Simcha Baker-Dixon
Homewood
Summary
Accomplished School Administrator and Instructional Leader with extensive experience empowering educators, designing high-impact professional learning, coaching teams, and driving continuous school improvement. Demonstrated success in curriculum design, data-driven decision making, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Adept at building strong partnerships with teachers, administrators, and stakeholders to foster sustainable student achievement gains.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Professional Learning Specialist
West40 Intermediate Service Center 2 (ISC2)
04.2025 - Current
- Design and deliver customized professional learning experiences for diverse districts and partners.
- Lead coaching cycles with educators to build capacity and implement best practices.
- Collaborate with district and building leadership to co-plan and evaluate impactful professional development.
- Maintain project records and represent West40 in statewide networks.
CPS/IARSS School Improvement Project Co-Lead
West40 Intermediate Service Center 2 (ISC2)
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Co-led school improvement coaching projects for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in partnership with IARSS.
- Supported specialists and leadership teams in implementing data-driven improvement cycles.
- Modeled evidence-based instructional strategies and facilitated team goal-setting.
School Improvement Specialist
South Cook Intermediate Service Center 4 (ISC4)
07.2024 - 09.2025
- Provide direct coaching to school teams on continuous improvement planning and implementation.
- Support curriculum alignment, data analysis, and multi-tiered supports.
- Deliver job-embedded professional development and monitor progress toward school goals.
Head of School
School Mates (Bronzeville Academy Charter School)
08.2019 - 06.2024
- Directed all academic operations, instructional leadership, and staff development initiatives.
- Led strategic planning, professional learning communities, and school improvement processes.
- Modeled effective instructional practices and built high-performing teams focused on student success.
- Oversaw curriculum implementation, data analysis, and targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
- Developed and implemented curriculum enhancements to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Led faculty training initiatives to ensure effective instructional practices across all grade levels.
- Fostered positive relationships with parents, community stakeholders, and local organizations to support school programs.
- Oversaw daily school operations, ensuring compliance with educational standards and regulations.
- Evaluated teacher performance through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions to drive professional growth.
- Managed budget allocation for school resources, optimizing expenditures while maintaining quality education standards.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities to enhance student development and promote a well-rounded education experience.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to track student progress and inform instructional adjustments effectively.
- Enhanced teacher professional development through targeted workshops, coaching sessions, and collaborative planning time.
- Boosted standardized test scores with comprehensive assessment analysis followed by individualized intervention plans for struggling students.
Administrative & Instructional Support Strategist
School Mates
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Coordinated targeted professional development and coaching for faculty.
- Supported teachers with curriculum alignment, balanced assessment, and differentiation.
Coordinator of Teaching and Learning
Hazel Crest School District 152.5
07.2016 - 06.2018
- Directed curriculum initiatives, coaching programs, and district-level professional learning.
- Worked closely with teachers and administrators to align instruction with standards and assessments.
- Assisted in developing and implementing educational programs to support student learning initiatives.
- Monitored inventory of educational materials, ensuring timely replenishment for classroom needs.
Interim Principal/Assistant Principal
Hazel Crest School District 152.5
07.2014 - 06.2016
- Provided instructional leadership, supported coaching plans, and facilitated team collaboration.
- Used student data to guide lesson planning, interventions, and instructional rounds.
- Developed and facilitated professional development workshops for teaching staff to improve instructional strategies.
- Monitored student progress through data analysis to inform intervention strategies and academic support programs.
Educator
Chicago Public Schools & Edison Learning
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Delivered standards-based instruction and drove measurable student growth.
- Led small-group interventions and supported school improvement goals.
Education
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction
American College of Education
M.A. - Education
National Louis University
Skills
- Instructional Coaching & Adult Learning
- Professional Learning Design & Facilitation
- Continuous School Improvement & Leadership Coaching
- Curriculum Design & Standards Alignment
- Data Analysis & Balanced Assessment Systems
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development
Affiliations
- Valid Illinois Professional Educator License
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
- Illinois Principals Association (IPA)
- Illinois Association for School Administrators (IASA)
- Instructional Leadership Association (ILA)
Timeline
Professional Learning Specialist
West40 Intermediate Service Center 2 (ISC2)
04.2025 - Current
CPS/IARSS School Improvement Project Co-Lead
West40 Intermediate Service Center 2 (ISC2)
09.2024 - 04.2025
School Improvement Specialist
South Cook Intermediate Service Center 4 (ISC4)
07.2024 - 09.2025
Head of School
School Mates (Bronzeville Academy Charter School)
08.2019 - 06.2024
Administrative & Instructional Support Strategist
School Mates
07.2018 - 06.2019
Coordinator of Teaching and Learning
Hazel Crest School District 152.5
07.2016 - 06.2018
Interim Principal/Assistant Principal
Hazel Crest School District 152.5
07.2014 - 06.2016
Educator
Chicago Public Schools & Edison Learning
01.2008 - 01.2014
M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction
American College of Education
M.A. - Education
National Louis University
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
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