Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Key Points
Professional References
Timeline
Generic

Kristen Groves

Alexandria,Ohio

Summary


An educational leader with a proven track record of driving academic success and fostering a collaborative school environment. Expertise in curriculum development, staff training, and student engagement. Known for adaptability, reliability, and a results-driven approach that aligns with institutional goals and changing educational needs.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal

Blacklick Elementary School
01.2014 - Current
  • Currently lead a school of 715 students and 80 staff members, creating an environment focused on academic excellence, student well-being, and community involvement
  • Invested two years in the establishment, development and creation of a 12 classroom addition to the building to accommodate enrollment growth while maintaining school operations
  • Created and continue to maintain a school culture of excellence, high expectations, and engagement for everyone involved
  • I understand the importance of clear and consistent communication and creating a positive and collaborative school environment that is focused on academic excellence
  • Played a key role in implementing Conscious Discipline throughout the entire building while concurrently running five efficient structured support units prioritizing students’ needs
  • Played a key role in the implementation of new curricular tools including Fundations, Wit and Wisdom and Bridges Mathematics

Principal

Gahanna Middle School South
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Managed a community of 620 students and 75 staff members
  • Collaborated with staff on instructional strategies and student engagement techniques to improve instruction
  • Provided teachers with feedback and evidence of effective teaching practices
  • Collaboratively planned and facilitated professional development for staff
  • Maintained open communication with students, staff, and families
  • Coached and guided staff members to reach their professional goals through an honest and growth mindset based model
  • Worked collaboratively with teachers to facilitate standards based grading practices

Director of Operations

Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012
  • Provided direction, guidance and direction of the operations of the school district including preventative maintenance of school grounds and facilities, food service and transportation
  • Responsibilities included maintaining the budget, recruitment and hiring of staff, evaluation of staff, program development, fiscal management, and organization and management of facility use

Principal

Gahanna Lincoln Elementary School
01.2004 - 01.2011
  • Planned and directed the overall activities for an elementary school of 410 students and 50 staff members
  • Played a key role in the creation and implementation of an effective instructional coaching model for grades K-5
  • Cultivated relationships with the school community and instilled a sense of belonging and support for students, staff, and families

Assistant Principal

Gahanna Middle School West
01.2003 - 01.2004
  • Worked collaboratively with the building principal to create a school environment where students, staff, and families feel valued and appreciated
  • Collaborated with staff on instructional strategies and student engagement techniques to improve instruction and student engagement
  • Maintained open communication with students, staff, and families
  • Provided teachers with feedback and evidence of effective teaching practices

Classroom Teacher

Gahanna Middle School South
01.1997 - 01.2003

Education

Superintendent's License -

Ashland University
01.2010

Master of Education - Educational Leadership

The Ohio State University
01.2002

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Kent State University
01.1997

Skills

  • Education excellence
  • Relationship building and networking
  • Instructional and organizational leadership
  • Data-driven instruction and program implementation
  • Team collaboration
  • School and community engagement
  • Strategic leadership
  • Safety and security procedures

Key Points

  • Creating Trusting Relationships, At the heart of my leadership is the belief that we must create positive, trusting relationships with elementary students because it is crucial for their social, emotional, and academic development. I work closely with teachers to help students feel supported, trusted and engaged in the learning process. We work together to build safe, encouraging classrooms where students are willing to take risks, ask questions, and express their ideas. Positive relationships with teachers foster a sense of security and belonging. This emotional safety allows students to develop essential social skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution.
  • Student Engagement, I work closely with teachers to implement innovative instructional strategies, hands on experiences and student centered initiatives that make learning meaningful and fun! By fostering curiosity, creativity and a sense of ownership, I ensure students develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
  • Family and Community Involvement, A strong home-school connection is essential for student success. I believe in open, transparent communication with parents and families, ensuring they feel welcome and valued as partners in their child’s education. By hosting family engagement events, fostering community partnerships, and maintaining an open-door policy, I create a school culture where families feel connected, involved and valued.
  • Leadership, Effective leadership is built on trust, collaboration and a shared vision. I work closely with teachers and families to make decisions that are in the best interest of our students. I empower teachers by providing professional learning opportunities, fostering a positive school culture, and implementing best practices that drive sound decision-making and continuous improvement.

Professional References

Available Upon Request

Timeline

Principal

Blacklick Elementary School
01.2014 - Current

Principal

Gahanna Middle School South
01.2012 - 01.2014

Director of Operations

Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2012

Principal

Gahanna Lincoln Elementary School
01.2004 - 01.2011

Assistant Principal

Gahanna Middle School West
01.2003 - 01.2004

Classroom Teacher

Gahanna Middle School South
01.1997 - 01.2003

Master of Education - Educational Leadership

The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Kent State University

Superintendent's License -

Ashland University
Kristen Groves