Renee Dunwoody
Educator
Los Alamos,NM
Summary
An accomplished educational leader with a proven track record at Los Alamos Public Schools, enhancing school culture and student outcomes. An expert in staff management and fostering team collaboration. Skilled in employee performance evaluations and mentoring. Thrives in dynamic environments, driving initiatives that benefit diverse student populations. Self-motivated school administrator with an assertive and outcome-driven nature. Independent worker, remains extremely calm in most pressure situations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Los Alamos High School
01.2022 - Current
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Fostered positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress toward goals.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders to foster trust, collaboration, and commitment to shared goals.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Enhanced school performance by implementing strategic plans and collaborating with fellow administrators.
- 2023 AP Small District of the Year Award Recipient
Principal
Los Alamos High School Topper Virtual Academy
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Coordinate virtual education for high school students engaged in remote learning to ensure they meet graduation requirements
- Collaborate with teachers, students, instructional assistants, and parents
- Provide oversight for School Counseling, English, and Special Education departments
- Participate on the Negotiation Team to update Collective Bargaining Agreements for both Certified and Classified staff
- Concurrently complete Assistant Principal duties listed below
- District Budget Committee Member
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress toward goals.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning that improved student engagement and achievement levels.
Assistant Principal
Los Alamos High School
01.2015 - 12.2021
- Collaborate daily with Los Alamos High School (LAHS) Principal and Topper Freshman Academy (TFA) Principal on the master schedule, allocation of resources, staff evaluation and supervision, student schedules, attendance, and discipline, including hearings to provide consistency between the schools while upholding district and school policies
- Develop a master schedule and teaching assignments for both LAHS & TFA teachers, instructional assistants, and students
- Evaluate and supervise over 40 LAHS & TFA teachers and instructional assistants
- Complete four-year plans and transition plans for students, especially those who struggle to meet progress toward graduation
- Assist with test scheduling, testing, proctoring, and accommodations for students on PARCC, SBA, SAT, and AP testing
- Attend guidance, Positive Support Program, Topper Learning Community, Topper Administrative Team, and department meetings
- Co-Lead Department Chair and Staff Meetings for LAHS & TFA
- Conduct truancy interventions and student discipline meetings
- Supervise attendance and truancy department staff, including Truancy Liaison
- Coordinate School Board Student Liaison Program for high school Juniors and Seniors
- Coordinate annual state-mandated post-school outcomes surveys for students receiving special services
- Supervise work-study programs
- RtI, SAT, 504, and IEP meeting oversight
- Update staff, student, and instructional assistant handbooks annually
- Coordinate student registration and course selection
- Assist with the homecoming parade, prom guest passes, pep rallies, spirit activities
- Responsible for high school graduation planning, preparation, and ceremony
- Oversee staff development opportunities for LAHS & TFA
- Chaperone school events, including prom, homecoming, sports, and activities
- Assist with 1:1 Chromebook Initiative for LAHS & TFA
- Oversee English, Fine Arts, Career and Technical Education departments
- Special Education Department co-chair
- Conduct interviews and recommend staff to hire
- Consult with Program Director of Healthy Schools Initiative to increase student and staff well-being
- Member of LAPS Budget Committee and Union Negotiation Committee
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Established intervention programs for struggling students, improving overall academic achievement levels at the school.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers, and outside agencies.
- Evaluated teacher performance against established benchmarks, providing actionable feedback for improvement purposes.
- Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
- Partnered with the principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing a positive, high-expectation academic environment.
Native American Parent Advisory Council Administrative Representative
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2021 - Current
- High School Administrative representative and voting member
- Coordinate Native American Sash representation at high school graduation
- Assist with implementation of Native American Awareness activities on campus
Equity Council
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2019 - 08.2024
- School representative to council
- Council designed to ensure compliance and equity
- Implements improvements districtwide to benefit Students with Disabilities, Native American, Economically Disadvantaged and ELL students
Special Education Teacher
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Taught Work Study Program, English, and Resource Seminar classes
- Maintained accurate and timely student records
- Held IEP meetings annually and on an as needed basis
- Worked to ensure accommodations and modification were implemented based on student needs, including PARCC, SBA and AP Test proctoring
- Supervised Job Coaches and Instructional Assistants
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
- Collaborated with parents and other educators to develop comprehensive support plans, promoting student success.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
Substitute and Instructional Assistant
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Long-term substitute for Positive Support Program at LAHS
- Maintained IEP implementation in general education classrooms
- Assisted second-grade teachers in classroom procedures and activities
- Filled in for clerk and secretarial positions when substitutes were required
- Substituted in classrooms from Kindergarten to Senior level high school classes
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for all students.
- Followed classroom plans left by the class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Assisted struggling students through one-on-one sessions, leading to increased academic success.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
Special Education Teacher
Harrison High School
01.1994 - 01.1997
- Special services teacher of math, science, English, and Work Study courses
- College Board Coordinator for students with disabilities
- Work Experience Supervisor for Students in Employment Program
- Co-teacher for inclusion program in math and science
- Homebound teacher
- Implemented Mainstreamed Instruction for Scientific Literacy adaptation to special education students in general education classrooms
- Mentor for beginning teachers and student teachers
- Co-teacher for inclusion program in math and science
- Cheerleading and Wrestling Coach/Advisor
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement and record student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Served as mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
- Developed and executed behavioral intervention plans, leading to decreased disruptive behaviors and increased classroom participation.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Administration Higher Education
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR12-2025
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM12-2015
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12-1993
Skills
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Staff Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Training and mentoring
- Staff Development
- Team Collaboration
- Student Discipline
- Decision-Making
- Coaching and Mentoring
- School culture
Timeline
Principal
Los Alamos High School
01.2022 - Current
Native American Parent Advisory Council Administrative Representative
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2021 - Current
Principal
Los Alamos High School Topper Virtual Academy
01.2020 - 12.2021
Equity Council
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2019 - 08.2024
Assistant Principal
Los Alamos High School
01.2015 - 12.2021
Special Education Teacher
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2013 - 01.2015
Substitute and Instructional Assistant
Los Alamos Public Schools
01.2012 - 01.2013
Special Education Teacher
Harrison High School
01.1994 - 01.1997
Doctor of Education - Educational Administration Higher Education
Arkansas State University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
New Mexico Highlands University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Purdue University
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