Sandra Means
Erie,PA
Summary
Result-oriented and data-driven Principal with 30 years of experience in the education sector. Personable and communicative with exceptional relationship building skills. Well-versed in developing and implementing educational programs to drive learning objectives and foster high-quality learning environments. Exhibits high ethics and moral leadership with a strong commitment to the development of students and staff by providing motivating and innovative learning and leadership experiences.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
McDowell High School
Millcreek Township School District / Erie, PA
07.2023 - Current
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning that improved student engagement and achievement levels.
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
- Streamlined school operations by evaluating processes and procedures, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending improvements.
- Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness
- Fostered a positive school culture by promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students and staff.
Assistant Principal
McDowell High School
07.2018 - 06.2023
- Developed positive school climate by building effective communication within school
- Enforced disciplinary policies and procedures
- Displayed strong decision-making abilities and confidence to staff and students
- Reviewed standardized test results to assess student progress and academic performance
- Assessed teaching and support staff and delivered exemplary development and instructional leadership strategies improving capabilities and testing outcomes
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques as part of annual evaluation cycle
- Professional development research, implementation, and facilitation
- Interacted and liaised with building and district administrators to discuss budgeting, development of curricula, and student testing initiatives
- Managed school administration operations and organized teacher schedules, student registration processes, and class orientation sessions.
Gifted Support Teacher
McDowell High School
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support
- Maintained focused, inclusive, and supportive learning environments
- Created and distributed instructional materials for group and one-on-one use
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff
- Participated in workshops, trainings, and conferences to improve educational skills
- Developed individualized lesson plans based on each student's IEP goals
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress, and encourage learning goals.
Language Arts Teacher
Walnut Creek Middle School
08.1994 - 06.2018
- Helped develop strong verbal and written communication skills by leading students through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities
- Prepared unit and lesson plans for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and Common Core standards
- Taught general education students as well as individuals with learning challenges and special needs within mainstreamed, inclusive classroom
- Attended variety of professional development workshops centered on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation, and engaging learning activities
- Met with parents to share perspectives on child's strengths and weaknesses
- Communicated objectives for all lessons, units and projects to students and parents in clear and effective manner
- Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions, and meet deadlines.
English Teacher
McDowell Intermediate High School
08.1993 - 06.1994
- Customized innovative methods and materials to produce effective learning experiences
- Assessed student performance, behavior, and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children
- Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for all students
- Developed class learning plans to meet all district and statement requirements for instruction
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
Education
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study - Superintendent Eligibility Letter
Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania08.2022
Certificate - Gifted Endorsement
Neumann University / Seneca Highlands IU9
Smethport, PA08.2017
Post-Master's Certificate - Secondary Principal
Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania12.2002
M. Ed. - Educational Psychology
Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania12.1993
Bachelor of Science - English, 7 - 12
Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania05.1990
Skills
- Performance standards and analysis
- Data-driven instruction
- Professional development implementation
- Team collaboration
- Staff Development
- Community Engagement
- Student Guidance
- Team Collaboration
- Strategic leadership
- Instructional Leadership
- Relationship building and networking
- Program implementation
- Education Excellence
- Analytical Thinking
Accomplishments
- Awarded "Pennsylvania Assistant Principal of the Year" in 2023.
- Awarded "Spirit of Millcreek Leadership Award" in 2019.
Additional Information
Summer Leadership Academy Facilitator - MTSD (2022), Advanced Placement (AP) Coordinator (2018 – present), Distinctive Scholar Program Coordinator (2018 – present), Honors College Director (2016 - 2018),
Timeline
Principal
McDowell High School
07.2023 - Current
Assistant Principal
McDowell High School
07.2018 - 06.2023
Gifted Support Teacher
McDowell High School
08.2015 - 06.2018
Language Arts Teacher
Walnut Creek Middle School
08.1994 - 06.2018
English Teacher
McDowell Intermediate High School
08.1993 - 06.1994
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study - Superintendent Eligibility Letter
Edinboro University
Certificate - Gifted Endorsement
Neumann University / Seneca Highlands IU9
Post-Master's Certificate - Secondary Principal
Edinboro University
M. Ed. - Educational Psychology
Edinboro University
Bachelor of Science - English, 7 - 12
Edinboro University