Whitney Gilchrist, Ph.D.
Mims
Summary
Committed Assistant Principal with background in educational leadership and staff development. Managed academic programs, facilitated school-wide initiatives, and fostered positive learning environments. Strengths include strategic planning, team collaboration, and communication skills. Significant contributions to previous work include enhancing student performance and improving teacher effectiveness through innovative strategies and leadership.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Brevard County Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Coordinate all aspects of the elementary curriculum.
- Serve as testing coordinator
- Serve as the ESOL contact for the school.
- Serve as the Chair on the School-Based Threat Management Team (SBTMT)
- Coordinate faculty, year level and individual teacher’s planning.
- Assist teachers in interpreting and implementing the district's curriculum.
- Coordinate, as assigned, research related to curriculum development.
- Recommend curriculum adjustments to meet the special learning needs of individual children.
- Assist teachers in organizing classrooms for effective learning.
- Implement and schedule all standardized testing.
- Establish and maintain a system of school-wide textbook accountability.
- Schedule and plan in-service programs and prepare required reports.
- Work with the media specialist in adapting and improving the use of media in the school.
- Participate in proposed and ongoing curriculum development projects.
- Serve at the direction of the principal as an advisor and special consultant to probationary teachers.
- Coordinate the grade placement and grouping of children.
- Assist the principal in planning and carrying out staff and parent curriculum meetings.
- Assist in the preparation of management proposals relating to union contracts, and assist in managing the implementation and administration of negotiated employee contracts.
- Complete special assignments assigned by the Principal.
- Assume building supervisory responsibility in the absence of the Principal.
- Maintain high visibility within all areas of the facility. Supervise students in order to maintain a safe, orderly environment.
- Supervise students in order to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
Student Staffing Resource Specialist
Seminole County Public Schools
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Participated as a member of Student Study Team
- Ensured that all information required for ESSS decision-making purposes is available and reviewed; document the accuracy of all information
- Served as the Designee of the Executive Director and be accountable to same for staffing decisions made at the school level
- Served as liaison/trainer to school level staff regarding changes related to Exceptional Student Education in School Board policies/procedures, state and federal laws, and program services provided by the county school system
- Assisted Student Study Team with determining education alternatives/interventions which may be available within the school district and community
- Served as LEA representative at three-year reevaluation and dismissal meetings and at IEP meetings, if requested to do so by the Executive Director of ESSS and/or Designee
- Managed the process and documentation of the IEP, reevaluation, and dismissal process
- Verified any edits generated from the on-line ESSS automated system during FTE and federal survey periods
- Communicated with students' parents in regard to legal rights and informed consent
- Increase the availability of services provided to students/staff/parents related to Exceptional Student Education programs and program needs within schools
- Consulted with district teachers regarding strategies and teaching techniques
- Provided observations, interventions, and follow-up to teachers upon request from Student Study Team
- Demonstrated teaching techniques at cost centers
- Participated and promoted activities that will improve teacher/parent interaction
- Performed other duties as assigned
Behavior Intervention and Supports Coordinator
Greenville County Schools
Greenville
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Company Overview: Greenville, South Carolina
- Assisted the Assistant Superintendent and Directors of Special Education in design, coordination, and implementation of programs to support student learning and growth; and build capacity in the area of positive behavior management, applied behavior analysis, behavioral supports, and behavioral interventions for students with disabilities
- Administered programs and services for students with challenging behaviors for the purpose of providing a safe and effective educational environment
- Assisted with training and facilitation of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans that address students' targeted behaviors and provides a comprehensive individualized plan for the success of the student
- Assisted in developing procedures and training materials for district staff involved with students with disabilities that exhibit challenging behaviors for the purpose of enhancing and ensuring that program operations are in compliance with established guidelines
- Conducted workshops, training, in-service presentations, etc
- In classroom management techniques and other topics for purpose of developing skills and establishing effective relationships with students with disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviors
- Participated in a variety of meetings, workshops, and committees for the purpose of conveying, collaborating, and / or gathering information required to perform functions and remaining knowledgeable with program guidelines
- Assisted staff in defining and measuring behavior; understanding principles of reinforcement; teaching new behavior; implementing strategies for modifying behavior; and identifying antecedents and function
- Facilitated team meetings that design Behavior Intervention Plans; address classroom organization, effective instruction, social skills instruction, and ethical issues; and supports tertiary Positive Behavioral Supports
- Worked with individual teachers, groups of teachers, and / or entire staff on issues such as crisis prevention intervention, learning and collaboration, and factors that can affect development and implementation of interventions
- Promoted highly specialized positive behavior interventions in which students with disabilities thrive; behavior instruction that is explicit, intensive, and accelerated and provides planned practice
- Used on-going assessment to maintain a record of student progress
- Guided the learning processes for students with disabilities that exhibit challenging behaviors toward the achievement of curriculum goals, communication, functional academics, life skills, and transitions
- Worked cooperatively with building administrators to promote positive student behavior by providing professional development that targets research, strategies, and modeling of instructional practices to support teachers in their implementation of positive behavior supports in special education classrooms
- Served as a consultant to administrators, teachers, and parents
- Planned, organize, implement, and progress monitor the state and district procedures for restraint and secured seclusion with an emphasis on alternatives to response systems involving crisis intervention
- Supervised, facilitated, and evaluated Behavior Coaches and Behavior Support Leads
- Greenville, South Carolina
District Behavior Specialist
Greenville County Schools
Greenville
07.2022 - 02.2023
- Company Overview: Greenville, South Carolina
- Supported students with disabilities in various special education classrooms, grades K-12, including ED, ID-Moderate, and multi-categorical by providing evidence based interventions and positive behavior interventions and supports
- Collaborated, coordinated, and communicated with special education specialists and school psychologists to ensure students are receiving appropriate behavioral supports, assist with functional behavior assessments (as needed) / behavior intervention plans (as needed) / crisis plans (as needed)
- Provided consultative and coaching services to teachers and administrators of students with disabilities
- Provided training and support for teachers and administrators, including Crisis Prevention Interventions (CPI)
- Provided support and training for implementation of zones of regulation, whole body listening, classroom management, verbal de-escalation
- Developed individualized progress monitoring tools for students and train teachers on effective data collection
- Collected, managed, and disseminated behavioral data required for individualized education plans (IEPs)
- Conducted observations on students with disabilities to provide appropriate recommendations and strategies for classroom implementation
- Model / coach / train paraprofessionals on implementation of evidence-based interventions
- Actively participated in individualized education plan meetings
- Developed and disseminate materials for teachers (visuals, social stories, token economy systems, etc.) to support students with disabilities
- Supported classroom teachers in developing calm down areas in the classroom (zen dens, sensory areas, etc.) for student use
- Supported school in identifying supports for students with disabilities (i.e
- Community resources and school resources)
- Greenville, South Carolina
District Behavior Specialist
Buncombe County Schools
Asheville
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Company Overview: Asheville, North Carolina
- Supported students within multiple schools grades K-12 within the school district assigned providing Tier III interventions and support
- Identifies and increases school-based systems of support within PBIS team
- Consulted with team to develop an individualized behavior intervention plan, assess the need for a functional behavior assessment, and crisis plan if needed
- Provided team with training on intensive interventions and progress monitoring
- Assists and trains teachers and support staff to address behaviors and issues consistently through the school
- Directly worked with qualified students at least 4 times per month
- Consulted with appropriate teachers and support staff to deliver behavioral strategies and intervention 'above and beyond what these students would otherwise receive.'
- Reviewed IEPs, specifically focusing on: Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavioral Intervention Plan, Appropriate behavioral goals and service delivery, Manifestation Determination Reviews
- Focused on critical needs areas that may include: FBA and BIP training, verbal de-escalation strategies, classroom management, trauma informed care- including resiliency skills and zones of regulation
- Collected, managed, and disseminated data required for monthly, mid-year, and end-of-year PRC 29 funding
- Provided coaching for EC and general education teachers with progress monitoring of BIPs and behavioral goals for PRC 29 students
- Assumed primary responsibility for developing and monitoring FBAs and BIPs, and for facilitating related IEP meetings or reviews
- Provided EC Teachers with consultative support in development and monitoring of FBAs and BIPs through the school based PBIS teams
- Worked with school counselors and regular education teachers, through the PBIS team, to provide consultative support in FBA and BIP development
- Conducted 1-3 observations to assess services, Provided observation data along with research-based interventions and sample progress monitoring tools
- Checked on fidelity of interventions and student progress via a team meeting
- Asheville, North Carolina
ELA Teacher
Jackson County Schools
Sylva
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Company Overview: Sylva, North Carolina
- Planned and implemented literacy and writing instruction of middle grade students
- Participated in progress monitoring literacy reading levels and implementing MTSS interventions in the classroom
- Actively participated on the MTSS committee
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to develop daily schedules / routines
- Responsible for instructional program as outlined in the NC Standard Course of Study (Common Core/Essential Standards)
- Duties of a classroom teacher and other duties as assigned by the principal and/or superintendent
- Sylva, North Carolina
ELA Teacher
Swain County Schools
Bryson City
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Company Overview: Bryson City, North Carolina
- Planned and implemented literacy and writing instruction of middle grade students
- Participated in progress monitoring literacy reading levels and implementing MTSS interventions in the classroom
- Actively participated on the MTSS committee to develop MTSS planning, implementation in classrooms, and development of fidelity check tools for teachers
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to develop daily schedules / routines
- Responsible for instructional program as outlined in the NC Standard Course of Study (Common Core/Essential Standards)
- Duties of a classroom teacher and other duties as assigned by the principal and/or superintendent
- Bryson City, North Carolina
Co-director & Lead Teacher Alternative Learning Program
Swain County High School
Bryson City
01.2009 - 12.2018
- Company Overview: Bryson City, North Carolina
- Developed curriculum instruction and design
- Managed disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Director
- Collaborated with Director of Day Treatment program
- Facilitated parent meetings between school and community stakeholders
- Worked intensively with EC department, mental health services to provide intensive academic and behavior supports
- Provided academic advising
- Provided professional development on a district-wide level for crisis prevention interventions (CPI)
- Provided progress monitoring for accurate academic and behavioral data collection
- Frequent parent communication
- Assisted in linking students to post-secondary education or career opportunities
- Engaged students in community volunteer opportunities
- Bryson City, North Carolina
High School English Teacher
Swain County High School
Bryson City
01.2002 - 12.2009
- Company Overview: Bryson City, North Carolina
- Planned and implemented literacy and writing instruction of high school students
- Advised students for future course work
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to develop daily schedules / routines
- Developed instructional lesson plans as outlined in the NC Standard Course of Study (Common Core/Essential Standards)
- Performed normal duties of a classroom teacher and other duties as assigned by the principal and/or superintendent
- Bryson City, North Carolina
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Appalachian Community Services
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Reduced presenting psychiatric or substance use disorder symptoms
- Provided first responder intervention to diffuse current Crisis
- Ensured linkage to community services and resources
- Prevented out of home placement for the child or adolescent
- Provided crisis services, available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to the family’s home and community
- Delivered supports to children and adolescents, primarily in their living environments, with a family focus, using Evidence Based Practices and a variety of parenting curricula
- Provided substance use disorder treatment interventions
- Developed and implemented a home-based behavioral support plan with the child/adolescent and their caregivers
- Provided psychoeducation
- Linked to community resources
- Provided mobile crisis
- Worked collaboratively with community stakeholders
- Developed person-centered plans linked to the comprehensive clinical assessment
- Developed safety plans / contracts when clinically appropriate
- Conducted CALOUS assessments to determine appropriate level of care
English Language Arts Teacher
Jackson County Schools
Sylva
01.2001 - 12.2002
- Company Overview: Sylva, North Carolina
- Planned and implemented literacy and writing instruction of middle grade students
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to develop daily schedules / routines
- Developed and provided an instructional program as outlined in the NC Standard Course of Study (Common Core/Essential Standards)
- Duties of a classroom teacher and other duties as assigned by the principal and/or superintendent
- Sylva, North Carolina
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Higher Administration: Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2023
Masters of School Administration (MSA) -
Western Carolina university
Cullowhee, NC05.2018
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) - Special Education Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC05.2015
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) - Secondary English Education
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC05.2001
Skills
- Discipline management
- Student achievement
- Student and parent relations
- Restorative practices
- School security and safety procedures
- Prioritization
- School culture
- Behavioral intervention
- Classroom management
- Collaborative learning
- Student and family relationships
- Documentation
- Special education
- Progress monitoring
- Data-driven instruction
- Student engagement
- Critical thinking and judgment
- Discipline and policy enforcement
- Group facilitation and presentations
Certification
- Florida, #1501112, Educational Leadership, All Levels, English, Grades 6-12, Exceptional Student Education, Grades K-12
- South Carolina, #609435, Superintendent, School Principal: Elementary Tier 1, School Principal: Secondary Tier 1, English, Middle Level Language Arts, Special Education: Multi-categorical
- North Carolina, #956200, K-12 North Carolina, Master’s Level Special Education, K-12 North Carolina, Master’s Level Principal, 6-9, North Carolina English Language Arts Teacher, 9-12 North Carolina English Teacher
Honors And Awards
- Presented Master’s research at the North Carolina Superintendent’s conference, 06/01/18
- North Carolina School Executive Leadership Award Recipient, Western Carolina University, 06/01/18
- Sigma Tau Delta, Honor Society, WCU, 06/01/01
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Brevard County Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Student Staffing Resource Specialist
Seminole County Public Schools
09.2023 - 06.2024
Behavior Intervention and Supports Coordinator
Greenville County Schools
02.2023 - 06.2023
District Behavior Specialist
Greenville County Schools
07.2022 - 02.2023
District Behavior Specialist
Buncombe County Schools
01.2020 - 12.2022
ELA Teacher
Jackson County Schools
01.2019 - 12.2020
ELA Teacher
Swain County Schools
01.2018 - 12.2019
Co-director & Lead Teacher Alternative Learning Program
Swain County High School
01.2009 - 12.2018
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Appalachian Community Services
01.2007 - 12.2008
High School English Teacher
Swain County High School
01.2002 - 12.2009
English Language Arts Teacher
Jackson County Schools
01.2001 - 12.2002
- Florida, #1501112, Educational Leadership, All Levels, English, Grades 6-12, Exceptional Student Education, Grades K-12
- South Carolina, #609435, Superintendent, School Principal: Elementary Tier 1, School Principal: Secondary Tier 1, English, Middle Level Language Arts, Special Education: Multi-categorical
- North Carolina, #956200, K-12 North Carolina, Master’s Level Special Education, K-12 North Carolina, Master’s Level Principal, 6-9, North Carolina English Language Arts Teacher, 9-12 North Carolina English Teacher
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Higher Administration: Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Masters of School Administration (MSA) -
Western Carolina university
Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) - Special Education Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Western Carolina University
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) - Secondary English Education
Western Carolina University
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