the community. My goal is ensuring that every student feels valued and equipped to succeed.
Looking forward to engaging in an administrative role wherein I can actively contribute to the district, focusing on improving student outcomes, enhancing teacher support, fostering community engagement, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
5th Grade Teacher: Social Studies and Science
Chicago Public Schools, A.N. Pritzker School
08.2018 - Current
- Create, develop and implement core elementary school curriculum.
- Develop lesson plans and impart education based on individual students' abilities and interests.
- Provide special attention to students who may not be able to handle complex questions.
- Meet with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Use a wide array of instructional strategies such as lectures, group discussions and inquiry to facilitate understanding.
- Observe students for behavioral changes and report any conclusive observations.
- Member, Administrative Team standing in when Principal or Assistant Principal not in the building.
- Member, Instructional Leadership Team
- Member, Culture & Climate Team
- Grade Level Team Lead
5th Grade Teacher
Eberhart Elementary School
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Co-Chaired Instructional Leadership Team
- Girl's Afterschool Volleyball Coach
Communications Manager (Consultant)
Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd.
01.2015 - 01.2015
- Created, implemented and oversaw the Firm's internal and external communications programs.
- Worked to ensure the Firm, its activities and work, were effectively promoted.
- Created and developed print and online press releases, op-eds and other marketing collateral.
- Assisted in the preparation of presentations/handbooks or manuals geared toward employee success.
- Analyzed market data to inform strategic decisions.
- Produced internal communications for office projects.
Executive Director
Just The Beginning (a Pipeline Organization)
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Collaborated with Board of Directors to develop key policies/strategies that promoted and supported the mission of a national diversity pipeline organization
- Ensured Board and all stakeholders were fully informed and prepared to support organizational initiatives
- Designed, developed, executed and evaluated educational curriculum for nationwide law camps for students from middle to law school
- Established relationships and worked closely with clients, volunteers and others to ensure tight organization and maintenance process
- Recruited, hired and supervised staff/volunteers, including both permanent and seasonal/program specific staff
- Created staff training manuals, developed and implemented in-house staff development, training and evaluation modules
- Drafted organization staff and volunteer policies
- Maintained in-house collaborative atmosphere encouraging full staff involvement
- Created and implemented organizational strategic plans
- Provided fundraising support and oversight of direct reports (development, program and volunteer teams) to expand the reach and effectiveness of local/national diversity programs
- Increased local/national awareness by preparing others, including staff, board/advisory council, volunteers and program graduates to represent and "sell" the organization at strategic meetings and events and when necessary, personally represented the organization
- Worked closely with an advisory council to glean information, craft proposals and presentations to extend organization resources and reach
- Prepared monthly/annual reports, program/organizational budgets, requiring high documentation standards developed social media marketing strategies for the organization, coordinated biennial conferences, and more.
Education Director
The Commercial Law League of America
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Determined educational program based upon legal and professional trends and the education needs of association members
- Researched and vetted program speakers based upon industry trends/professional development goals of educational programs
- Created program curriculum, managed program staffing and moderated sessions
- Developed budgetary guidelines and program specific budgets for programs
- Obtained state accreditation by working with state CLE boards
- Researched and authored articles for the organization's quarterly publication
- Provided membership with monthly bankruptcy newsletter case law updates
- Grew relationships with service providers, production groups, speakers' bureaus, and production companies
- Researched, read and summarized holdings and legal effects of case decisions throughout the U.S
- Appellate court system which is then edited and posted on the League's bankruptcy web-page
- Ensured 24-hour online education programming for members by establishing www.eondirect.com/clla
- Successfully solicited program funding and worked to launch new programs and initiatives
- Managed national office to enable the EVP to work from home (2006-2008).
Classroom/Writing Lab Teacher
Chicago Board of Education, Pablo Casals Elementary School
01.1997 - 01.2005
- Provided hands-on interactive classroom instruction (grades K-3) as a certified teacher at a low-income Chicago Public School
- Designed engaging curriculum aligned to state goals to ensure student learning and academic excitement
- Instructed student writing to improve vocabulary, engage students in the process and enjoyment of writing across various genres, improve academics and raise testing scores
- Worked closely with administration and a team of co-workers to overhaul, redesign and implement the school discipline plan
- Worked on professional development committee to provide educational development training and sessions to staff and other in-house employees.
Education
Master of Arts - School Leadership
Concordia University
River Forest, IL01-2021
J.D. -
The John Marshall Law School
Chicago, IL01-2001
Coursework -
DePaul University Center For Urban Education (Teacher Corp)
Chicago01-1998
Bachelor of Arts -
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA01-1991
Skills
- Research Based Program Development
- Program Support and Evaluation
- Personnel Management
- Diversity and Inclusion
- External/Internal Communication
- Budget Management
- Curriculum Design
- Staff Training and Development
- Reliable Team Player
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Student & Family Engagement
Timeline
5th Grade Teacher: Social Studies and Science
Chicago Public Schools, A.N. Pritzker School
08.2018 - Current
5th Grade Teacher
Eberhart Elementary School
08.2015 - 06.2018
Communications Manager (Consultant)
Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd.
01.2015 - 01.2015
Executive Director
Just The Beginning (a Pipeline Organization)
01.2008 - 01.2015
Education Director
The Commercial Law League of America
01.2005 - 01.2008
Classroom/Writing Lab Teacher
Chicago Board of Education, Pablo Casals Elementary School
01.1997 - 01.2005
Master of Arts - School Leadership
Concordia University
J.D. -
The John Marshall Law School
Coursework -
DePaul University Center For Urban Education (Teacher Corp)
Bachelor of Arts -
Pepperdine University
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