Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Samantha Thomas

Washington,DC

Summary

Equity-driven elementary school leader with deep expertise in K–2 ELA and Math instruction, MTSS, and teacher development. Proven record of accelerating scholar achievement through data-driven decision making, high-quality coaching, and strong academic systems. Experienced in Science of Reading-aligned literacy instruction, early numeracy development, and building structured, joyful school cultures that maximize learning time.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Principal

Dc Scholars Public Charter School
07.2024 - Current
  • Managed K–2 ELA and Math academic programming and instruction, ensuring curriculum fidelity, pacing alignment, and instructional rigor.
  • Led observation, feedback, and coaching cycles to develop teacher practice and improve scholar outcomes.
  • Analyzed i-Ready, interim, and formative assessment data to drive MTSS decisions and targeted Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports.
  • Partnered with teachers to address misconceptions, strengthen small-group instruction, and increase scholar engagement.
  • Reinforced consistent classroom routines and expectations to create a calm, structured learning environment that maximizes instructional time.

Instructional Reading Coach

DC Scholars
07.2022 - 06.2024
  • Led K–2 literacy intervention programming aligned to Science of Reading and EL Education curriculum.
  • Used assessment data to design targeted intervention plans, progress monitor growth, and adjust instruction.
  • Coached teachers through modeling, observation, and feedback to improve small-group instruction and response to misconceptions.
  • Facilitated data meetings and professional development focused on instructional planning and curriculum fidelity.
  • Drove significant scholar growth, including increasing Kindergarten scholars on grade level from 3% to 90% and reducing second-grade scholars performing two or more levels below from 56% to 13%.

Teacher

DCPS- Browne Education Campus
08.2019 - 01.2022
  • Rated Highly Effective based on DCPS evaluation framework.
  • Achieved 90% scholar proficiency in core subjects (Reading and Math) as measured by i-Ready and DIBELS.
  • Delivered standards-aligned, differentiated instruction to meet diverse scholar needs.
  • Used assessment data to plan small-group instruction and targeted interventions.
  • Built strong family partnerships through consistent communication, conferences, and home visits.

Urban Teacher Mentor

DCPS
08.2019 - 01.2022
  • Modeled lessons to highlight new academic or classroom management skills
  • Facilitated weekly meetings to review curriculum and assessments with resident teachers
  • Conducted weekly observations and provided constructive feedback to resident teachers.

Summer Site Leader

Springboard Collaborative
05.2018 - 08.2020
  • Lead school based professional development to support family engagement and instruction.
  • Observe teacher lessons weekly and provide constructive feedback.
  • Created data trackers and student incentives to encourage parent involvement at weekly workshops.
  • Ensured that 100% of students received a detailed action plan, beginning and end of program assessment to track growth.

Teacher

DCPS, Ketcham
08.2015 - 08.2019
  • Consistently received top evaluations based on DCPS effectiveness criteria.
  • Led family engagement initiatives and co-facilitated staff professional development to strengthen school–family partnerships.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual scholar data and learning needs.
  • Attained 90% proficiency in core subjects, including reading and math, through i-Ready and DIBELS assessments.

Education

Master of Arts - Reading in Elementary Education

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
11.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Human Services

The City College of New York
New York, NY
06.2014

Skills

  • Literacy Coaching
  • Data Analysis
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Collaboration and Communication
  • Solution Oriented
  • Adaptability
  • Instructional leadership
  • Restorative practices

Certification

  • School Leader Lab
  • LETRS Administrators- March 2025
  • OSSE Science Of Reading- March 2023
  • D.C. Standard Teaching License :Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-3rd) 2021 to 2026

Timeline

Assistant Principal

Dc Scholars Public Charter School
07.2024 - Current

Instructional Reading Coach

DC Scholars
07.2022 - 06.2024

Teacher

DCPS- Browne Education Campus
08.2019 - 01.2022

Urban Teacher Mentor

DCPS
08.2019 - 01.2022

Summer Site Leader

Springboard Collaborative
05.2018 - 08.2020

Teacher

DCPS, Ketcham
08.2015 - 08.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Human Services

The City College of New York

Master of Arts - Reading in Elementary Education

Grand Canyon University