Sophie Gelaw
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Experienced Pedagogical Leader with a strong background in coaching, instructional improvement, and delivering effective professional learning cycles. Highly organized and communicative, with a proven ability to meet deadlines and excel under pressure. Proficient in data analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making. Internationally minded and fluent in English, French, and Amharic, with working knowledge of Spanish.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
IBEN Workshop Leader and Examiner
International Baccalaureate Organization
03.2015 - Current
- Facilitate DP and MYP Workshops across the United States and Canada
- Examiner for MYP eAssessments and Personal Projects
Instructional Support Leader
Chicago Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
- Support 24 school teams in the development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of balanced assessment data related to students, teachers, and school operations to develop targeted improvement strategies.
- Support instructional development and school-level improvement to drive academic achievement for all students.
- Observed teachers, documented classroom activities, and implemented improvement plans to enhance classroom effectiveness.
Principal Intern and Instructional Leader
Chicago Public Schools
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Researched and incorporated new educational trends and instructional strategies to optimize education effectiveness.
- Performed classroom observations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
District IB Coordinator
Chicago Public Schools
01.2018 - 09.2020
- Responsible for the management and administration of the program in 65 schools with a $6M budget.
- Supervise 100 school IB coordinators, including training and recommending hiring.
- Evaluate, conduct site visits and recommend award funding for IB Candidacy status for schools ensuring equitable access to all communities.
- Provide continuous IB program professional development for school administrators, network chiefs and IB coordinators.
IB Coordinator
Chicago Public Schools
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Responsible for managing and administering the IB Diploma Programme.
- Responsible for managing and administering the IB Middle Years Programme.
- Collaborated with the district IB Coordinator and school administration and staff to ensure the program adheres to the guidelines established by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Adjunct French Instructor
City Colleges of Chicago
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Developed curriculum for sections of French 101 & 102
- Faculty member of Assessment Committee and Instructional Leadership Team.
- Collaborated on and implemented innovative pedagogical initiatives that focused on experiential learning to foster French instruction.
French Instructor
University of the Virgin Islands
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Developed Curriculum and taught Elementary, Intermediate and Advance Conversation levels 1 & 2
- Student advisor to 100 undergraduate students majoring in Humanities
- Faculty member Curriculum & Technology Support Committee, faculty advisor of Le Club Francophone and Co-Sponsor of Alpha Mu Gamma; National Foreign Language Honor Society.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Curriculum Studies
DePaul University
Chicago, IL08.2026
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL05.2023
Master of Arts - Pedagogy
National Louis University
Chicago, IL12.2005
Bachelor of Arts - French Language And Literature
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06.2000
Skills
- Strategic Leadership: Leading cross-departmental projects and strategic initiatives, aligning them with organizational objectives and ensuring stakeholder engagement
- Relationship Management: Cultivating strong partnerships with schools, districts, and educational authorities, including senior stakeholders, to drive collaboration and achieve shared educational goals
- Programme Expertise: Leveraging my comprehensive understanding of IB programmes to support schools in enhancing their educational frameworks and optimizing programme implementation
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytical insights to inform strategic planning, monitor school performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement within educational settings
Timeline
Instructional Support Leader
Chicago Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Principal Intern and Instructional Leader
Chicago Public Schools
01.2020 - 08.2022
District IB Coordinator
Chicago Public Schools
01.2018 - 09.2020
IBEN Workshop Leader and Examiner
International Baccalaureate Organization
03.2015 - Current
IB Coordinator
Chicago Public Schools
01.2014 - 01.2018
Adjunct French Instructor
City Colleges of Chicago
01.2009 - 01.2014
French Instructor
University of the Virgin Islands
01.2006 - 01.2009
Doctor of Philosophy - Curriculum Studies
DePaul University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Concordia University Chicago
Master of Arts - Pedagogy
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts - French Language And Literature
DePaul University
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