Student Bios
Danforth 19, 2006-07
Justin Baeder
Certification:
Elementary Principal
Internship Site:
John Hay Elementary, Seattle, WA
Academic Background:
M. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, June 2006, Seattle University
B.A., General Science - Chemistry, May 2002, Harding University
Previous Experience:
Head Teacher, John Hay Elementary, 2006 - Present
Professional Goal:
I am seeking an elementary, middle, or K-8 administrative role in which I can continue to grow as a leader while using my talents in the service of student learning. I am committed to ensuring the success of all students by exercising instructional leadership, promoting a positive school climate, taking a proactive approach to student discipline, facilitating faculty collaboration, and using data to make decisions that will help eliminate the achievement gap. My professionalism and collegiality promote a culture of learning, excellence, and continual growth.
Jen Baumgarten
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
View Ridge Elementary, Everett Public Schools
Jackson Elementary, Everett Public Schools
Academic Background:
Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, B.A., Sociology, B.A., Social Work
Concordia University Portland, M.I.T, K-8 Certification
Previous Experience:
I spent two years working for Child Protective Services before I decided that I wanted to work with children in a classroom setting. After I earned my Masters in Teaching, I began teaching Third grade on a military base in Tacoma, WA. I then began teaching 4th grade in Everett, WA. As a classroom teacher, I participated in many opportunities to increase my own learning. I was a team leader, a member of school committees for technology and literacy, and a district representative for the reading cadre as well as the math cadre. From the classroom, I moved to the role of a Reading Facilitator, which has given me the opportunity to continue to work with students, but to also increase my contact with teachers and other staff members as a reading coach. I lead professional development seminars to help support literacy instruction, and I work collaboratively with teachers to improve the effects of instruction in classrooms.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as a Head Teacher/Dean of Students, or as an Assistant Principal in an urban elementary school. My professional goal is to work to promote an equitable education for all, and empower communities to enrich their public schools.
Jen Benson
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Previous Experience:
Professional Goal:
Kathleen Birley
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Clark Elementary School, Issaquah School District
Beaver Lake Middle, Issaquah School District
Special Education Program, Issaquah School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, Educational Leadership
University of Washington, M.Ed
Pacific Lutheran University, B.A., Elementary/Special Education
Previous Experience:
I have been a special education teacher for over 15 years, in the Kent and Auburn School Districts. I have worked as a special education coordinator/TOSA for over 9 years in the Kent and Issaquah School District. Currently I am working in the Issaquah School District as an Autism Specialist. For the last 10 years I worked privately with families and school districts regarding programming for children with autism. I have gained a variety of leadership skills while working as a special education coordinator, interacting with school teams and administrators.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal in an urban school. I will work towards narrowing the achievement gap, promoting an equitable education for all, and empowering communities to enrich their public schools.
Heather Blust
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Eastgate Elementary School, Bellevue School District
Curriculum Department, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A.
University of Washington, Bothell, K-8 Certification
Previous Experience:
For the past two years I have worked in the Bellevue School District as a Technology/Curriculum Coach. In this role I collaborate with teachers and administrators of the implementation and use of district initiatives. Prior to this, I taught kindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade at Medina Elementary School. While there I served as a team leader, building math leader, and member of the Program Delivery Council. I achieved National Board Certification in November 2003 as an Early Childhood Generalist. I have also worked at a consultant for the Scott Foresman publishing company.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal or principal in a school/district that promotes learning communities which provide rigorous and cohesive instruction for all diverse learners.
Karen Gunther Bombino
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Cedar Valley Community School K-8, Edmonds School District, Edmonds, WA
Academic Background:
University of Notre Dame, B.A., Psychology
Boston College, M.Ed, Elementary Education with Concentration in Urban Schools (Donovan Scholar)
Previous Experience:
I have spent my teaching career at the elementary school level. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I did a year of service with the Marist Volunteer Program; I taught fifth grade on the south side of Chicago. After receiving my Master degree, I worked with kids with Autism and Tourette’s Syndrome in Concord, MA, a town just outside of Boston. I then worked as a second grade teacher for five years in Hopkinton, MA. There, I worked as a grade and school leader counseling my peers in instructional design, technology, taking risks, and piloting a new Math curriculum. I took a brief sabbatical from teaching and worked in the private sector as a Training and Development specialist developing curriculum for employees at the EMC Corporation.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to obtain a leadership position as a principal of an elementary or middle school where I can guide, nurture, and instill the love of learning in both teachers and students. I want to be an instructional leader that helps create educational programs that are challenging, child-centered, authentic, and fun!
Erin Bowser
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Inglemoor High School, Northshore School District
Hamilton International Middle School, Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Mathematics
Seattle University, MIT
Previous Experience:
I have been teaching math for the last six years at the junior high level in the Northshore School District. Early on in my teaching career I had the opportunity to assume leadership roles outside of the classroom. I was a member of the district math curriculum team that planned and facilitated professional development opportunities for teachers and para-educators to ensure a smooth transition of the CMP curriculum adoption and to increase student learning. As a teacher mentor, I collaborated with new teachers regarding classroom instruction and management.
My husband and I taught in Tanzania in East Africa as part of the Peace Corps. This experience was life changing and the catalyst for my pursuit of a career in educational leadership. I have deep respect and appreciation for all cultures of our world. I believe that diversity enriches our lives.
In addition to my teaching duties, I have worked with ASB students, coached girls’ soccer and coached the Math Olympiad Team
Professional Goal:
My goal as an educational leader is to help foster a positive and safe environment that promotes the intellectual, social and emotional growth of all students. I believe that all students can learn and that we must work together to ensure that all students DO learn. I am committed to providing equity and excellence within our schools. All students will be life-long learners and prepared to positively contribute to a democratic society.
Christine Castillo
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Pomona College, B.A., Anthropology
LAUSD District Intern Program, CA., K-8 Certification
Previous Experience:
I received my teaching certification after participating in a two -year internship program for the Los Angeles Unified School District in Los Angeles, California. I have been an SEI and bilingual educator for five years. As grade level chair I learned to collaborate with staff and use data to create a richer curriculum. I also participated in various workshops and mock walks that allowed me to gain a wider perspective of effective teaching strategies as they related to a diverse student population. Aside from teaching, I was a part-time student at various colleges/universities pursuing a certification in health/nutrition while sharing and applying the knowledge in the school setting.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal in an urban school who will work towards creating a rich, nurturing learning environment, share the vision of equitable learning, and empower students to be active participants in the greater society.
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Chris Cronas
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
John Stanford International School, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, B.A., English Literature, English Education 7 - 12
Ithaca College, New York State Teacher Certification English 7 - 12
Previous Experience:
I have been teaching English as a Second Language in Japan on and off for six years. While there, I trained Japanese ESL teachers, administrators and native English instructors on ESL theory and methodology. For the last two years, I taught reading, writing and speaking in an English immersion program at a junior/senior high school in Tokyo. My work in ESL focused specifically on the development of new techniques for testing speaking and teaching writing. In addition to my teaching experience in Japan, I was an administrator for a preparatory program in New York City which readied gifted children of color from lower income families for placement in top independent schools throughout New York City and the best boarding schools in New England. Although the majority of my career has been at the junior and senior high school levels, I have also taught elementary, university and adults as well.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to become the principal of a secondary school where I would be able to affect the development of students and teachers positively while continuing my own professional development. I would do this through an expectation of excellence and accountability while striving to actualize a school environment that respects and encourages equity, diversity and the notion of shared responsibility among all stake-holders in the community.
Bruno Cross
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Denny Middle School, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
Western Washington University, B.A., Spanish
Western Washington University, K-12 Certification/ESL-EFL Certificate
Previous Experience:
Prior to becoming a teacher, I was a logistics and finance specialist in the Navy and in private industry. I have traveled extensively, volunteering in places such as the Philippines, Guam and Brasil, with a keen interest in the global conditions that permit or prohibit access to education for children and communities. The work I have done with children extends through my formative years and into my adulthood through the YMCA. I also worked closely with the Whatcom (County) Human Rights Task Force to promote human dignity and social justice for all people. More recently, I have been an ESL teacher, Spanish translator and interpreter, Club Advisor and Coach in the Highline School District.
Professional Goal:
I wish to engage schools in the struggle for accessible, authentic and achievable learning for all students. I wish to obtain a leadership role as a principal/assistant principal in an urban setting. As an educational leader, I am determined to uphold dignity and integrity as stepping stones to a successful learning experience for all learners in our public school communities.
Catherine Cuomo
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Meadows Elementary School, North Thurston School District
Lewis County Special Education Co-operative, Chehalis, WA
Academic Background:
State University of New York at Plattsburgh, B.A., English
Hofstra University, MS.Ed.
New York State: K-8 and Special Education Certifications
Previous Experience:
I have been a special education teacher in the high school and middle school setting, for the past 7 years. During that time I had the opportunity to teach in in a private school in Rhode Island , and three school districts in upstate New York,
At St Andrews, in Barrington, Rhode Island, I taught high school students with learning disabilities and served as a student advisor. In upstate New York I taught middle school in an urban environment in Binghamton, as well as in a the rural community of Norwich. In Johnson City I had the privilege to teach in a district widely known for its highly inclusive approach towards students with special needs. In these varied settings I acted as an advocate for special education students who are taught in the mainstream population.
Professional Goal:
My intention is to secure a position as an administrator at the elementary or middle school level, in order to realize my goal of establishing a learning environment based on trust, respect, and cooperation between the students, staff, administrators and the community, so that all students might fully realize their potential.
Christopher Daikos
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
John Marshall High School, Seattle Public Schools
Marshall Transition Center, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
Seattle University, B.A., Ecological Studies
Seattle University, Special Education Certification
Seattle University, MiT
Previous Experience:
Most of my teaching experience has been focused on “at-risk youth.” I currently help direct the Marshall Transition Center, a program that helps the highest level “Emotional Behavior Disorder” students develop life skills and transition back into an inclusive educational environment. As an advocate for our students I facilitate the alignment of services through King County Juvenile Courts, Seattle Mental Health, Central Family Youth Services, and other state and local agencies. I am responsible for the enrollment of our student and directing which classes they need to attend to meet their needs and graduation requirements. I coordinate Seattle University’s Masters in Teaching graduate students to set up service learning projects with our program. I have aligned with the Highline School District’s Camp Waskowitz program to provide an opportunity for our students to experience environmental stewardship while challenged with ROPES courses.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role in an urban school where I can work closely with families and community leaders towards closing the opportunity gap, promoting an equitable education for disadvantaged youth through service learning, environmental stewardship and promote academic rigor for all students.
Janet Dickson
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Meadowdale Elementary School, Edmonds School District
Academic Background:
Seattle Pacific University, B.A. Social Science Education
Seattle Pacific University, K-8 Certification
Previous Experience:
During 11 years of teaching, I have taught grades 3 – 6 in the Edmonds School District. A particular focus has been in leadership roles as literacy coach and lead at the building and district level, and math lead at the quadrant and district level developing curriculum, delivery, and implementation with teacher follow-up. I have worked with the Teach the Teachers program implementing technology in the classroom while serving on building Leadership and Instructional Teams, Teacher Assistance Teams, and Critical Friends Groups. In addition, I am co-representative for our building to the Edmonds Education Association.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as a principal in a public school who will work toward narrowing the achievement gap for all students, assist teachers in working smarter – not harder – while promoting an equitable education for all, and empowering teachers, the school, and the community to work toward the continued expectation of providing an enriched high quality education for all students.
Angela Dunavant
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Ardmore Elementary School, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
Seattle University, B.A., Business Administration
Seattle University, Master In Teaching
Seattle University, K-8, Social Studies 4-12, History 4-12 Certification
Previous Experience:
After a business career in collections and customer service, I began my teaching career in 1992 at Cathcart Elementary School in the Snohomish School District. While at Cathcart, I taught 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Four years ago, I came to the Bellevue School District in search of new challenges. At Tyee Middle School I taught 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies before moving to Ardmore Elementary where I taught 3rd grade and then served as a Title 1 Facilitator/Coach. I currently serve as Elementary
Technology/Curriculum Coach for Clyde Hill Elementary and Puesta De Sol Elementary.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to obtain a leadership position as a principal or assistant principal through which I can inspire, guide, and collaborate with teachers to maximize their potential and broaden student opportunities by providing high quality, challenging programs for all students.
Teresa Fogarty
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Bryn Mawr Elementary School, Renton School District
Academic Background:
University of Idaho, B.S., Elementary Education
Seattle University Seattle, M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction
Previous Experience:
After receiving my undergraduate degree from the University of Idaho, I taught for four years in Klamath Falls, Oregon at a Day Treatment Center for severely emotionally disturbed children. I then moved to Kent, WA and taught in a self-contained classroom for children with behavior disorders for five years in a public school setting. When I completed my Masters degree, I designed and implemented a new Special Education Program in Kent for students with emotional disorders who attended their general education classroom in the morning and my self-contained program in the afternoon. I also served as a Behavior Consultant part-time. In 2001, I became the Elementary Behavior Facilitator for the Renton School District.
Professional Goal:
As our school systems continue to strive to meet standards, I want to help create an educational environment that is built on the belief that all children can learn. As an educational leader, I hope to establish a school community that supports the individual needs of children through creative and passionate teaching. We must persevere in our passion to reach all children, at their cognitive and emotional level, and help each of them access tools and knowledge that will impact their lives forever.
Susan Kliewer
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Sites:
Madison Middle School, Seattle Public Schools
High Point Elementary, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
City University, Special Education Endorsement, 2000
Washington Teaching Certificate, 1992
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA K-12 Certification Physical Education 1983
Previous Experience:
I am a professional educator who has had successful experiences at the High School, Middle School and Elementary levels. Additionally, I have taught in South Central Los Angeles, and Seattle Public Schools. All my teaching positions included many leadership responsibilities. In Los Angeles I was Department chair in a Middle School of 1600 students. Upon moving to Seattle in 1992, I found a dream job with the African American Academy, an Afro centric Public School. Family situation required me to take a leave of absence and then I held a teaching position at Rainier View Elementary for 5 years. I was a leader on the BLT, SIT, GOALS 2000, and Artist in Residencies, Budgeting and Transformation Plans. I earned my Special Education Endorsement and took a job @at Fairmount Park as a self contained EBD teacher. I continued to fill the same leadership roles and also completed adaptive schools training as well as the Courage to Teach Personal and Professional Renewal Retreats. Ready for my next professional step I explored many directions and chose the Danforth Educational Leadership Program to earn my Leadership Certification and a Masters in Education. I interned this school year at High Point Elementary School and Madison Middle School. Dr. Jill Hudson and Gayle Everly are my mentor principals. I am a self starter, inquisitive learner, attentive listener, passionate educator, creative thinker, idea cultivator, resilient problem solver, and an assiduous human being.
Professional Goal:
To make vast contributions as a formal leader in an urban school. The school that hires me will benefit from my commitment to equity and excellence, as I utilize my creativity to gather data and influence informed choices as work together, as a team, to eliminate the achievement gap.
Jennifer Kniseley
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Madison Middle School, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
Eastern Washington University, B.A., Communication Disorders
Western Washington University, P-3 & K-12 Special Education Certification
Western Washington University, M.Ed., 4-12 Technology Education Certification
Previous Experience:
I have been teaching for twelve years. The last six have been at Meadowdale Middle School in the Edmonds School District. My varied experience includes teaching Woodshop, Drafting, P.E., and Special Education courses. The past three years I have been an Instructional Coach and Critical Friends Leader. This last year I worked with the BERC group collecting educational data at schools in the State of Washington. Prior to teaching at MMS, I spent six years as a teacher in District Programs for students with severe emotional and behavioral issues at Juanita High School, (Lake Washington School Dist.), and Explorer Junior High School, (Mukilteo School Dist.). I have been a Head Volleyball Coach the past ten years at both Juanita High School and Meadowdale High School.
Professional Goal:
I would like to obtain a Vice Principal/Principal job in a school that I can utilize my diverse background and training to create or maintain a strong learning community while focusing on closing the achievement gaps.
Christy Lindquist
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Lake Hills Elementary,
Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
National Board Certification: Middle Childhood Generalist
University of Puget Sound: Masters in Teaching, K-8 Certification, 4-12 History Endorsement
Whitman College, B.A., History
Previous Experience:
I am currently completing my principal internship at Lake Hills Elementary in the Bellevue School District while working as a kindergarten and first grade reading facilitator/coach. I have 12 years of experience teaching grades 1-5 in both public and private schools. Through my work as a mentor teacher, conference presenter and participating in the observation process of teachers I have continued to support student learning as an instructional leader beyond my own classroom. I have also pursued many instructional leadership opportunities at the district and state level related to the WASL and aligning curriculum with state standards.
Professional Goal:
My professional goal is to become a building administrator so that I can increase student learning through my instructional leadership and my commitment to building relationships with students, staff, families and the community.
Karmen Nordhougen
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Sociology & Women’s Studies
Antioch University Seattle, K-8 Certification
Previous Experience:
After finishing my bachelors’ degree, I spent a year as an Americorps member in Seattle/King County. Along with tutoring students in low-income schools, I also worked with a team to develop curriculum for Young Heroes, a middle school service-learning program. Upon completing my year of service, I spent two years as a Pre-K teacher. I was hired in the middle of my student teaching at Gatewood Elementary, a restructured school. I taught in both K-1 and 2-3 multi-age classrooms, in a full inclusion setting. I served on the building leadership team and the equity team. I worked collaboratively with two other teachers to develop and implement a differentiated curriculum using a problem-based approach. After four years, I moved to The New School in South Seattle where I taught second grade. I also served on the equity and literacy team. While completing my studies at The Danforth Program, I will be serving the school by providing academic and instructional support at the Pre-K and Kindergarten level.
Professional Goal:
My educational vision is focused on meeting the needs of students who have been disenfranchised by traditional education—primarily students of color. I am staunchly committed to eliminating the achievement gap and facilitating the needs of all students to meet and exceed standard. I am extremely conscientious about creating a culturally competent school environment, honoring and valuing diversity. It is my goal to be a principal in an urban school and to work within that community to create a shared vision and promote collaborative leadership.
Shannon O'Brien
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Ferndale High School, Ferndale School District
Horizon Middle School, Ferndale School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, BA, Political Science,
Study in England, Ecuador and Costa Rica
Gonzaga University, Masters in Initial Teaching
Previous Experience:
Shannon O’Brien began her career teaching History, Psychology and Sociology
at Stanwood High School from 1994-1999, where she was also coached three sports and
served as Advisor Key Club, Freshman Class, and Ski Club. She has taught at the American
School of Madrid, and Pre-Education Freshman Seminar Courses at Appalachian State University
in North Carolina where she was an Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator for GEAR UP and
Upward Bound. She has been at Ferndale High School for 3 years as Student Assistance Coordinator,
advocating and program coordinating for Early College and Smaller Learning Communities, helping
students identify their goals, and barriers to those goals, so that resources can be used. She is
currently AVID District Director.
Professional Goal:
It is my goal to continue to learning communities in which students, teachers and other stakeholders are supported so that instruction is personalized and that each unique student is able to achieve his or her goals of academic success in rigorous coursework so that they will be contributing citizens in our democratic society.
Jashar Rentz
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Previous Experience:
Professional Goal:
Danny Rock
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Whitworth College, BA in History and Teacher Certification
Previous Experience:
I am a teacher with Seattle Public Schools currently working out of Roosevelt High School. My seven years at Roosevelt have seen increased responsibilities and leadership over time. I have been a coach for three years, a class advisor, a team teacher to three different colleagues, our race and equity coach for two years, our 9th grade team leader for the last 3 years, transformation team member, and co-director and founder of Hands For a Bridge (www.handsforabridge.org). I have participated, supported, and planned professional development for our building and our cohort of schools (Franklin, West Seattle, Roosevelt, and Nathan Hale) sharing a D.O.E. grant. I am also a club advisor and active member of my Critical Friends Group. I bring a wealth of classroom and building level experience to my new profession.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to be a dynamic and effective elementary school principal. I want staff, administration, and the community at large to work together towards equitable education. I have passions for reducing the achievement gap, creating viable and sustaining communities, and facilitating engaged learning environments. I love being with students, working with teachers, and the work of education. I want always to be learning, to be listening, and to collaborate with my staff on our vision and purposes.
Laura Rothenberger
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
Continuing ESA in School Psychology
Doctoral Candidate, Special Education
Internship Site:
Educational Service Center, Edmonds School District
Lynnwood High School, Edmonds School District
Academic Background:
Pacific Lutheran University, B.A. Education, Special Education
University of Washington, M. Ed., School Psychology
University of Washington, Ed. D, Candidate, 2008, Special Education
Previous Experience:
My professional experience has been focused on students with disabilities in grades K-12. As a special education classroom teacher, in Edmonds School District, I worked with resource room students as a reading specialist and coach within an inclusive model, as well as developed a site-based, half-day program for students with emotional and behavioral challenges in grades K – 8. As a school psychologist, in Everett School District, my emphasis has been support for students with disabilities at the middle and high school level in achieving a course of study, authentic transition planning, and positive post school outcome. This year, in Edmonds School District our focus was on improving post school outcome contact rates with our special education graduates with the hope that this data might inform future practice for students with disabilities at risk for leaving school without a diploma. Achieving positive post school outcomes for students with disabilities is my passion and continued area of research.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as a program administrator in special education at the secondary level in an urban school who will work with my colleagues towards achieving positive post school outcomes for secondary students with disabilities while improving graduation rates and narrowing the achievement gap.
Theresa Smith
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Previous Experience:
Professional Goal:
Angie Thomas
Certification:
Principal and Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Highline Big Picture High School, Highline School District, Mentor Jefferson Petty. In addition, I will be shadowing a host of administrators throughout the country.
Academic Background:
University of Washington, Seattle, WA – B.A., Sociology
Antioch University, Seattle, WA – Teaching Certificate - Secondary Education
Antioch University, Seattle, WA – M.A., Education
Master's Thesis: Classroom Management for the Child Left Behind
(Effective Classroom Customs to Engage and Motivate Students At-risk - A Case Study)
Previous Experience:
As an undergraduate at the UW, I wanted to become a lawyer so that I could help kids stay out of prison. I soon realized that educating them in a classroom was a far better solution than defending them in a courtroom. Education is more proactive and has greater long-term results. It was in 1998 that I realized the power of a quality education, soon after, I became a teacher.
While earning my undergraduate degree at the UW, I emphasized a great deal of my studies in both juvenile and group behavior as well as deviance and social problems. Eventually I began an eight-year career as an educator within the Re-entry Program at John Marshall High School in Seattle School District. It was here where I taught a host of life skill subjects along with small group instruction in reading, writing, math, and social studies. I served as the building representative for three years, actively participated on the school leadership team including hiring & recruitment, budget, school-wide discipline, as well as helped to write the school improvement plan. Additionally, I coached classroom teachers in effective methods of engaging and motivating youth. Several of my classroom intervention products have been re-produced and used by a host of educators who find them to be creative and resourceful tools. I am best known for creating positive learning communities that support high standards in both behavior and academic achievement.
Currently, I am an advisor (teacher) and program developer at Highline Big Picture High School. I have been recognized for my leadership and as a result taken on many administrative duties. My students are producing quality work and developing an awesome ownership of their education. At Big Picture, I am privileged to be part of a dream-making team, preparing students to turn dreams into reality.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to become a High School Administrator in a small school where innovation, high standards, and an unconditional strive to deliver results would be accepted and supported. I will also pursue my superintendent credentials as I prepare to impact education on an even greater scale. My ultimate goal is to save as many students as I am privileged to serve! I understand that it is my life purpose to educate children. As a future superintendent, I will further advance the evolution of our educational system so that more students find the opportunity to follow their dreams and improve our world.
Courtney Vollan
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Rainier View Elementary, Seattle School District
Madison Middle School, Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
University of Illinois, BA. Elementary Education
Previous Experience:
My teaching career began as a second grade teacher in Chicago’s most densely populated neighborhood, Little Village. Our K-5 elementary school served 1,000 students, all of whom were Mexican-American. I was fortunate to be supported by the University of Chicago’s New Teacher Network and coached on a bi-weekly basis in reader’s and writer’s workshop instruction. I then taught 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders as a language arts resource teacher at Bret Harte elementary in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. In teaching whole class writing lessons to 5th graders, I helped over 85% of students reach writing standard on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test in 2003. I later taught 4th grade at Bret Harte as well and served as a demonstration classroom teacher of reader’s and writer’s workshops with the Center for School Improvement.
In August of 2004 I moved to Seattle and worked for the following two years as a Reading First coach for grades K-3 at Highland Park elementary in West Seattle. Serving over 300 students, I supported 18 teachers in their literacy instruction and organized interventions and regular assessments for all primary students. I successfully wrote grants, such as Washington Reading Corps, and oversaw the Ameri-corps volunteers’ tutoring as well as summer school programs for incoming Kindergartners. In summer of 2005, I worked with OSPI to develop WASL prep CBAs for 3rd grade reading curricula in Reading First schools.
Professional Goal:
To obtain an instructional leadership role in an diverse elementary or middle school, striving for equity and academic achievement for all students. I am passionate about literacy for all students, especially those who are second language learners or who may experience discrimination because of their culture and/or race. I believe that high expectations and enduring support for every learner in a school, adult and student alike, will create able and critical thinkers prepared for life in the 21st century.
Susan Webster
Certification:
Principal
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Sociology
University of Washington, K-8 Certification
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, M.Ed.
Previous Experience:
I am currently the Administrative Assistant at two elementary schools in the Bellevue School District, Newport Heights and Somerset. I am the coordinator of “Operation Exploration,” a summer school program in the Bellevue School District. I achieved National Board Certification in 2003 in the area of Middle Childhood Generalist. I’ve taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades; 1st-5th Gifted; 8th grade LA/SS; and Elementary and Middle School Special Education. I’ve taught in California, Ohio and Washington.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to obtain a leadership role as a principal who will advocate, nurture, and sustain a school culture and instructional program focused on equity and excellence that is conducive to high student achievement and staff professional growth.
Timothy Wood
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Previous Experience:
Professional Goal:
Becky Worrell
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Previous Experience:
Professional Goal:
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