Renee Thomas
Houston,USA
Summary
Dynamic ELA leader with proven success in leveraging data to drive student achievement at KIPP Liberation College Preparatory. Expert in monitoring intervention effectiveness and fostering collaborative environments. Achieved significant progress in reading proficiency through innovative instructional strategies. Skilled in restorative practices and effective lesson planning, enhancing both academic and social-emotional learning.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
ELA DEPARTMENT CHAIR
KIPP LIBERATION COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Houston, TX
08.2023 - Current
- Accessed and reviewed various data sources, such as standardized test scores, formative assessments, classroom observations, student work samples, and progress monitoring data, to understand student strengths and weaknesses across different ELA skills.
- Facilitated data conversations with teachers to discuss student performance, analyze data together, and develop targeted instructional strategies to address identified needs.
- Offered constructive feedback to teachers on their instructional practices, highlighting areas where data indicates improvement is needed, and suggesting specific adjustments to enhance student learning.
- Demonstrate effective strategies for using data to inform instruction, including how to analyze student work, set clear learning objectives, and monitor progress over time.
EIGHTH GRADE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
KIPP LIBERATION COLLEGE PREP
Houston, TX
01.2021 - Current
- Monitored and assessed diagnostic test results (STAAR and MAP) and used enrichment strategies to improve reading proficiency
- Adjusted teaching strategies to meet diverse requirements of individual support plans
- Collaborated in ELA meetings each week to ensure growth was occurring
- Assisted with implementing and researching best literacy and mental health practices
- Trained ELA teachers on virtual platforms and Google capabilities
- Developed TEKS-compatible health and nutrition activities to promote better food and exercise habits
TFA EIGHTH GRADE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
R B Hudson STEAM Academy
Selma, AL
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Monitored and assessed diagnostic test results (i-Ready, Language Live and ACAP) and used enrichment strategies to improve reading proficiency
- Implemented Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and multicultural literature to coincide with students' academic and cultural needs
- Led teacher data and RTI meetings each quarter to ensure growth was occurring
- Trained ELA teachers on virtual platforms and Google capabilities
- Developed TEKS-compatible health and nutrition activities to promote better food and exercise habits
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FACILITATOR
JOHN R. KING PREFORMING ARTS ACADEMY
Detroit, MI
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Support classroom teachers with restorative circles and ongoing support as they develop their own classroom community circle practice
- Developed yoga activities to promote better breathing and coping skills
- Worked with the school leadership team to ensure that restorative practices were reflected in the school implementation plan
- Analyzed the school suspension and ISS data from to Fall to Winter to ensure progress was being made
Education
M.A. - EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, Curriculum and Instruction
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI05-2025
B.A. - INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, African American Literature
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI01.2016
Skills
- Monitoring intervention effectiveness
- Providing feedback based on data
- Collaborating with teachers,
- Modeling instructional practices
- Interpret data trends
- Effective lesson planning
Affiliations
- Teach for America
- AmeriCorps Member
- Children's Defense Fund
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
References
- Delali Kofie, Dean of Instruction: Testing Coordinator, Delai.Kofie@kipptexas.org, (347) 952-5251
- Tawanda Morgan, TFA Collaborative Coach, Tawanda.morgan@teachforamerica.org, (205) 352-7486
- Rolanda Hearne, Assistant Principal: Specialized Instruction, Rolanda.Hearne@kipptexas.org, (713) 757-2679
Timeline
ELA DEPARTMENT CHAIR
KIPP LIBERATION COLLEGE PREPARATORY
08.2023 - Current
EIGHTH GRADE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
KIPP LIBERATION COLLEGE PREP
01.2021 - Current
TFA EIGHTH GRADE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
R B Hudson STEAM Academy
01.2019 - 12.2021
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FACILITATOR
JOHN R. KING PREFORMING ARTS ACADEMY
01.2018 - 12.2019
M.A. - EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, Curriculum and Instruction
Eastern Michigan University
B.A. - INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, African American Literature
Grand Valley State University
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