Stephanie Karlstrum
Lakewood,CO
Summary
Results-oriented Instructional Coach and District Distinguished Teacher with over a decade of experience in urban education pedagogy and evidence-based curriculum design. Expert in driving instructional excellence through job-embedded coaching cycles, classroom observations, and data-driven feedback protocols that have led to a 78% growth in student competency. Proven success in leading professional learning cohorts and building sustainable internal capacity by aligning classroom practices with MTSS and SEL priorities. A collaborative leader recognized for cultivating "model classrooms" that balances rigorous academic standards with culturally responsive, inclusive environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavior Systems Coach
Jeffco Public Schools
Lakewood, CO
12.2024 - Current
- Implemented Positive Classroom Behavior Support (PCBS) through job-embedded coaching cycles to strengthen Tier 1 classroom practices and learning environments.
- Led professional learning and cohort-based coaching, focused on proactive classroom management, routines, and relationship-building.
- Conducted classroom observations and data analysis to inform coaching goals and guide instructional and behavior supports.
- Collaborated with school leadership to align coaching with MTSS, PBIS, and SEL priorities, building sustainable internal capacity.
TRANSFORMATIVE SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING SPECIALIST
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Denver, USA
07.2021 - 06.2024
- Developed and led a districtwide strategy for Transformative Social Emotional Learning (TSEL) implementation, leveraging SEL as a driver for equity and belonging.
- Coached school-based and central office leaders on shared SEL language, culturally responsive practices, and systems that foster belonging for all community members.
- Designed and facilitated engaging, equity-centered professional learning and practical tools to support TSEL implementation for students, staff, families, and communities.
- Analyzed school and student-level data to guide differentiated support and coach educators on best practices for TSEL direct instruction and classroom integration.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL ACADEMIC LEARNING COACH
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER OFFICE OF CHILDREN'S AFFAIRS
Denver, USA
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Provided on-site coaching, technical assistance, and professional development to 200+ staff across six traditionally underserved Denver Public Schools, including sustainability planning for long-term program success.
- Designed and implemented individualized SEL standards and curriculum that foster belonging, build trust, and elevate youth voice in classroom and after-school environments.
- Strengthened educator practice by transforming observation and feedback protocols; 78% of partner-site students demonstrated growth in key SEL competencies, including self-management and social awareness.
- Built cross-site alignment by developing an annual SEL scope of work, facilitating best-practice sharing, and launching a bi-monthly SEAL APPEAL newsletter to support consistent implementation and impact.
EDUCATOR & INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Denver, USA
08.2014 - 06.2018
- ultivated a rigorous, student-centered classroom environment supporting proficiency in all Common Core Standards while promoting creative exploration, youth voice, and leadership development for 35 students annually.
- Recognized as a district-wide model classroom for exemplary implementation of the Expeditionary Learning curriculum, earning the highest ratings across all Learning Environment indicators.
- Honored three times as a District Distinguished Teacher, recognized for strong instructional practice, high expectations, and the creation of culturally responsive, safe, and inclusive learning spaces.
2012 CORPS EDUCATOR
TEACH FOR AMERICA
Colorado, USA
07.2012 - 06.2014
- Advanced educational equity and student belonging by implementing relationship-centered, culturally responsive classroom practices that strengthened partnerships among educators, families, and students in two traditionally underserved Title I schools in Colorado.
Education
MASTER OF EDUCATION - Curriculum Development & Urban Education Pedagogy
University of Colorado - Denver
Denver, CO01.2014
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Sociology
University of Washington
Bellingham, WA05-2012
Skills
- Facilitation skills
- Change management strategies
- Program assessment
- Evidence-based curriculum design
- Coaching expertise
- Instructional expertise
Websites
Certification
• DPS Management, 2022
• Certified Facilitator, StandUP, 2019
• ESL, Colorado Department of Education, 2015
• Professional Teaching License, Colorado Department of Education, 2024
• Leading Effective Academic Practice (LEAP), 2016
• Certified Facilitator, StandUP, 2019
• ESL, Colorado Department of Education, 2015
• Professional Teaching License, Colorado Department of Education, 2024
• Leading Effective Academic Practice (LEAP), 2016
Timeline
Behavior Systems Coach
Jeffco Public Schools
12.2024 - Current
TRANSFORMATIVE SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING SPECIALIST
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
07.2021 - 06.2024
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL ACADEMIC LEARNING COACH
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER OFFICE OF CHILDREN'S AFFAIRS
07.2019 - 06.2021
EDUCATOR & INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2014 - 06.2018
2012 CORPS EDUCATOR
TEACH FOR AMERICA
07.2012 - 06.2014
MASTER OF EDUCATION - Curriculum Development & Urban Education Pedagogy
University of Colorado - Denver
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Sociology
University of Washington