Rayna Halverson
Unalakleet
Summary
Dedicated and experienced educational leader with over 12 years of expertise in teaching, instructional coaching, curriculum leadership, and higher education. Proven ability to mentor educators, develop innovative instructional programs, and lead school improvement initiatives. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal, fostering school-wide success through strategic leadership, staff development, and student engagement. A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, committed to creating positive and inclusive learning environments.
Seeking to leverage extensive experience in educational leadership, teaching, and professional development to contribute to a tenure-track faculty position. Eager to support institutional goals, advance the field of education, and prepare the next generation of educators.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Unalakleet School, Bering Strait School District
08.2024 - Current
- Led school improvement initiatives focusing on student and staff interactions to improve school climate
- Supervised and evaluated staff, providing actionable feedback to promote professional growth
- Designed and implemented operational protocols, including evaluation and disciplinary systems
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
ELA Facilitator
Bering Strait School District
08.2020 - 07.2024
- Developed and aligned district-wide English Language Arts curriculum
- Provided coaching cycles and mentoring to enhance teacher effectiveness
- Delivered high-quality training sessions, ensuring participants developed a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
Adjunct Professor
University of Alaska Fairbanks
05.2022 - 06.2023
- Taught college-level courses designed for high school students transitioning to higher education
- Mentored students to build academic confidence and improve performance
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their education by facilitating opportunities for independent research projects within specific areas of interest.
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Instructional Coach
Bering Strait School District
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Supported teachers in integrating research-based practices into daily instruction
- Conducted classroom observations and provided feedback to strengthen teaching and learning outcomes
- Coached teachers to improve practices through professional development and modeling instructional strategies.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness by providing individualized coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Assisted new teachers acclimate quickly into their roles through comprehensive mentoring programs and ongoing support.
- Analyzed student data, diagnosed instructional needs, and identified research-based instructional strategies.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
Classroom Teacher
Bering Strait School District
08.2014 - 07.2018
- Designed and implemented differentiated lesson plans to support diverse learners
- Fostered a positive and inclusive classroom culture, achieving [specific metric, e.g., improved test scores]
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students could access the curriculum and progress in their learning.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
- Conducted small group interventions for struggling learners, providing targeted support that led to increased academic achievement.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
Classroom Teacher
Bering Strait School District
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Boosted student confidence through consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
- Assessed student progress using various assessment tools, adjusting instruction as needed to address identified areas of need.
- Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
Education
M. Ed - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK06-2024
M. Ed - Master of Education
Portland State University
Portland, OR06-2013
Bachelor of Science - Communication
Portland State University
Portland, ORSkills
- Curriculum Development and Assessment
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocacy
- Faculty and Student Mentorship
- Educational Leadership and Administration
- Program Development and Evaluation
- Educational Technology Integration and Course Design
- Professional Development Facilitation
- Multicultural education
- Writing and Communication Skills
- Adaptability and Innovation
Accomplishments
- Successfully implemented district-wide initiatives across multiple subjects, including English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies, resulting in measurable improvements in student performance and engagement.
- Developed and supported instructional practices that enhanced literacy rates, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills across grade levels and content areas.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration among educators through workshops, mentoring, and data-driven dialogues, driving cohesive improvements in teaching strategies and student outcomes.
School and Community Engagement
- Organized and led community events such as Family Literacy Nights, school dances, and sporting events, creating opportunities for meaningful family engagement.
- Collaborated with the school, community organizations, and external partners to bring resources and opportunities to students, ensuring equitable experiences despite the challenges of living in a remote location.
- Built strong partnerships with organizations to enhance educational initiatives and provide students with access to the same high-quality learning and extracurricular opportunities as their peers elsewhere.
Certification
- LETRES Administrators with A Principal's Primer Training - April 2024
- Keys to Literacy Training - May 2023
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Unalakleet School, Bering Strait School District
08.2024 - Current
Adjunct Professor
University of Alaska Fairbanks
05.2022 - 06.2023
ELA Facilitator
Bering Strait School District
08.2020 - 07.2024
Instructional Coach
Bering Strait School District
08.2018 - 07.2020
Classroom Teacher
Bering Strait School District
08.2014 - 07.2018
Classroom Teacher
Bering Strait School District
08.2013 - 07.2014
- LETRES Administrators with A Principal's Primer Training - April 2024
- Keys to Literacy Training - May 2023
M. Ed - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Alaska Southeast
M. Ed - Master of Education
Portland State University
Bachelor of Science - Communication
Portland State University
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