Sara Cartwright
South Lyon,MI
Summary
Dynamic leader excelling in program leadership and operation. Demonstrats expertise in staff development and educational program planning, coupled with exceptional problem-solving abilities. Achieved significant enhancements in learning outcomes through innovative methods, showcasing adaptability and effective communication. Renowned for building strong, trust-based relationships with families and staff. Knowledgeable instruction with strong background in overseeing multiple programs and initiatives. Talented Program Director skilled in handling administrative, operational and instruction program functions. Wears many hats to accomplish dynamic objectives. Ready to apply 10+ years of leadership experience to new professional challenges with growth-oriented organization.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Director
IXL Learning Center
08.2021 - Current
- Directed pre-school, toddler and infant services to provide comprehensive family support.
- Led regular staff meetings to review curriculum, discuss student progress, and address any concerns or challenges within the program.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods that incorporated multimedia resources alongside traditional approaches to enhance learning outcomes for students.
- Strengthened relationships with families by providing ongoing support, resources, and communication regarding the early childhood education program.
- Provided outreach efforts to attract new families to our program, building a thriving early childhood community.
- Oversaw program administrative team and teaching staff.
- Oversaw staff scheduling to handle programming demands.
- Formed and maintained connections with enrolled families that was trustworthy and positive to ensure their continued business.
- Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.
- Coached and collaborated with learning center staff to identify areas of growth, resolve issues and offer guidance.
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
- Implemented best practices in project management to optimize workflow efficiencies across the organization.
Christian Education Director
First Presbyterian Church of Brighton
07.2014 - 08.2021
- Prepared, coordinated and distributed information about yearly schedule of activities and classes.
- Kept program children safe and secure at all times with proactive monitoring strategies.
- Hired, mentored and supervised instructors and volunteer staff to carry out program goals.
- Identified and recruited potential volunteer workers.
- Sourced, modified and prepared class curricula and targeted lesson plans based on subject matter requirements.
- Built, managed and upgraded K-12 educational program.
- Oversaw, managed and upgraded adult educational program.
- Directed pre-school, toddler and infant services to provide comprehensive family support.
- Directed Elementary, Middle and High School services to provide comprehensive family support.
- Increased community involvement by coordinating outreach events and service projects for youth and adults.
- Built and maintained a regular budget for program.
- Organized special events such as Vacation Bible School or youth retreats to supplement regular programming and deepen student engagement.
- Led regular staff meetings to review curriculum, discuss student progress, and address any concerns or challenges within the program.
- Collaborated with church leadership to align educational goals with the overall mission and vision of the organization.
- Strengthened relationships with families by providing ongoing support, resources, and communication regarding the Christian education program.
- Recruited trained, and supported volunteers in teaching roles, ensuring consistent and high-quality instruction across all classes.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessments, implementing improvements based on feedback and data analysis.
- Strengthened communication channels between parents, teachers, administrators, and pastoral staff by facilitating regular meetings focused on supporting a vibrant religious education ministry.
Math Intervention Coordinator/Teacher
Pinckney Community Schools
10.2012 - 06.2014
- Delivered math instruction to students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grades
- Pushed into classrooms and aided with whole group instruction
- Pulled students out for small group or individual work on certain skills
- Developed lessons to reteach areas of weakness in current curriculum
- Developed lessons that teach skills that may not have been learned previously
- Administered assessments such as the AIMsWeb assessment in the area of Math
- Worked cooperatively with classroom teachers to form assessments and track progress
- Worked collaboratively with classroom teachers to reteach to whole group
Assistant Director (Northville Center)
IXL Learning Center
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Provided staff supervision and support in coordination with the director
- Provided tours to interested families
- Built and maintained relationships with families and staff
- Interviewed candidates for job openings
- Created and adjusted weekly classroom and employee schedules
- Planned and made lunches for students
- Coordinated curriculum and daily policies with other center directors
- Served as substitute teacher if needed
- Billed and recorded family payments
- Operated ProCare and ChildCare Daily Application
Title 1 Math Intervention Coordinator/Teacher
Pinckney Community Schools
01.2012 - 06.2012
- Piloted a 30 minutes/day math intervention program for third and fourth grade
- Piloted a 10 week math intervention after school program
- Worked cooperatively with third and fourth grade teachers to design and implement program
- Compiled and analyzed data collected from assessments
- Administered assessments such as the AIMsWeb assessment in the area of Math
- Pushed into third and fourth grade classrooms during their math instruction
- Pulled out students to provide one on one math intervention
Long-Term Substitute - First grade
Pinckney Community Schools
09.2011 - 12.2011
- Worked cooperatively, teaching 2-3 days a week in a team teaching situation
- Implemented the Daily 5 literacy program
- Created an inviting, well maintained classroom with successful communication between parents and teachers
- Developed lessons to enrich the curriculum that met or exceeded the Michigan state goals and standards
- Implemented successful classroom management both with children and other teachers
- Attended professional development to stay current on practices
Third Grade Teacher
Pinckney Community Schools
09.2010 - 06.2011
- Taught collaboratively with another third grade teacher
- Implemented successful classroom management
- Created an inviting, well maintained classroom with successful communication between parents and teachers
- Implemented a differentiated third grade curriculum that met Michigan state goals and standards
- Utilized up to date technology into my daily teaching practices
- Worked cooperatively with the third grade level team to analyze assessment data to provide differentiated instruction focused in math
Lead Preschool Teacher
IXL Learning Center
06.2007 - 09.2010
- Responsible for writing weekly themed lesson plans geared toward a 4-5 year old preschool classroom
- Implementing a full curriculum including a pre-kindergarten program
- Worked cooperatively with another preschool teacher and lead a team of assistants
- Created an inviting, well maintained classroom with successful communication between parents and teachers
- Implemented successful classroom management both with children and other teachers
- Attended professional development conferences to stay current on practices
Education
Masters - the Art of Education, with a emphasis on reading and literacy
Marygrove College
Detroit, Michigan08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - in English, emphasis in Language Arts
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan05.2007
Skills
- Program leadership and operation skills
- Staff development
- Team building, problem solving abilities and collaboration
- Employee work and program scheduling
- Adaptability, flexibility and self motivated
- Effective communication
- Multitasking Abilities
- Educational program and event planning
- Dependability, reliability and cooperation
- Classroom management, lesson planning and differentiated instruction experience
Certification
- Elementary Education Certification, 05/07
- English/Language Arts Endorsement, 05/07
Timeline
Program Director
IXL Learning Center
08.2021 - Current
Christian Education Director
First Presbyterian Church of Brighton
07.2014 - 08.2021
Assistant Director (Northville Center)
IXL Learning Center
06.2013 - 08.2013
Math Intervention Coordinator/Teacher
Pinckney Community Schools
10.2012 - 06.2014
Title 1 Math Intervention Coordinator/Teacher
Pinckney Community Schools
01.2012 - 06.2012
Long-Term Substitute - First grade
Pinckney Community Schools
09.2011 - 12.2011
Third Grade Teacher
Pinckney Community Schools
09.2010 - 06.2011
Lead Preschool Teacher
IXL Learning Center
06.2007 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Arts - in English, emphasis in Language Arts
Grand Valley State University
Masters - the Art of Education, with a emphasis on reading and literacy
Marygrove College
Similar Profiles
LaTyra RodriguezLaTyra Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant at IXL Learning CenterAdministrative Assistant at IXL Learning Center
Victoria BarrettVictoria Barrett
Young Preschool Lead Teacher at IXL Learning CenterYoung Preschool Lead Teacher at IXL Learning Center
Anna DziamskiAnna Dziamski
Lead Teacher at IXL Learning CenterLead Teacher at IXL Learning Center
Courtney WhiteCourtney White
Founder & In-Home Euthanasia Veterinarian at Paws at Peace In-Home Euthanasia, LLCFounder & In-Home Euthanasia Veterinarian at Paws at Peace In-Home Euthanasia, LLC
Nathaniel KohlerNathaniel Kohler
Aquarist at Alaska Pacific UniversityAquarist at Alaska Pacific University