Tala'Shandria L. Allen
Fresno,TX
Summary
Experienced educator specializing in AP Biology instruction and curriculum development. Led initiatives to enhance student engagement through innovative laboratory investigations and instructional coaching, while implementing MTSS strategies to foster a collaborative learning environment that supports academic achievement and personal growth.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
PreAP/AP Biology Teacher
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Houston, TX
08.2021 - Current
- Designed and delivered grade-level and laboratory content aligned with TEKS and College Board standards to enhance student understanding and engagement.
- Planned biology lessons aligned with Houston ISD college preparatory standards.
- Taught laboratory investigations using Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy safety procedures.
- Assessed student understanding through quizzes, discussions, and classroom checks.
Campus Athletic Coordinator
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Houston, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Coordinated all campus athletic events to ensure successful execution and participation
- Worked with campus coaches to plan and implement sports-specific events, fostering team collaboration
- Partnered with district athletic administrators to improve program operations and resource allocation
District Lead PreAP & AP Biology Teacher
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Houston, TX
01.2023 - Current
- Assisted in creating and reviewing district curriculum materials to ensure alignment with AP/IB requirements.
- Implement and support an AP/IB course-specific digital page with resources.
- Conducted Job-Alike training sessions for educators, promoting enhanced collaboration and resource sharing.
- Facilitated monthly PLC meetings to foster collaboration and share best practices among educators.
- Provided course-specific content for a bi-weekly newsletter.
Science Department Chair
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Houston, TX
08.2021 - Current
- Led science department by coordinating curriculum development, ensuring alignment with educational standards, and fostering collaborative, innovative teaching environment.
- Led science curriculum alignment with Houston ISD college preparatory academy standards.
- Oversaw professional development needs, supporting teachers in implementing effective instructional strategies to enhance student learning.
- Coached teachers on lesson design, lab activities, and classroom instruction.
- Coordinated department meetings, agendas, and instructional planning for science teachers.
NHS & NJHS Chapter Sponsor
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Houston, TX
08.2021 - Current
- Guided student leaders in overseeing NHS chapter and facilitated selection of new members based on academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.
- Coordinated with students to plan and execute service projects, fostered positive inclusive chapter culture, and ensured members met and maintained organizational standards.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Head Volleyball Coach
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
Houston, TX
08.2021 - Current
- Organized practices and strategized game plans while overseeing player development and fostering positive team culture through effective communication with students and stakeholders.
- Directed young women student-athletes through daily volleyball practices and skill development.
- Developed comprehensive program emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship to enhance player performance.
- Planned game strategies aligned with Houston ISD athletics and academy expectations.
- Coordinated team conditioning, drills, and position training for competitive play.
Biology Teacher-All Levels
Angleton High School-Angleton ISD
Angleton, TX
08.2012 - 01.2021
- Developed and implemented grade-level and laboratory content aligned with TEKS and College Board standards to enhance student learning.
- Instructed biology lessons aligned with Angleton ISD curriculum standards.
- Planned classroom activities covering genetics, ecology, and cellular processes.
- Led laboratory investigations using microscopes, specimens, and safety procedures.
Lead Biology Teacher
Angleton High School-Angleton ISD
Angleton, TX
08.2012 - 01.2019
- Facilitated weekly PLC meetings to foster collaboration and enhance instructional strategies throughout the school year.
- Contributed to the creation and revision of district curriculum materials aligned with on-level, Pre-AP, and AP standards to ensure academic rigor.
- Taught biology lessons within Angleton ISD classrooms aligned to TEKS standards.
- Planned engaging instruction using Angleton High School biology curriculum and pacing guides.
- Managed classroom behavior with consistent expectations and clear procedures.
Head Volleyball Coach
Angleton High School-Angleton ISD
Angleton, TX
08.2012 - 01.2019
- Organized practices and strategized game plans while overseeing player development and fostering positive team culture through effective communication with students and stakeholders.
- Directed in-game strategy and lineup decisions during matches.
- Implemented comprehensive program enhancing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Instructed athletes on passing, serving, setting, and defensive techniques.
- Planned volleyball practices for Houston ISD Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy student-athletes.
Biology Teacher
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
El Campo, TX
08.2002 - 05.2012
- Designed and executed grade-level and laboratory content aligned with TEKS to enhance student understanding of biological concepts.
- Planned biology lessons aligned with El Campo ISD curriculum standards.
- Taught classroom concepts using labs, demonstrations, and student discussions.
- Managed classroom behavior with clear expectations and consistent routines.
Head Girls Soccer Coach
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
El Campo, TX
08.2008 - 05.2012
- Coordinated girls soccer program at El Campo High School under El Campo ISD athletics.
- Coordinated practices and game strategies while overseeing player development and fostering positive team culture through effective communication with students and stakeholders.
- Developed comprehensive program emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship to enhance player performance.
- Planned daily practices aligned with district training standards and UIL requirements.
- Instructed student-athletes in passing, conditioning, positioning, and game strategies.
Assistant Girls Track Coach
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
El Campo, TX
08.2002 - 05.2012
- Collaborated with head coach to plan and organize effective daily practices that enhance athlete readiness.
- Monitored athlete progress daily to provide tailored guidance and feedback for track meet preparation.
- Coordinated targeted drills and exercises to optimize athlete skill development as outlined by head coach.
Assistant Girls Volleyball/Basketball Coach
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
El Campo, TX
08.2002 - 05.2008
- Collaborated with head coach to plan and organize daily practices focused on athlete development.
- Provided guidance and feedback to athletes in preparation for games/matches by monitoring and assessing progress daily.
- Conducted targeted drills that enhanced athletes' performance and game readiness. and performed training activities assigned by the head coach.
Education
Masters of Education - Science Curriculum and Instruction
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology/Teaching & Coaching Concentration: Biology
Texas Lutheran University
Seguin, TX05-2002
High School Diploma -
El Campo High School
El Campo, TX05-1998
Skills
- AP biology instruction
- TEKS standards
- Curriculum development
- Laboratory investigations
- Experimental design
- Data assessment
- Instructional coaching
Certification
- TExES Secondary Classroom Teacher: Biology 6-12
- EdPuzzle Certified Coach
- Quizizz Certified Game Changer
- Google Certified Educator Level 1
- Rice University Mentoring and Coaching Certification
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
District 20-4A Volleyball Co-Coach of the Year 2024, District 21-4A Volleyball Coach of the Year 2023, STAT Teacher Highlight for March-2025, YWCPA HAABSE Teacher of the Year 2022-23, YWCPA November Teacher of the Month 2022, Educate Texas Certificate of Appreciation for STEM Education (May 2016), Phillips 66 Sweeny Refinery Exemplary Performance in Science Teaching Award (2015)
Affiliations
- Houston ISD Leadership Academies
- Teacher Leadership Academy Fall 2023 Cohort
- Advanced Leadership Academy Spring 2026 Cohort
- Rice University R-STEM
- Applied Mathematics Program Participant 2021 & 2023
- CHANGE (Cancer Health Advancement through Networks, Guidance, and Education) Cancer Research Internship 2025-2026
- Biozone Corporation
- Biozone Biology for Texas Book Reviewer 2023
- Science Teacher Association of Texas Member (STAT)
- Convention 2023 Presenter-New Teacher Classroom Toolbox
- Presentation of instructional strategies for 0-5 science teachers and breakdown of the steps to implementing inquiry-based lessons effectively.
- National Society of Black Engineers 54th Annual Convention
- National Society of Black Engineers Jr. Chapter Advisor Training 2022
- 1080 Racing & Research Presentations Judge
- Texas Association of Biology Teachers Member (TABT)
- National Association of Science Teachers Association Member (NSTA)
- Texas Computer Education Association Member (TCEA)
- Texas Science Education Leadership Association Member (TSELA)
- Texas Education Agency Educator Committee Member
- STAAR Biology Standard Setting Committee (2026)
- STAAR Biology B Item Review Committee (2025)
- STAAR Biology EOC Rangefinding for Constructed Response Questions (2025)
- Teacher Leadership Fellowship (2023-2025)
- Texas Education Agency Biology EOC Item Review Committee (2017)
- Texas Education Agency Biology EOC Standards Committee (2012)
- Texas Education Agency Biology EOC Item Review Committee (2010)
- Texas Education Agency Biology TAKS Field Test Item Selection Committee (2009) Region 4 Science
- Region 4 High School STEM Challenges Book/Lesson Reviewer
- 2020 Texas Regional Collaborative
- TRC Region 4 Science Collaborative Science Teacher Mentor (2014-17)
- Texas Regional Collaborative Conference Presentation for Region 4 Science Presenter, 2017
- Angleton ISD District Advisory Committee (2019-20)
- Angleton ISD District Secondary Science Accountability Prep Team (2018-19) AISD Un-Conference Presenter: Technology Formative Assessments, 2017 & 2019 El Campo ISD District Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Committee (2009-12)
- Response to Intervention and PBIS Presenter at Region 13 (2009)
- Response to Intervention Committee Member and Case Manager (2009-2012)
- International Conference on Positive Behavior Support Presenter in St. Louis (2010)
- Texas Lutheran University Volleyball Team Member (1998-2002)
Timeline
Campus Athletic Coordinator
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
08.2024 - Current
District Lead PreAP & AP Biology Teacher
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
01.2023 - Current
PreAP/AP Biology Teacher
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
08.2021 - Current
Science Department Chair
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
08.2021 - Current
NHS & NJHS Chapter Sponsor
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
08.2021 - Current
Head Volleyball Coach
Houston ISD Young Women's College Preparatory Academy
08.2021 - Current
Biology Teacher-All Levels
Angleton High School-Angleton ISD
08.2012 - 01.2021
Lead Biology Teacher
Angleton High School-Angleton ISD
08.2012 - 01.2019
Head Volleyball Coach
Angleton High School-Angleton ISD
08.2012 - 01.2019
Head Girls Soccer Coach
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
08.2008 - 05.2012
Biology Teacher
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
08.2002 - 05.2012
Assistant Girls Track Coach
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
08.2002 - 05.2012
Assistant Girls Volleyball/Basketball Coach
El Campo High School-El Campo ISD
08.2002 - 05.2008
Masters of Education - Science Curriculum and Instruction
University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology/Teaching & Coaching Concentration: Biology
Texas Lutheran University
High School Diploma -
El Campo High School