Tara Henderson

Dynamic educator who implements and maintains educational programs and services and serves as a strategic and trusted leader responsible for the day-to-day administrative operation of various programs to promote and provide educational opportunities for Southern Ute tribal members. Leverages research-based interventions, strategies, and instruction and analyzes data to support and empower Indigenous children and adults in achieving their educational goals. Good planner, problem-solver, and analytical leader with strong attention to detail and sound judgment to promote growth and success within the Southern Ute tribal community.

• Mentored new staff members using instructional coaching.
• Collaborated with staff in the development and implementation of English curriculum.
• Used Microsoft Excel to develop tracking spreadsheets for Chromebook management and AP testing.
• Created community service options for students.
• Collaborated with staff for Unified Improvement Plans by researching data, trends, root causes, etc. and building resources to improve performance.

• Bookseller: Waldenbooks, Durango, Colorado, 2000-2003
• Dance Teacher: Durango Ballet Academy, Durango, Colorado, 1997-2000
• Photographer: Thru the Lens, Durango, Colorado, 1991-1996
• Substitute Teacher: Durango School District, Durango, Colorado, 1994
• Cheerleading Coach: Durango School District, Durango, Colorado, 1994
• Various jobs at Fort Lewis College (Records, Admissions, Counseling Center), Durango, Colorado, 1990-1994
• Teacher’s Aide: Children’s Center, Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado, 1990-1991

• Licensed professional teacher Colorado 298167
• Instructional Coaching Institute Training - May-August 2023
• Culturally and Linguistically Gifted Level 1, Spark
  Education - May-August 2024
• Culturally and Linguistically Gifted Level 2 Spark Education- May-August 2025
• Teacher Leader Certificate, University of San Diego, May-December 2013

• Knowledge Bowl sponsor
• National Honor Society sponsor
• English department chair/teacher leader
• Bayfield High School leadership team member
• Language Arts Curriculum Committee
• District Accountability Committee and School Accountability Committee member
• Bayfield School District Calendar Committee
• National Energy Education Development Project class participant and past member (NEED Project)
• SCILnet technology trainer for Bayfield School District
• Bayfield High School Faculty Council
• Bayfield High School Attendance Committee
• Bayfield High School Budget Committee
• Bayfield School District Technology Committee
• Bayfield School District School-to-Career Committee
• Bayfield District Council
• Bayfield High School choreographer for musicals
• Bayfield High School dance team coach

• Horace Mann Teacher of the Year, 2014
• Boettcher Foundation Teacher Recognition Award, 2012
• Durango Masonic Lodge Teacher of the Year, 2006-2007 and 2010-2011
• Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, multiple-year honoree (three years)
• Honorary Thespian, Thespian Troupe 5509, Bayfield High School, April 2004