Rayna Halverson
Unalakleet,AK
Summary
Experienced educational leader with 12+ years across PreK–12 and higher education, specializing in systems-level leadership, instructional improvement, and data-driven decision-making. Proven ability to implement and refine MTSS/RTI frameworks, analyze student performance data, and support school improvement planning to increase student achievement. Skilled in designing and facilitating professional development aligned to evidence-based practices, including the Science of Reading and Alaska Reads Act requirements. Demonstrated success in collaborating with cross-functional teams, coordinating instructional systems, and supporting compliance, progress monitoring, and reporting processes. Committed to building cohesive, district-aligned systems that support educators and improve outcomes for all students.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Bering Strait School District
08.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded school improvement initiatives focusing on fostering student and staff engagement.
- Engineered and implemented multiple school-wide protocols and systems to enhance operational efficiency and promote a positive school culture.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Designed professional development programs to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Collaborated with external organizations to provide equitable learning opportunities in a remote setting.
ELA Facilitator
Bering Strait School District
08.2020 - 07.2024
- Directed the district’s English Language Arts (ELA) Committee, driving initiatives to enhance literacy outcomes and align instructional practices across grade levels.
- Contributed to the English Language Learner (ELL) Committee, supporting efforts to address the diverse needs of multilingual students through data-informed strategies.
- Participated in curriculum and instruction reviews, providing actionable insights that guided improvements and the adoption of updated English Language Arts and Science programs.
- Organized and executed coaching cycles, mentoring teachers to effectively implement the district’s adopted curriculum and improve instructional quality.
- Designed classroom schedules, curriculum guides, and classroom management routines, ensuring consistent support for new and returning teachers across the district.
- Delivered high-impact workshops and mentoring sessions, equipping educators with strategies to enhance teaching practices and address diverse learner needs.
- Fostered inclusive learning environments by demonstrating cultural competence, empathy, and active listening during training and collaboration sessions.
- Increased engagement and retention during training sessions by incorporating interactive activities, group discussions, and adaptable facilitation techniques.
Adjunct Professor
University Of Alaska Fairbanks
05.2022 - 06.2023
- Designed and delivered college-level courses for high school students transitioning to higher education, fostering critical thinking and academic readiness.
- Mentored students on personal, academic, and professional goals, equipping them with effective study habits and preparing them for post-secondary success.
- Partnered with university staff to improve the College Jumpstart Program, aligning secondary and post-secondary education objectives and enhancing student readiness.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Created interactive lessons to boost engagement and increase class participation rates, fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Graded assessments and provided timely, constructive feedback to support student progress and development.
Instructional Coach
Bering Strait School District
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Guided educators in implementing evidence-based instructional strategies to improve classroom outcomes.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration to promote cohesive teaching approaches.
- Coached teachers to improve practices through professional development and modeling instructional strategies to address diverse learner needs.
- 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.
Teacher
Bering Strait School District
08.2013 - 07.2018
- Designed and implemented differentiated, standards-aligned instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Utilized student performance data to inform instruction, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to improve student outcomes.
- Applied evidence-based instructional practices to strengthen student engagement, critical thinking, and academic achievement.
- Created inclusive classroom environments that supported positive behavior, student engagement, and social-emotional development.
- Established strong communication systems with students, families, and colleagues to support student success and collaboration.
- Maintained accurate and consistent records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to inform decision-making and reporting processes.
Education
Master in Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK06-2024
Master of Education - Teaching
Portland State University
Portland, OR06-2013
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Portland State University
Portland, OR06-2010
Skills
- MTSS/RTI Systems Implementation
- Data Analysis & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Progress Monitoring & Intervention Tracking
- School Improvement Planning
- Professional Development Design & Facilitation
- Alaska Reads Act / Science of Reading Implementation
- Cross-Site Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
Certification
- Alaska Type B Administration Certificate
- Alaska Professional Teacher Certificate: Elementary Education and English as a Second Language
- LETRS Administrators with A Principal's Primer, April 2024
- NWEA Alaska Science of Reading for Leaders, June 2023
- Keys to Literacy Training, May 2023
Timeline
Assistant Principal
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
Teacher
Bering Strait School District
08.2013 - 07.2018
Master in Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership And Management
University of Alaska Southeast
Master of Education - Teaching
Portland State University
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Portland State University
Leadership and Professional Achievements
- Designed and facilitated 20+ professional development sessions, including district-wide training on data analysis (MAP), small group instruction, and curriculum alignment, impacting 100+ educators.
- Led data-driven coaching cycles, supporting teachers in analyzing student performance data and implementing targeted instructional and intervention strategies.
- Collaborated with the UNK Solution Team to align school-wide support systems with BSSD MTSS frameworks, developing clear communication guides and protocols for teachers to support individual student interventions.
- Utilized MAP and other assessment data to guide professional development and strengthen progress monitoring and instructional decision-making systems.
- Developed instructional tools and resources, including a Phonics Data Tracking system, to support progress monitoring and alignment with evidence-based literacy practices.
- Facilitated cross-site collaboration through leadership of the ELA Committee, developing shared instructional resources, and promoting consistent instructional practices.
- Supported implementation of district literacy initiatives aligned to the Science of Reading and Alaska Reads Act priorities.
- Partnered with postsecondary institutions to align secondary programming with college readiness goals, strengthening student transition outcomes.
- Collaborated with community organizations to expand equitable access to learning opportunities and student support systems in rural settings.
School and Community Engagement
- Organized events like Family Literacy Nights and school sporting events to strengthen family and community connections.
- Built partnerships with outside organizations to enhance educational resources and opportunities in rural schools.