Terri Blair
Newton,IA
Summary
Dynamic K-12 education leader with a strong record in cross-functional collaboration and data-driven decision making, driving significant improvements in academic performance. Successfully led curriculum coordination and learning support at Concordia International School, integrating professional development with innovative teaching strategies. Proven expertise in coaching educators, facilitating collaborative learning environments, and delivering strategic educational consulting that results in exceptional student outcomes. Committed to fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere that promotes continuous improvement and achievement.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grade 4 Teacher
Newton Community School District
Newton, Iowa
08.2024 - Current
- Showcases expertise in elevating academic performance and aiding student achievement initiatives.
- Exhibits strong command of subject matter relevant to teaching role.
- Displays skillfulness in structuring and devising lesson plans.
- Implements tailored instructional methods to cater to individual student requirements.
- Assesses student learning using diverse monitoring techniques.
- Displays expertise in managing classroom environments.
- Enhances competencies by actively pursuing growth opportunities.
- Maintains a positive classroom culture through behavior management techniques.
- Employs online learning management systems and other diverse instructional resources to offer students remote assistance with assignments.
- Integrates technology tools, like iPads and Chromebooks, into instruction for enhanced engagement.
- Utilizes technology effectively to supplement instruction and engage students in learning activities.
Grade 4 Teacher
Concordia International School
Shanghai, China
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Company Overview: Website: [Concordia International School](https://www.concordiashanghai.org).
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills to foster professional relationships.
- Conducted meaningful growth and achievement conversations using data with students and parents.
- Played an active role in fostering a supportive environment that enhances Concordia's educational philosophy.
- Led various extra-curricular activities throughout the academic year.
- Instructed school-established curricula aligned with Common Core State Standards.
- Pursued continuous improvement through targeted professional and personal enhancement efforts.
- Guided teaching assistants and support staff to monitor children effectively.
- Fulfilled extra duties including leading and chaperoning student trips when needed.
Curriculum Coordinator
Concordia International School
Shanghai, China
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Ensured comprehensive P-12 curriculum alignment through cross-functional teamwork and strategic planning.
- Collaborated with principals to assist teachers in creating a practical written curriculum.
- Analyzed data from AimswebPlus implementation to drive curriculum changes.
- Built and updated evaluation and survey tools to monitor and improve effectiveness of courses.
- Assisted with budgeting decisions related to purchasing new textbooks or other instructional materials.
- Participated in committees dedicated to developing long-term strategies for enhancing student success rates.
- Conducted regular reviews of curriculum resources to ensure quality standards are met.
- Utilized knowledge of industry best practices to improve upon existing training methods.
- Organized professional learning communities focused on improving student achievement through collaborative efforts between teachers.
- Provided guidance on selection of textbooks, software programs, and other educational materials needed for successful teaching and learning experiences.
Learning Support Specialist & PK-12 Vertical Team Lead
Concordia International School
Shanghai, China
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Developed and implemented MTSS framework by working closely with key administrative personnel.
- Worked alongside administrators to optimize strategies for building a comprehensive P-12 Learning Support framework.
- Led data and cross-divisional team meetings for streamlined collaboration.
- Partnered with the assistant head of school and the curriculum director on overall learning supports, curriculum development.
- Aided in the creation of a cohesive K-12 educational framework.
- Supported the introduction of Lexia program across grades 1-4.
- Acquired and integrated aimswebPlus tools for universal screening in grades 1-4.
- Conducted universal assessments for students on a triannual basis.
- Evaluated universal screening data to form supplemental (Tier 2) and intensive (Tier 3) intervention groups.
- Led implementation of a science of reading intervention program.
- Conducted continuous formative evaluations.
- Conducted data analysis to drive ongoing enhancements.
- Created tailored educational plans for students needing extra support.
- Coordinated with school counseling teams and teachers to ensure full spectrum student assistance.
- Managed all aspects of RTI and IEPs using the PowerSchool system.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Futian International and Fine Arts School
Shenzhen, China
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Ensured efficient educational management of school (K-8).
- Facilitated coordination between administration and leadership for effective U.S Common Core State Standards program management.
- Oversaw curriculum development and academic programs at the school.
- Deployed multi-tiered system integrating Professional Learning Communities with data-driven methodology.
- Enhanced educators' skills in employing ELPA21 for assessing English Language Proficiency needs among students.
- Prepared reports using academic or institutional data and information.
- Incorporated innovative approaches into existing curricula as appropriate.
- Assisted in the selection, adoption, and implementation of new instructional materials.
- Provided professional development training to teachers on best practices in curriculum implementation.
- Presented at regional and national events, developing partnerships with industry to increase the school's profile.
Academic Quality Controller (AQC)
The International Schools of Choueifat
Sharjah, UAE
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Oversaw academic success for about 1000 kindergarten and Grade 1 students aged 4-7.
- Managed, assisted and nurtured professional development of 30 KG and Grade 1 teachers.
- Conducted regular meetings with parents to review child's academic progress.
- Reviewed metrics to understand progress in student learning and determine requirements for extra teaching.
- Determined corrective actions and developed plans to facilitate changes.
- Analyzed issues and recommended corrective actions to improve final results.
- Checked production performance for compliance with process standards.
- Recommended improvements or modifications necessary for achieving desired levels of teacher quality.
Educational Consultant
Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency
Bettendorf, USA
08.2003 - 10.2018
- Delivered continuous professional development to educational staff across 66 school districts.
- Coached administrative leadership teams toward comprehensive school improvement.
- Facilitated implementation of administrative rules for special education to provide educational opportunities.
- Conducted evaluations using ICEL and RIOT methodologies.
- Managed administration of federal programs across 66 districts in Iowa.
- Participated in development efforts of the statewide comprehensive school improvement team.
- Promoted adherence to Iowa Core guidelines throughout education stages from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
- Led cross-functional team operations within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework.
- Served as agency team lead for English learners.
- Facilitated data teams and root cause analysis.
- Organized professional development workshops for educators on topics such as differentiated instruction, classroom management, cultural diversity and assessment techniques.
- Met with vendors to check available curriculum plans and related materials supporting course objectives.
- Collaborated with school administrators to integrate advanced educational technologies and resources into the curriculum.
- Maintained accurate records related to program implementation and outcomes.
- Attended conferences related to current trends in education policy and practice.
- Negotiated contracts, prices, and deliveries with vendors.
- Managed grant writing and fundraising efforts to secure funding for educational programs and initiatives.
Teacher
Marshalltown Community Schools
Marshalltown, USA
08.1993 - 07.2003
- Instructed students from kindergarten to grade three in a dual language education model.
- Specialized in implementing co-teaching frameworks for diverse learning needs.
- Managed implementation of Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP).
- Created thematic instructional units and evaluated student performance through rubrics.
- Focused on creating a curriculum driven by inquiry and projects.
- Implemented instructional techniques supporting English language learners in inclusive classrooms.
- Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Received recognition for contributions to innovative concepts in classroom instruction.
- Performed student background reviews to ascertain learning deficiencies and strengths to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
Education
MSE - Special Education
Drake University
Des Moines, IA01.2000
BA - Elementary Education
Central College
Pella, IA01.1993
Skills
- K-12 Educational Consulting
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborative Learning Groups
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Professional Development
- Coaching and Support
Certification
- Master Educator, Iowa Teaching License #320152
- Decision Making for Results (DMR) Trainer
- Data Teams Trainer
- Real Colors Trainer
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Grade 4 Teacher
Newton Community School District
08.2024 - Current
Grade 4 Teacher
Concordia International School
07.2023 - 07.2024
Curriculum Coordinator
Concordia International School
07.2022 - 07.2023
Learning Support Specialist & PK-12 Vertical Team Lead
Concordia International School
07.2020 - 07.2022
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Futian International and Fine Arts School
08.2019 - 07.2020
Academic Quality Controller (AQC)
The International Schools of Choueifat
09.2018 - 07.2019
Educational Consultant
Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency
08.2003 - 10.2018
Teacher
Marshalltown Community Schools
08.1993 - 07.2003
MSE - Special Education
Drake University
BA - Elementary Education
Central College