Student Bios
Danforth 20, 2007-08
Janey Andrews
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Brian Aytch
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Cathi Hackett
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Highland Middle School, Bellevue School District
Newport Heights Elementary School, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
Houghton College, B.S., Elementary Education
Houghton College, K-8 Certification
University of Washington, M.Ed., Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Professional Experience:
I have been an educator for the past seven years. My professional experiences have included Urban Literacy program development and coordination through the Americorps VISTA program, full-time elementary school teaching, working with Washington State in community program assessment and the founding of a non-profit organization, Project Kesho, which works to improve educational outcomes for students in East Africa. I am beginning my fourth year working in the Bellevue School District, where I currently serve as the Learning Assistance Program Reading Specialist. My role allows me the opportunity to work specifically with students not meeting grade level or state standards in reading (K-5). In addition to this position, I am also working with the administrative team at Highland Middle School working to increase the academic success of students not achieving district and state standards.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal focusing my leadership efforts on fostering a collaborative professional learning community that promotes high levels of academic success for all students and empowers them to reach their fullest potential.
George Breland
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Amy Briggs
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed
Internship Site:
Eckstein Middle School, Seattle School District
Undecided, Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Oregon, BS Sociology
Georgia State University, M.Ed. Special Ed. Certification
Professional Experience:
I have been teaching middle school special education for the last four years. My first two years were spent in a suburban school district outside of Atlanta, GA. For the last two year I have been teaching for Seattle Public Schools. I am a Special Ed. Inclusion teacher. I work collaboratively with General Education Teachers to modify and accommodate the curriculum so all student have the opportunity for a rigorous and inclusive education. My focus areas are Math and Language Arts.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal in an urban school who will work towards narrowing the achievement gap, promoting an equitable education for all student.
Rachelle Butz
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed. Leadership/Policy
Internship Site:
Central Office, Northshore School District
Frank Love Elementary, Northshore School District
Wellington Elementary, Northshore School District
Academic Background:
Seattle Pacific University, B.A., Psychology and Education
Seattle Pacific University, K-8 Certification
University of Washington, M.Ed.
Professional Experience:
Over the last 15 years, I have taught at levels ranging from 1st to 6th grade in elementary as well as 7th and 8th grade math and social studies in junior high in the Northshore School District. Pursuing best teaching practices using technology, I went on to work in administration as an Instructional Technology Coordinator facilitating the development and implementation of School Improvement Planning as related to researched best practices for 6 elementary schools, 2 junior highs, and 1 high school. This evolved into adaptive and assistive technology support. Consulting over the last 3 years as a specialist addressing children with Sensory Processing Issues, I have emerged as a well-rounded educator and administrator in supporting the current and future needs of schools.
Professional Goal:
My mission is to advocate for the most effective instructional strategies and resources, to meet the diverse needs of millennial kids and the educators that lead them. As a principal, it will be my privilege to serve the school community and lead them in being a happy, healthy place where both students and staff enjoy coming and continuously looking for opportunities to improve themselves and their environment.
Anne Coxon
Certification:
Initial Principal
Master in Teaching
Internship Site:
Grand Ridge Elementary, Issaquah School District
Academic Background:
Stanford University, A.B., Humanities Honors Program
Stanford University, A.M., Religious Studies
Seattle University, M.I.T., K-8 Certification
Professional Experience:
At Stanford I was fortunate to serve in several leadership roles, including Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies & Director of the Academic Information Center. In Washington my experience has included serving as Assistant Regional Director of Catholic Community Services (East King County) and Assistant to the Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Washington. My teaching experience includes ten years in the Issaquah School District, where professional development has included training in Guided Language Acquisition Design, Understanding by Design, non-verbal communication (ENVoY), and the Issaquah Technology Project. I’ve participated in Continuous Improvement Plan Leadership Teams, Site Councils, and as a Core (Planning) Team member for Issaquah’s newest elementary school.
Professional Goal:
As a Peace Corps volunteer I learned the value of doing important work, and education is, I believe, important work. I look forward to bringing my leadership experience to the growth and ongoing strengthening of a learning community. With my background in administration at Stanford and in teaching in Issaquah, as a principal I look forward to helping to provide for all children – those of many cultures and abilities – a child-centered learning environment.
Mary Edwards
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Academy of Citizenship and Empowerment in the Tyee Complex, Highline School District
Academic Background:
Davidson College, B.A., English Literature
University of Washington, 4-12 Certification with LA and History Endorsements
City University, M.Ed., Educational Technology
Professional Experience:
I was a Language Arts teacher, literacy coach and small schools lead teacher at Global Connections High School, a small school in the Tyee Complex. Before Tyee’s conversion to small schools, I managed a literacy center for struggling readers and worked as a district trainer for Read Right in the Highline School District. I began my teaching career at an independent high school in Dallas, Texas where I taught remedial, regular and AP courses and coached volleyball and soccer. When I moved to Washington, I taught in the Issaquah School District, where I helped develop and pilot our first senior project and served as Humanities department chair in the new Skyline High School. I left Skyline to develop online AP curriculum and professional development for APEX Online Learning, but missed the energy and mission of working with closely with students and teachers. I then worked as an educational consultant for ATLAS Communities, a national education reform organization, with schools in Seattle and Portland and returned to public school teaching and leadership on the Tyee Campus. I love the student body’s diversity and the sense of hope and community on this campus.
Professional Goal:
To be an instructional leader—as a principal, assistant principal, or teaching and learning leader--in a school and district committed to building a community that provides an excellent education for all of its students.
Denise Espania
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
PhD Candidate, Curriculum and Instruction
Internship Site:
Edmonds Central Office, Edmonds School District
Academic Background:
Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA BA Sociology K-8 Certification, Reading Endorsement
University of Hawaii, Manoa, M.Ed, Special Education
University of Washington, Seattle, PhD Candidate, Curriculum and Instruction
Professional Experience:
I have teaching experience in both public and private school settings and have taught Pre-K through 12 grades in the capacity of tutor, classroom teacher, resource teacher and care coordinator, summer school teacher, and high school class advisor. I have also had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for the UW Teacher Education Program for the Elementary Literacy series and was a research assistant for a study that examined focus groups discussing ideas around improving the learning environment for all students, with a specific focus on those students from marginalized groups.
Professional Goal:
I aspire to be an educational leader who is able to collaboratively work with other teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members to enhance the quality of learning for all members of the community. I believe that in order to impact the educational disparities facing our nation, our work in educational can not be done in isolation. My goal is to engage with my peers in the intellectual and emotional struggle of self-reflection, learning, and change.
Timmie Ree Foster
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Psychology major/Education minor
Saint Martin’s University, Lacey, WA 5-9 Middle-Level Certification
Professional Experience:
Prior to earning my full teacher certification, I was an Emergency Substitute Teacher and coordinator for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP), both for the Clover Park School District (CPSD). I also, previously, did an ample amount of work within the CPSD as a counselor for a foster care program, which I am now a licensed foster parent through. I am still currently doing substitute work, and activating my passion and dedication to assist in educating children, as a guest teacher!
Professional Goal:
To integrate my creative, versatile, committed, and professional abilities within a leadership role, being an asset to the educational system. To become a contribution to others with my experience in psychology and education: as a teacher, counselor, and mentor.
Elizabeth Hamming
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
Simon Fraser University. British Columbia, Canada. B.A. English
Simon Fraser University. Secondary Certification
Western Washington University. M Ed. Literacy
Professional Experience:
After earning my M. Ed I spent two years teaching Reading and Language Arts methods at WWU, supervising student teachers, and teaching middle school students in the Lynden Summer Migrant Program. I returned to the K-12 system at Lynden High School as the Resource English teacher. I received a Gates Teacher Leadership Project grant to support my students’ access to the General Ed curriculum and to further my own knowledge of the effective use of instructional technology. My last career move into the High School library was to position myself in the school as an instructional resource for all teachers and students. What a wonderful place to be! While in the library I instituted a Teachers’ Book Club, initiated school-wide SSR together with the administration and faculty, supported our ASB in their One Book program, and served on several learning and curriculum committees. Over the last two years I have served on our School Improvement Plan team, and our newly created Leadership Team.
Professional Goal:
To be a Learning Leader in a public school who will work towards narrowing the achievement gap by promoting an equitable education for all. I believe this is accomplished by establishing high expectations for all students, supporting teachers in their own quest to provide challenging and engaging learning opportunities, and empowering parents and communities to enrich their public schools.
Scott Harrison
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Kalles Junior High, Puyallup School District
Rogers High School, Puyallup School District
Puyallup Central Office, Puyallup School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., History
University of Puget Sound, Masters in Teaching
Professional Experience:
I began my teaching career as a junior high social studies teacher and served as the Social Studies Department Chair at both Ferrucci and Ballou Junior High Schools in Puyallup where I taught for six years. My work as a teacher leader led to my current role as Instructional Coach for Social Studies and Literacy in Puyallup where I continue to support teachers as they improve their instruction with a constant focus on best practices, high expectations for all students, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Professional Goal:
I am eager to serve in an administrative position as an instructional leader in a school where I can develop and improve upon a professional learning community focused on high achievement for all students. I am interested in working for a district that is committed to embracing diversity, closing the achievement gap, and preparing all students to become competent citizens in an ever-shrinking world.
Michael Herzberg
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Discovery Elementary, Issaquah School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Psychology
Seattle University Seattle, M.I.T., K-8 Certification
Professional Experience:
In Issaquah School District I have taught third grade and fifth grade. This year I am working in an administrative role as the Program Assistant of my elementary school. I have worked as a School Improvement Plan Leader, focusing on improving student achievement in writing. Additionally I have served in roles such as Grade Level Leader, Site Council Representative, Technology Trainer, New Teacher Mentor, Video Editing Advisor, and District Technology Committee Member. Prior to teaching, I worked as a Program Manager for Bureau of Education & Research (BER), the leading provider of pre-K-12 seminars for educators in the U.S. and Canada. I traveled with many outstanding national teacher trainers and managed and coordinated on-site logistics. Previously, I worked as a camp counselor for six summers, mentored an autistic child for DSHS, and served as Assistant Director of a day camp program for elementary-aged children at AE2 Elementary in Seattle.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to serve as a Principal, helping create and sustain a collaborative school culture that partners with the community in helping ALL students realize success and discover their gifts. I would also like to foster an atmosphere of continual reflection, growth and life-long learning among students and staff.
Bernard Koontz
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Highline Public Schools
Academic Background:
Seattle University, BA
Boston College, M.Ed
Professional Experience:
My work with Highline Public Schools began as a high school ELL teacher. In that role I developed standards based curriculum, promoted family involvement, and worked with colleagues to place and support students in challenging coursework. As my role transitioned to leadership in ELL at the building level, and then the district level, my role changed and expanded, and included extensive work in small school conversion and development. In my current position, I provide professional development, conduct coaching cycles with teachers working with ELL students in literacy and math, and advise building and district level leadership on policy for secondary ELL services. At the state level, I participate in ongoing conversations developing policy for the State Transitional Bilingual Program. I have also taught a course for in-service teachers working towards their ESL endorsement.
Professional Goal:
I seek a leadership role that promotes, develops and enhances the students’ dignity, abilities, and potential. Specifically I look forward to working in a school system that values multilingualism through educational program that use students’ heritage languages both to support instruction in English and to develop strong multilingual citizens.
Jim Martin
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Cavalero Mid-High School Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens High School
Academic Background:
Regis University BS Business Administration
Antioch University Seattle, Secondary Certification
Antioch University Seattle, M.Ed
Professional Experience:
Prior to earning my teacher certification, I taught ESL in Taejon, South Korea to middle and high school students. For the last 4 years I have been teaching history and social studies at PROVE Alternative High School in the Lake Stevens School District. I have been involved with the Powerful Teaching and Learning initiative, the School Improvement Team and the District Improvement Team.
Professional Goal:
To become an Assistant Principal / Principal in a school where I can utilize my life experiences and training to create a strong learning community that is child centered. My long term goal is to return to Africa with my wife and child and work in a Ugandan Secondary School / University.
Eric McDowell
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed Leadership/Policy
Internship Site:
Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN: BA in Mathematics & Statistics
University of Washington: Secondary Certification in Mathematics & Anthropology
University of Washington: Master’s degree candidate<
Professional Experience:
I have been involved in education for the past 17 years. Prior to earning my teaching certification in 1994, I worked at a small, private tutoring agency where I logged over 3,000 hours in one-on-one tutoring situations with elementary and secondary children. From 1994 to 2000, I was a mathematics teacher at a high school in the Bellevue School District. I taught just about every course from pre-algebra up to and including AP Calculus and AP Statistics. Since 2000, I have been the K-12 Mathematics Curriculum Developer for the Bellevue School District. In that capacity, I have had the chance to learn about the entire K-12 scope and sequence in mathematics and even had the chance to teach full units of math to both 4th graders and 5th graders.
I am also currently the Activities Director at Bellevue High school, a position I’ve had for the past 13 years, and am entering into my 28th season as a tennis coach at BHS (15 seasons as Head Coach).
Professional Goal:
I intend to use what I learn in the program to help me continue pursuing the goal of providing the highest possible quality education to every child, no matter what role I eventually play (curriculum leader, assistant principal, principal or even beyond).
Aaron Miller
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Newport High School, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
Harvard University, M.Ed., Teaching and Curriculum
National Board Certification, Adolescence/Young Adulthood English/Language Arts
Washington University (St. Louis), B.A., English Literature and Composition; Ancient Studies
Professional Experience:
I am currently serving as the Dean of Students at Newport High School. Prior to taking this position, I worked as an English teacher at Newport. There, I took an inquiry-based approach to teaching literature, composition, and rhetoric and worked with the University of Washington, Bellevue Community College, and the College Board to design and implement a web-based language arts curriculum. During that time I also represented the Bellevue School District at the Washington State Assessment Conference. In 2006 I was awarded the Washington State National Board Initiative Scholarship and earned the National Board Certification in English Language Arts.
Professional Goal:
My professional goal is to serve as a principal, working collaboratively with teachers, parents, students, and other educational leaders, to ensure that schools are centers for inquiry in the arts and sciences and sources of social justice.
Sarah Morningstar
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
Western Washington University, BA Political Science
Seattle University, Masters in Teaching
Professional Experience:
Prior to obtaining my Masters in Teaching I was an AmeriCorps volunteer at Graham Hill Elementary School. I have been a teacher in the Seattle Public Schools for the past six years. At Franklin High School I work in both our 9th grade team and in the John Stanford Public Service Academy. During my tenure at Franklin I have also held the position of Activities Coordinator. I have also been a member of our Building Leadership Team working closely on our school’s academic achievement plan. Starting Fall 07 I will act as Parent Engagement Coordinator, working closely with our communities to heighten parent communication, access and engagement in our school.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal in Seattle Public Schools. I will work towards narrowing the achievement gap, raising standards across the board, engaging the community and creating safe and welcoming school environments for all.
Jonathan Nessan
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Shoreline School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., English Literature
Seattle University, K-8 Certification
Seattle University, MIT
Professional Experience:
My career as an educator began as a volunteer at Stevens Elementary in Seattle, WA during my junior year of college; it was then that I first realized the joys of working with children. I have been an elementary school teacher for the past ten years, primarily working with third and fourth grade students in a looping program. During that time, I have found many opportunities for educational leadership, both at the building and district level. Needs that I have filled include data analysis, webmaster, technology integration support, and building team leader. I have also served as a WASL scorer, received a Bill and Melinda Gates foundation grant, and have been recognized for a PTSA Outstanding Educator award. I currently also work as a site administrator and lead facilitator for the NSF-funded Developing Mathematical Ideas program, supervising and conducting workshops both locally and nationally.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to obtain a leadership position as a principal of an elementary school, and to build a shared vision of exemplary practices for the academic instruction and nurturing of young children. I am committed to providing the best education possible for all students, and supporting the needs of staff in this most important endeavor.
Doug Neufeld
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Highland Park Elementary, Seattle Public Schools
John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.S., Zoology
Seattle Pacific University, K-8 & Biology Certification
University of Washington, M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction
Professional Experience:
I am beginning my fifteenth year working for Seattle Public Schools. I am currently in my second year as head teacher at Highland Park Elementary in West Seattle where my responsibilities include directing our mathematics program, managing students, and overseeing scheduling. Prior to this, I spent four years as a district elementary mathematics coach. In this capacity I helped organize the elementary mathematics program for the district, coached teachers in classrooms all over the city, conducted professional development for teachers and principals, and developed and coordinated assessments. I began my career in education as an elementary teacher in the Central District. There I served as a second and third grade classroom teacher and as a reading specialist, science specialist, and mathematics specialist.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to become a principal of an urban elementary school or a director of curriculum for an urban district where I will work to eliminate the achievement gap and provide the excellent education that all families want for their students.
Fran Partridge
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Roxhill Elementary School, Seattle Public Schools
John Muir Elementary School, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
Grinnell College B.A., Russian Studies
Lewis and Clark College, Elementary Teaching Certification
Professional Experience:
I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for 25 years. I taught for 16 years, 9 in elementary school classrooms, 7 in the elementary school gym. For 9 years, I administered 3 different early childhood programs. During 4 of those years, I served as the administrator of 2 different childcare centers. For 5 years, I worked as an Education Coordinator for Head Start. In all these experiences, I have challenged myself to see what I can do to improve the quality of education delivered. In my 10 years of teaching at Orca Elementary School, I facilitated the Equity Team, and for 7 years coached the SCATs acrobatic team. This year, I have had the opportunity to gain leadership skills as a full time intern in 2 different elementary schools. As principal designee, school liaison to the PTA, Equity Team Coordinator, Compost liaison and Instructional Mentor, I have gained numerous leadership skills.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to positively impact the lives of students and teachers. I want to create a community which is culturally competent and resilient. My main objective is to be part of the process that changes our educational system from one that is failing students “of color” to one of equitable education for ALL. In this process, I plan to provide leadership in deeply engaging instruction. Concerned about Equity and the success of ALL of our students, I am seeking a position at the elementary level, which will involve leading a school towards Cultural Competence and Equitable opportunities for ALL.
Trinh Pham
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed. Leadership & Policy
Internship Site:
Marvista Elementary School - Highline School District
Meridian Park Elementary, Early Childhood Program
and Room Nine Community School - Shoreline School District
Denny Middle School - Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
Washington State Professional Teacher Certification, Seattle Pacific University
B.C. Teacher Certification with ELL endorsement, University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Education, University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts, Simon Fraser University
Professional Experience:
Over the last eight years, I have had the pleasure of teaching both middle and elementary students in private, public, traditional, alternative and Montessori school settings. For the last three years, my role as teacher, math coach, and math department chair at Seattle Public Schools involved curriculum alignment, instruction, and assessment through data-driven initiatives. I am committed to not only student success, but also that of my staff and colleagues as well. I also had the privilege of collaborating with many math teachers and instructional assistants through study group facilitation and professional development programs to help their professional needs. Through a partnership cultivation with the Seattle Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) team at the University of Washington, MESA staff and I developed and implemented a second math curriculum to help eliminate student achievement gap and to provide continuing education to staff.
As the program administrator for Denny Middle School, I successfully created curriculum and implemented the 7th Period Math Program (partnered with the City of Seattle Families and Education Levy) as part of our extended days for students. As the site administrator for a five-week academic summer program, I was responsible for curriculum development and all administrative duties including student registration, academics, disciplinary, budgeting, transportation, and supervision of certificate and classified staff and students. With solid determination and academic commitment, my contribution helped Denny Middle School earn an Honorable Mention in the 2007 State Superintendent’s Learning Improvement Award for remarkable gains in student achievement in mathematics and reading scores. I welcome challenges and embrace the obligation to advocate for each student’s academic excellence and equity each and everyday.
Professional Goal:
I am empowered to advocate success for all students by striving to be an effective administrative and instructional leader with vision and mission.
Michelle Renee
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
International School, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
Washington State University, B. A. French and Education
Western Washington University, 5th year Certification
City University, M.A. School Counseling
Professional Experience:
I have taught French for many years. I have taught in Oak Harbor, Cle Elum and most of my time at Bellevue High School in Bellevue. I have taught all levels of French through Advanced Placement. With my counseling degree I have done quite a bit of work with at-risk youth and suicidal youth through a program called Personal Growth that was funded by the National Institute of Health. I have advised many clubs, been the cheer coach and also coached track and cross country for a number of years. I have authored many French lessons on the Bellevue Curriculum Website that is now available to the public. I was department chair at BHS for 8 years and have been very active on many school committees.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal working to maintain or implement a rigorous curriculum as well as closing the achievement gap and providing a safe, equitable education for all students. With my extensive experience with students, parents and many leaders, I will bring my counseling background to the mix to provide a firm, yet comfortable environment where learning is paramount but in a safe, respectful environment.
Keisha Scarlett
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Denny Middle School, Seattle School District
Concord Elementary School Seattle School District
Academic Background:
Clark Atlanta University, B.S. Chemistry
Heritage University Seattle, K-8 Certification
Heritage University Seattle, M.I.T.
Professional Experience:
I have been an educator in Seattle Public Schools for nine years. Prior to my work in education, I was employed as a trainer/certification specialist and hazardous materials manager at The Boeing Company in Everett, WA. After obtaining my teaching certification, I taught for six years at Mercer Middle School in South Seattle.
During my six years as a teacher at Mercer Middle School, I taught science, mathematics, technology and had various leadership roles. Over the past three years, I have worked as an instructional leader with the Seattle Public Schools Instructional Services Department as a STAR Mentor for two years and most recently as a school-based Mathematics Instructional Coach at Denny Middle School. I am passionate about mathematics education and best practices for teaching mathematics. I have had the opportunity to spend two years training with National Urban Alliance consultants to become a Seattle Public Schools Literacy Initiative Teacher Leader; providing professional development for secondary school teachers.
Professional Goal:
I am committed to the pursuit of equity and social justice. My personal and professional mission is to eliminate the achievement gap through equitable, high quality education for all children regardless of race, ethnicity or socioeconomic background. I would like to work as a school administrator in a school that actively recruits diverse parents and community members to partner with highly qualified and committed teachers and school staff to become the “village” that is necessary to guarantee success for all children.
Jonathan Shearer
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Seattle School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Spanish, English
University of Washington, Masters in Teaching
Professional Experience:
My work in Seattle Public Schools began with teaching Spanish at Franklin High School in 2001. In addition to teaching all levels of Spanish, I have also taught the AVID program at Franklin, and more recently have worked in administrative capacities as Activity Coordinator and Pathways Dean of Students, guiding and overseeing interventions for student not yet meeting standard on the WASL. My leadership experience also includes five years on the Building Leadership Team, acting as BLT Chair from 2004 – 2006, as well as facilitating staff meetings and professional development opportunities as Staff President during the 2006-2007 school year. I have a passion for supporting students through their educational journey, as well as a commitment to collaboration with administrative, teacher, and PTSA leadership, with the common goal of equity and excellence in meeting the needs of every student.
This year, I am continuing as Activity Coordinator at Franklin, while working closely with the administration at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle through the internship component of the Danforth Program.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership position as an administrator at a secondary school that values instructional excellence in promoting and increasing student learning. I also strongly value best practices in achieving sustainable school reform, and seek to work in a school that endeavors to increase the engagement of every family and the community to support the academic and personal growth of each student.
Angela Joy Sheffey
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Dearborn Park Elementary, Seattle Public Schools
TOPS K-8, Seattle Public Schools
Dan Coles – Program Director – Elementary Literacy Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
Heritage College Seattle, Masters in Teaching, K-8 Certification
Western Washington University Bellingham, WA, Bachelor of Science English
Highline Community College DesMoines, WA Associate of Arts Early Childhood Education
Professional Experience:
Prior to earning my teacher certification, I was a child care provider, and curriculum advisor for City Kids Child Care, a paraprofessional with Seattle Public Schools, and a department manager for Nordstrom. Upon receiving my certification, I taught at John Muir Elementary in Seattle Public Schools. After completing three years, I took a sabbatical and moved to Houston Texas. While there I taught five years in a high-poverty school. This truly taught me the meaning of touching the future, one child at a time. During my tenure with the Aldine Independent School District, I served as grade-level chairperson, Literacy Coach, and Title1, Assessment building Coordinator. After five years in Houston, I decided to come back to my roots, Seattle and shared my Literacy Coach expertise with Wing Luke Elementary. Through my journey as an educator, I have garnered a fuller respect for education, and a more firm understanding of my responsibility as it related to educating children.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal in an urban school who will work towards narrowing the achievement gap, promoting an equitable education for all, and empowering communities to enrich their public schools. These goals remind me of the words of a well-respected man, John Stanford who said “Never Give Up On A Child”. That quote epitomizes my core value as an educator, a value in which I have drawn from during my nine-year tenure as an educator. In today’s educational climate, we are faced with more stringent outcome measures due to No Child Left Behind (NCLB). What this means as a teacher, ALL students must show academic progress, provided opportunities to demonstrate higher level thinking, and establish creative multi-disciplinary interventions to guarantee students show academic proficiency. The craft of teaching is like walking a tight rope; it’s all about balance! Children learn and feel successful in school when their teachers believe in them. Meeting a child at their level establishes trust and once trust is gained, only then can then move them to a higher level. By meeting those individual needs, you ensure outstanding, competent and well-educated citizens of the future. Children do well when they feel safe, respected and nurtured, immersed in a climate in which they can make personal connections and afforded the independence to explore things they are interested in learning. I once heard, “The dreamers of today will become the leaders of tomorrow.” I welcome the opportunity to support those dreamers, by becoming a building Instructional Leader.
Susan Songstad
Certification:
Principal
Internship Site:
Explore Middle School, Mukilteo School District
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., Biology
University of Washington, Secondary Certification
Lesley University, M.Ed.
Professional Experience:
I have been teaching secondary science for the last thirteen years in both the Shoreline and Mukilteo School Districts. Within those years I’ve served as department chair, TOSA, Curriculum Specialist, and Teacher Leader. I’ve collaborated in the development of a “small school” within a larger school and two integrated program options. I’ve facilitated curriculum adoption and alignment, grant writing, emergency preparation team, national and international group travel, and large community events. In addition, I have coached track and cross country, led and served as sophomore class advisor.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to be a collaborative and responsive administrator who makes informed choices based on data and direct observation. I will build a strong and positive learning community that is focused on equity, excellence, and authentic learning. I will provide our educators with the time and tools that will allow them to be efficient and effective.
Gary Thomas
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Cleveland High School, Seattle Public Schools
Currently also serving as Pathways Dean for WASL success
Academic Background:
University of Washington, B.A., History & Social Studies, 1996
Seattle Pacific University & Consortium, Voc. Ed. Certification, Marketing Management
Professional Experience:
I have worked for a total of 18 years in the field of education and student intervention. Currently I am serving as the Pathways Dean at Cleveland High School, where I help all students achieve required academic standards, as evidenced by passing the WASL exams. I taught various courses in marketing management at Seattle’s Garfield High School, while advising the student store, and the school’s chapter of DECA, an international business club. It was my pleasure to take students on dozens of learning trips, focusing on the global marketplace, to places as far as Ghana West Africa. The four years prior to teaching at Garfield, I coordinated an intervention program run by Amara, a community based organization, on 3 different Seattle high school campuses. The program won national recognition for drop out prevention. For three years, I was the House Director for a residential treatment program for emotionally disturbed children, known as River Oaks, in Sacramento, California.
Professional Goal:
The many roles that I have assumed in education have developed my interest in spreading best educational practices, and innovation for the benefit of students. I am looking forward to working as a middle school or high school assistant principal/principal. I have a broad interest in educational issues, and hope to have an impact beyond the building level in a role as program administrator, at some point in my career.
Alethea Young
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Evergreen High School, Highline School District
Educational Resource Administration Center, Highline School District
Academic Background:
Occidental College, B.A., English and Comparative Literature
Central Washington University, Secondary English Certification
Central Washington University, M.Ed.
Professional Experience:
Prior to earning my teacher certification, I taught Environmental and Experiential Education at YMCA Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. Currently, I am Language Arts teacher at Evergreen High School in the Highline School District. I served as the English Department Chair for three years until our school converted into small learning communities. In addition to teaching Language Arts I also work as an Literacy/Instructional Coach for Language Arts teachers in the areas of balanced literacy and Readers/Writers Workshop.
Professional Goal:
To obtain a leadership role as an assistant principal/principal of a small urban high school or small urban middle school. My goal is to narrow the achievement gap by serving as an instructional leader who advocates for content-embedded coaching in all disciplines.
If you would like to make any changes to your biography please email us at k12admin@u.washington.edu