Virginia Simank
Denton,TX
Summary
Skilled Structured Literacy Instructional Specialist focused on maximizing student growth and success through effective implementation of research-based instructional strategies, data analysis, and effective professional learning and support. Top-notch communicator with excellent time management, administrative and customer service skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Improvement Specialist
MGT Consulting of America, LLC
04.2022 - Current
- Collaborate with district leadership to support creation and implementation of a comprehensive literacy plan
- Coach district- and building-level school leadership in data interpretation and instructional planning
- Create content for products and services, including the Small Group Automation Tool and related professional learning courses, Science of Reading courses, and Connecting to the Classroom courses
- Model & mentor the implementation and fidelity of explicit and systematic direct instruction
- Support alignment of curriculum with MTSS and the Science of Teaching Reading to impact student achievement
- 139% growth in number of students At/Above benchmark from BOY to EOY in K-3 across 5 buildings served in SY22-23
Level 5 Master Instructor
Institute for Multi-Sensory Education
01.2014 - 04.2022
- Lead professional development courses to train participants in IMSE’s Orton-Gillingham instructional model
- Supervised & mentored 100+ practicum participants
- Mentored new instructors during the training process
- Assisted in writing & editing content for course materials
- Supported streamlining internal practicum processes and rubrics
- Utilized face-to-face & e-learning multimedia to deliver content, engage participants, & monitor participants’ learning
- Provided on-site professional learning courses and consultations to support implementation
Elementary teacher
Richardson Independent School District
01.2017 - 05.2019
- Campus implementation team member for Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
- Mentor teacher to student teacher, second-year teacher, and high school student intern
- Grade level team lead
Middle School Teacher
Dallas Academy private school
07.2012 - 06.2016
- Reading, Language Arts, and Home Economics (2014-2016)
- Lower School Lead Teacher: Reading, Language Arts, U.S
- History with administrator responsibilities (2012-2014)
Special Education Teacher
Denton Independent School District
08.2010 - 07.2012
Education
M. Ed. with Reading Specialist Certification -
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TXB.B.A. in Strategic Management -
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSkills
- Science of Reading and Structured Literacy
- MTSS & Differentiated Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Team Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Technology Integration
- Collaborative learning
- Oral communication
- Group and individual instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Goal Setting & Progress Reporting
- State Standards Adherence
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team in the development of FLITE, the Foundational Literacy Instructional Tool for Educators.
- Achieved 139% increase in the number of K-3 students scoring At or Above Benchmark from BOY to EOY through effective instructional coaching.
- Working toward successful launch of FLITE on June 15, 2024, by completing professional learning courses and videos with accuracy and efficiency.
Certification
- Texas Teaching Certificates, 2011 to present (renews May 2029)
- Reading Specialist (K-12), 2011 to present (renews May 2029)
- Generalist (EC-6), 2011 to present (renews May 2029)
- ELA (4-8), 2011 to present (renews May 2029)
- Special Education (EC-12), 2011 to present (renews May 2029)
- ESL Supplemental (EC-12), 2011 to present (renews May 2029)
- IDA-CERI Structured Literacy Teacher, 2017 to present (renews October 2024)
Professional Credits
Activities
- Acadience Learning Reading, Data Interpretation, and 7-8 Reading, 07/2022, Acadience Reading K-6 Mentor, 09/2022, Keys to Literacy Comprehension, 07/2022, KTL Comprehension Coach, 09/2022, LETRS certificate Units 1-8 (Voyager Sopris), 01/2022, Orton Gillingham Master Instructor, Level 5 (IMSE), 2016
- Learning Disabilities Association of America, teaching featured in 50th anniversary online informational and advocacy videos, Member of the Board of Directors (February 2016-February 2019), Member of the Education Committee & the Nominating Committee (2016-17), Annual Conference 2016 (Orlando, FL), presenter, Member of the Membership & Affiliate Support Committee (2015-16), May 19, 2015 webinar presenter with Understood.org, Annual Conference 2015 (Chicago, IL), presenter, Annual Conference 2014 (Anaheim, CA), presenter
Publications
- Simank, V. (2021, Apr. 23). Syllabication and Word Breaks. IMSE Blog (formerly IMSE Journal)., 04/23/2021
- Simank, V. (2020, Nov. 24). Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers. IMSE Journal., 11/24/2020
- Simank, V. (2020, Aug. 6). Encoding vs. Decoding. IMSE Journal., 08/06/2020
- Simank, V. (2020, June 30). Reading Fluency & How to Improve It. IMSE Journal., 06/30/2020
- Simank, V. & Nicodemus, C. (2020, Apr. 7). Ways to Keep Your Child Reading While Out of School. IMSE Journal., 04/07/2020
- Simank, V. (2020, Apr. 2). Great Board Games and Family Activities to Help Young Learners Build New Skills. IMSE Journal., 04/02/2020
- Simank, V. (2016, Oct. 10). What Does a Reader Look Like? LDA Today, 3(5). Retrieved from https://ldaamerica.org/what-does-a-reader-look-like/, 10/10/2016
Timeline
Lead Improvement Specialist
MGT Consulting of America, LLC
04.2022 - Current
Elementary teacher
Richardson Independent School District
01.2017 - 05.2019
Level 5 Master Instructor
Institute for Multi-Sensory Education
01.2014 - 04.2022
Middle School Teacher
Dallas Academy private school
07.2012 - 06.2016
Special Education Teacher
Denton Independent School District
08.2010 - 07.2012
M. Ed. with Reading Specialist Certification -
Stephen F. Austin State University
B.B.A. in Strategic Management -
University of North Texas
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