Tamara MacLean
Summary
Gifted Education Specialist with extensive expertise in project-based learning, social-emotional advocacy, and educator mentorship. Recognized for implementing equity-driven assessment strategies and developing innovative curricula that address the unique needs of gifted learners. Committed to environmental stewardship and holistic well-being within educational environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Committee Lead - District New Teacher Mentor Program
Ladue School District
St. Louis, USA
07.2025 - Current
- Chaired the district induction committee, designing and executing comprehensive district-wide peer mentoring initiatives for all new hires.
- Collaborated with school administration to align mentoring programs with district objectives, ensuring support for new teachers.
- Facilitated creation of supportive network for new teachers, promoting community integration and collaboration.
District Wellness & Mindfulness Facilitator
Ladue School District
St. Louis, USA
07.2025 - Current
- Led district wellness sessions for faculty and administrators, incorporating somatic stress-relief strategies to reduce educator burnout and enhance well-being.
- Facilitated workshops to improve district climate by implementing effective stress management practices, fostering a supportive environment for staff.
- Developed actionable instructional videos in collaboration with district counseling team, promoting breathing techniques for student calm and focus.
Head Coach - FIRST Lego League
Ladue School District
St. Louis, USA
08.2012 - Current
- Coached and sponsored multiple elementary FIRST Lego League robotics competitive teams for 14 consecutive years.
- Guided young cohorts in mathematical block coding, mechanical adjustments, and engineering log documentation to enhance technical skills and project understanding.
- Established team-building frameworks to support hyper-competitive or anxious students in developing resilience and collaboration.
- Instilled core values of sportsmanship and mutual respect among team members, fostering a positive and inclusive team culture.
Gifted Education Specialist (Grades K-4)
Ladue School District
St. Louis, USA
01.2007 - Current
- Cultivated and introduced proactive enrichment program utilizing Dr. Donna Ford's equity formula to dismantle identification gaps.
- Researched and delivered advanced cross-curricular units, enhancing students' ability to analyze issues and discern facts from bias.
- Secured grant funding to design and install a student-focused sensory garden and resolved drainage issues to support sustainable water conservation.
- Instructed students in engineering and ecology principles while expanding project scope with rain barrel system installation.
- Collaborated with educators and special education teachers on effective strategies for supporting twice-exceptional children with gifts and disabilities.
- Implemented targeted SEL methodologies to reframe challenges as catalysts for academic growth in gifted learners and all learners.
- Served as certified mindfulness practitioner, integrating emotional regulation techniques into daily instruction to reduce performance anxiety.
- Participated in professional organizations at local, state, and national levels focused on advancing gifted education.
Gifted Education Teacher
Rockwood School District
St. Louis, USA
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Differentiated Instruction: Designed and delivered high-impact, multi-tiered standard curricula across early elementary grade levels to optimize cognitive engagement and fulfill unique academic milestones for gifted learners.
- Early Inquiry Frameworks: Formulated standard-aligned, cross-curricular project units combining science, social studies, and language arts, introducing early elements of team-building and collaborative problem-solving.
- Parent & Community Connection: Established open communication frameworks between classroom and home, fostering parental alignment and increasing volunteer participation in exploratory student projects.
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Gifted Education
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO07-2023
State of Missouri K-8 Gifted Education Certification - Gifted Education
Maryville University of Saint Louis
St. Louis, MO05-2001
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Elementary Education
Maryville University
St. Louis, MO12-2000
State of Missouri Elementary Education Certification (K-6) -
Maryville University
St Louis, MO12-2000
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - General Studies
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS05-1996
200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 200) & Social Emotional Learning Facilitator (SEL*F) -
Breathe For Change
07-2025
Skills
- Teacher orientation and mentorship
- Individualized instruction
- Social-emotional learning
- Equity assessment
- STEAM education
- Educational media integration
- Grant writing
- Curriculum development
- Leadership skills
- Community engagement
Leadership And Impact
- Committee Lead - District New Teacher Mentor Program, Ladue School District, St. Louis, MO, 08/18 - Present, Lead the district-wide teacher mentoring committee., Facilitate mentorship networks between veteran educators and novice instructors.
- Head Coach - FIRST Lego League, Grades 2-4 Competitive Robotics, St. Louis, MO, 08/12 - Present, Directed and sponsored multiple elementary engineering and robotics competitive teams., Structured team-building frameworks.
- District Wellness & Mindfulness Facilitator, Staff Professional Development Initiatives, St. Louis, MO, 08/22 - Present, Lead district wellness sessions., Collaborated with the district counseling team.
Accomplishments
- District Teacher of the Year, Ladue School District, 2026
- Teacher of the Year, Old Bonhomme Elementary, 2026
- Excellence in Education, Ladue School District, 2019
- Dedicated Service Award, Rockwood School District, 2007
- John M. Kastner Board of Education Award, Rockwood School District, 2001
- Leona Korol Award of Professional Promise 2000, Maryville University
Professional Affiliations
- National Association of Gifted Students (NAGC)
- Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM)
- Ladue Educators Association (LEA)
Timeline
Committee Lead - District New Teacher Mentor Program
Ladue School District
07.2025 - Current
District Wellness & Mindfulness Facilitator
Ladue School District
07.2025 - Current
Head Coach - FIRST Lego League
Ladue School District
08.2012 - Current
Gifted Education Specialist (Grades K-4)
Ladue School District
01.2007 - Current
Gifted Education Teacher
Rockwood School District
01.2001 - 01.2007
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Gifted Education
Truman State University
State of Missouri K-8 Gifted Education Certification - Gifted Education
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Elementary Education
Maryville University
State of Missouri Elementary Education Certification (K-6) -
Maryville University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - General Studies
University of Kansas
200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 200) & Social Emotional Learning Facilitator (SEL*F) -
Breathe For Change