Rachel Palmer
Lewis Center
Summary
Strategic elementary school leader with nearly five years as Principal and over 20 years in K-5 education. Built effective systems and fostered professional growth to enhance student achievement in a high-need, Title I environment. Leveraged experience as Assistant Principal to navigate challenges and implement change, emphasizing relational and data-informed leadership that prioritizes individual contributions to school success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Olde Orchard Elementary School
Columbus
01.2021 - Current
- Lead the largest elementary school in Columbus City Schools, serving 500+ students and a staff of 50 in a 100% Title I building with a highly diverse program portfolio including ELL, PreK, Special Needs PreK, three Learning Centers, Specialized Learning Center, and a Gifted and Talented program serving grades 3–5 from area schools.
- Drove a 21-point gain in the school’s Ohio Performance Index (from 54.9 to 76.2) over three years through targeted instructional systems, structured literacy implementation, and consistent data cycles.
- Implemented a full structured literacy framework across all grade levels utilizing HMH Into Reading, Fundations, Heggerty, UFLI, and iReady ELA and Math.
- Built comprehensive MTSS and PBIS infrastructure from the ground up, including tiered intervention systems, behavior intervention plans, and restorative practices.
- Facilitated regular PLCs, instructional walkthroughs, and OTES 2.0-aligned evaluations for 50+ certified and classified employees, enhancing instructional practices.
- Led the successful launch and implementation of new district programs within the building, including the introduction of PreK in 2022 and a Specialized Learning Center in 2024, managing the operational, instructional, and cultural integration of each into an already complex school environment.
- Launched TalkingPoints as the school’s unified family communication platform, driving family engagement across a multilingual community.
- Led building operations, overseeing staffing, scheduling, budgeting, HR, safety, and compliance with district, state, and federal requirements to ensure smooth school functioning.
- Navigated Columbus City Schools teacher strike in 2022, managing communication with families during school delays and fostering staff community rebuilding efforts post-strike.
Assistant Principal
Olde Orchard Elementary School
Columbus
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating remote, hybrid, and in-person transitions while sustaining clear, consistent communication with families and staff throughout one of the most challenging periods in public education.
- Supported instructional leadership initiatives, conducted teacher evaluations, managed student discipline, and advanced PBIS/MTSS development to enhance daily building operations.
- Built collaborative relationships with stakeholders and developed data-driven action plans to improve student outcomes.
Leadership Intern
Hubbard Elementary School
Columbus
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Executed administrative internship, gaining hands-on experience in school leadership, operations, and instructional oversight to support effective school functioning.
- Supported teacher-led initiatives to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Collaborated with faculty to implement educational programs and resources.
- Assisted in organizing school events, promoting teamwork among staff and students.
Instructional Coach
Innis Elementary School
Columbus
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Coached classroom teachers to refine instructional practices, enhance student engagement, and elevate achievement using evidence-based strategies.
- Analyzed classroom observations and student outcome data to inform coaching cycles and guide building-level improvement plans.
- Developed and delivered professional learning sessions aligned with district initiatives and best practices in adult learning.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Columbus City Schools
Columbus
01.2001 - 01.2013
- Delivered differentiated, standards-based instruction in elementary grades, fostering strong classroom culture and enhancing family partnerships.
- Collaborated in PLCs to analyze data and refine curriculum, implementing evidence-based instructional strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards for diverse learners.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student academic and social growth.
Education
Master of Education -
Wright State University
Elementary Administration Licensure -
Ashland University
Bachelor of Science -
The Ohio State University
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- MTSS design
- Data-driven decisions
- Staff evaluation
- Community engagement
- Literacy implementation
- School culture
- Educational Leadership
- Title I management
- Curriculum Development
Timeline
Principal
Olde Orchard Elementary School
01.2021 - Current
Assistant Principal
Olde Orchard Elementary School
01.2019 - 01.2021
Leadership Intern
Hubbard Elementary School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Instructional Coach
Innis Elementary School
01.2013 - 01.2018
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Columbus City Schools
01.2001 - 01.2013
Master of Education -
Wright State University
Elementary Administration Licensure -
Ashland University
Bachelor of Science -
The Ohio State University