SHIRLEY CARLSON
Eastpoint,IL
Summary
Dynamic project manager and educator with 40+ years of experience in education, technical assistance, and strategic improvement initiatives. Proven track record managing multi-year, multi-site projects, ensuring deliverables are on time and within budget. Expertise in professional development, coaching, and continuous improvement for schools and districts. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with a strong background in special education, data-driven decision-making, and capacity building for educational organizations.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Technical Assistant Consultant
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
2018 - 01.2026
- Lead and manage projects across multiple contracts, overseeing work, staff, and financials to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
- Schedule and attend client meetings, provide updates, and revise deliverables as needed.
- Develop and deliver professional learning opportunities, including virtual and in-person presentations.
- Provide training and coaching in MTSS, literacy, math, and social-emotional learning.
- Implement iterative cycles of inquiry (Plan/Do/Study/Act) and support Networked Improvement Communities.
Technical Assistance Provider
Charting My Path for Future Success Study
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Provided training and technical assistance for instructors and sites, supporting implementation of transition programs for high school students.
- Delivered in-person and virtual training, individual and group support, and monitored program fidelity.
District Liaison
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Supported school and district improvement initiatives in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education.
- Supervised coaches, provided strategic leadership coaching, and facilitated District Assistance Teams.
- Used data analysis and strategic planning to assess district needs and reduce achievement gaps.
Instructor
Quincy University
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Taught graduate-level professional learning courses in literacy, math, critical thinking, and effective teaching strategies.
- Developed syllabi, course materials, assessments, and grading.
School Improvement Coach/Professional Development Consultant
Mid-Illini Educational Cooperative
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Developed workshops and coaching materials for teachers in math, writing, special education, mentoring, and school improvement.
- Approved trainer for ICE 21, Kindergarten Standards, Differentiated Instruction, and Singapore Math.
Special Education Consultant
Measured Progress
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Developed training and scoring manuals for Illinois and Missouri assessment programs.
- Trained teachers, assisted with portfolio completion, and directed scoring centers.
Special Education Teacher
East Peoria School District #186
01.1979 - 01.2003
Education
Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management
Project Management Institute
07-2021
MA - Teaching
Aurora University
IL01.2000
BS - Special Education
Illinois State University
01.1977
Skills
- Project Management & Leadership
- Financial Oversight & Budgeting
- Strategic Planning & Data Analysis
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
- Continuous Improvement
- Change Management
- Professional Development & Coaching
- Special Education & Inclusion
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Affiliations
- Project Management Institute
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Timeline
Technical Assistance Provider
Charting My Path for Future Success Study
01.2023 - 01.2025
District Liaison
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
01.2015 - 01.2018
Instructor
Quincy University
01.2007 - 01.2015
School Improvement Coach/Professional Development Consultant
Mid-Illini Educational Cooperative
01.2005 - 01.2013
Special Education Consultant
Measured Progress
01.2001 - 01.2005
Special Education Teacher
East Peoria School District #186
01.1979 - 01.2003
MA - Teaching
Aurora University
BS - Special Education
Illinois State University
Senior Technical Assistant Consultant
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
2018 - 01.2026
Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management
Project Management Institute