I have served as a teacher in K-12 schools in Denver and St. Louis, Missouri over the past 12 years, working predominantly with culturally and linguistically diverse student populations, many of which impacted by poverty, trauma, and homelessness. I currently serve as the Senior Team Lead over the 9th Grade Department at Northfield High School in Denver Public Schools. I am very proud of the work the 9th Grade Department has put into practice. Our goal this year was to ensure 90% of all freshman will be on track to graduate by the end of the year and we are getting closer to achieving that goal every day. Mid-year data currently shows our 9th graders significantly outperforming the district and the state. I facilitate and lead ongoing PLCs with the 9th grade team to close identified gaps around reading, writing, and math. I helped start the first-ever cohort of 9th Graders to establish a norm the rest of the school can model given its success, while being a contributing member of the Instructional Leadership team.

 

My work also highlights the co-development of Northfield’s Black Excellence Plan and Si Se Puede Plan that are focused on creating an intentional presence of our students of color’s lived experiences in our school, creating equitable lessons for our ELL students, and implementing CRT practices that acknowledge all of our students. I lead bi-weekly data driven PDs with the 9th Grade Department centered around MTSS interventions, SLO’s, and schoolwide data to promote equity and increase student performance. I also work regularly with teachers on my caseload engaging in weekly observations and coaching learning cycles to support classroom management, instructional rigor, and student engagement based on our school’s goals and UIP. One of my favorite aspects of my job is coaching teachers and helping foster their growth.

 

During my tenure in St. Louis, I led the related arts department within our Title 1 school, served on the Principal Leadership Team, and mentored over a dozen teachers. During the 2019-2020 school year, I collaborated with the administrative team to develop and implement a new PBIS model and restorative justice program to improve student achievement in reading and writing, reduce disciplinary
infractions, and increase attendance. These systems resulted in increased student attendance by over 10%, increased instructional time that led to higher math and ELA scores, along with incentives that led to a decrease in over 50% referrals and suspensions.

 

In 2019, I was named Teacher of the Year at Lemasters Elementary by my principal and fellow staff. This award speaks to my passion for facilitating rigorous instruction that validates and authentically incorporates students’ lives and historical experiences into my classroom culture. This year, I’ve worked with our administrative team to develop and adjust school-wide plans for all students to return in person. This has encompassed scheduling, community and parent communication, and ensuring compliance with district guidelines.

 

I am excited to work in a capacity that continues to allow me to hold equity as an upmost priority. Coming from such a diverse background, I appeal to working in a diverse community leveraging everyone’s strengths to achieve growth and progress. As a school leader, I will create an equitable and rigorous learning environment that effectively incorporates all of our students’ diverse cultures and backgrounds by facilitating culturally responsive and inclusive practices. One of my greatest strengths as an educator is being able to cultivate meaningful relationships with our students, staff, and families. Being able to do this helps me create an atmosphere of collaboration, inquiry, and critical thinking. I work side by side with other staff and teachers to bring out the highest potential in all of our learners and go out of my way to ensure staff feels supported and appreciated. I enjoy watching people grow and thrive off helping others be the best they can be. Those who I’ve worked with, coached and mentored will attest to my ability to support others.

 

In closing, I hope you will give me the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my experience and unique skill set would benefit your school.

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Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.