Student Bios
Danforth 23, 2010-2011
Logic Amen
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Deann Anguiano
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Kentridge High School, Kent School District
Academic Background:
♦ CSU Northridge, Secondary Teaching Certificate in Math with Physical Sci Endorsement
♦ Harvey Mudd College, Master of Engineering
♦ Harvey Mudd College, Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
Professional Experience:
Since September, 2000, I have been teaching math of all levels at Kentridge High School in the Kent School District. I started my teaching career in Southern California where I taught math, science and AVID five years
in the middle school level and then transferred to high school for one year teaching math prior to coming to Washington. I am currently the math department curricular leader and have participated on many committees in
my school as well as for the district. These committees include: Secondary Math Resource Adoption Committee, Learning Improvement Team, Accreditation Action Committee, High School Instructional Council, Getting to
Graduation Committee, and Kent Education Association Representative. I have participated in the Project TIME math efforts and helped to develop curriculum and train teachers for Applications in Mathematical Reasoning,
a new senior math course. I have also been the Kent School District’s AVID tutor trainer for four years. Additionally, I am a national staff developer in High School Implementation and Tutorology for the AVID Program.
While in California, I was Simi Valley School district’s Math Mentor and I was one of LA County Office of Education’s AVID Tutor Trainer for three years.
Professional Goal:
To effectively lead a school or program as an administrator or director that would enable teachers and students to improve achievement, especially in the areas of math or science. Having experienced the struggle with unsuccessful students, I feel a calling to do things differently to reach these students. Not only do I want to make a difference for the struggling student, but I also want to become an educational leader because I am excited about learning and feel that my enthusiasm can ignite an energy in those involved in education; administrators, teachers, students, families, and the community. In the future, I can see myself working as an administrator or curriculum director for math and/or science, developing curriculum and perfecting effective strategies for teaching concepts and/or conducting professional development of curriculum and teaching strategies; thus helping to close the achievement gap for students in math and science.
Jane Davis-Aronson
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
♦ Seattle University, M.I.T
♦ Seattle University, B.A., Political Science and French
Professional Experience:
Working as a School Improvement Facilitator for OSPI for the past 5 years has provided a wide berth of opportunity. I have served in this role in a variety of schools and districts (Meany MS/Seattle, West Auburn High School/Auburn, Centennial and Little Mountain Elementary schools/Mount Vernon) facilitating data driven decision making processes within the schools and districts to include implementation, monitoring and alignment of a School Improvement and District Improvement Plans; focus on teacher quality and instructional practices and impact on student achievement; progress monitoring and implementation of tiered intervention systems; design and deliver of Professional Development on instructional strategies. Previous to this I worked as a middle school humanities teacher, and ATLAS Communities TOSA for the Shoreline School District. I have served in a variety of educational leadership roles, coaching teachers and building leaders to improving student achievement.
Professional Goal:
I am excited to pursue the opportunity to serve as a building leader. I possess a resounding passion for school improvement, teaching and learning, and student achievement and an unwavering belief in the importance of access and achievement for all students. I enjoy the dynamics of motivating and moving a system forward to improve student achievement and am driven by the urgency of the children present in school today who need a system, a learning community and the opportunity to succeed in the world beyond K-12 education.
Shane I. Baguyo
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
♦ Seattle University, Ed.S., School Psychologist (ESA)
♦ Seattle University, M.A., School Counseling (ESA)
♦ Seattle University, B.A., Psychology
Professional Experience:
For the past several years, I have been a school counselor and/or school psychologist in the Franklin Pierce School District or Seattle Public Schools. As a school counselor and/or school psychologist, I have provided comprehensive psychological evaluations, provided group or individual counseling, taught guidance curriculum in K-8 classrooms, facilitated Student Intervention Team (SIT) meetings, provided behavioral consultations (FBAs/BIPs), supervised/mentored graduate students and school psychologist interns, written 504 plans, assisted with individual student planning (Navigation 101/Student-Led Conferencing) and provided district-wide trainings (Safe & Civil Schools CHAMPS and Crisis Prevention Intervention).
I have been the department head/team leader for special education and school psychologist at my middle school throughout this past school year. As the department head/team leader, I have facilitated the special education department team meetings, served as the administrator designee for all Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings, completed IEP amendments, coordinated and facilitated manifestation determination meetings, provided social skills instruction, supported special education teachers in their classrooms, provided professional development to staff members, and provided behavioral/academic interventions at grade level team meetings. I have also served on the building leadership team and building instructional council. Moreover, I have assisted with implementing the Response-to-Intervention (RTI) model at my previous elementary school and now my middle school.
Professional Goal:
I strongly believe that educational leaders bring about social, economic, and political change and justice in our society. I want to become an educational leader to make a difference! My hope is to expand my knowledge base and sharpen my skills in the areas of special education (i.e. inclusion, positive behavioral supports), professional learning communities, and disproportionality. I would like to become an educational leader at the building, district, state, or non-profit level. My hope is to provide leadership to ensure that all students will be given quality education necessary to not only succeed in the 21st century, but to contribute back to our society as well.
Karen Barker
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
♦ Odle Middle School, Bellevue School District
♦ Maywood Hills Elementary, Northshore School District
Academic Background:
♦ Emporia State University, Masters of Science
♦ Western Washington University, Bachelors of Education
Professional Experience:
I have taught Health and Fitness for grades K-8 for 11 years, in addition to coaching a variety of sports from elementary to college levels. I began my teaching career teaching 6-8 in Bellingham. I moved to Oak Harbor to be a founding member of their elementary PE design team while teaching K-5. Following this I was hired into my current position teaching K-6 Health and Fitness in the Northshore School District. I love my job, and am inspired to meet my future goals by my work as Leadership Team Chairperson, ‘Families’ Program Director for our site designed character education program, and Principal Designee for an incredible mentor administrator.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to become a highly effective administrator that leads a school towards greater academic and social success. I am an energetic and motivated individual that constantly seeks self-improvement, and loves engaging in problem solving within a team framework. I want to use these skills to inspire and coach both students and colleagues to reach their potential as learners and leaders. I aim to develop a professional learning community that promotes trust and respect among students, staff, and the community in an effort to improve academic achievement.
Mitchell Blackburn
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, M.Ed. Special Education
♦ University of Washington, B.A., History
Professional Experience:
I have taught 6-8 grade special education for four years in Seattle Public Schools. I have collaborated in a co- teaching LA class in one setting, and also taught in a behavior classroom in another setting. In have been a member of building leadership teams and a voice for all families inside of the school. Outside of schools, I have a background of working with diverse groups of people in diverse settings.
Professional Goal:
I am ready to bring my passion, experiences and education to a building leadership team that has as its primary goal high quality classroom instruction.
We will celebrate and nurture all types of diverse learners to truly create greater equity and knowledge. I want to lead in a school that bring families closer together and is at the center of creating a stronger community for all learners.
Beatrice Butler
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Emerson Elementary School, Seattle School District
♦ Sand Point Elementary School, Seattle School District
Academic Background:
♦ Pacific Oaks College Northwest, M. A. Human Development
♦ Pacific Oaks College Northwest, P-3, K-8 Certification
♦ Central Washington University, Ellensburg B. A. Graphic Design
Professional Experience:
I have been the educational field for ten years. I taught 3rd grade for seven years, two at a private school and five years with Seattle Public Schools. The last three years I have been the Head teacher/ Principal support. I have held various leadership positions; Teacher leader with the National Urban Alliance (NUA) where I acquired valuable facilitator skills along with developing my leadership in Literacy Development. I have been featured on a District Guided Reading DVD with my class. I worked on the district site on aliening the two reading curriculums to make it easier for teachers to gain support in the reading interventions. I server on the Building Leadership Team and the Map I was selected to be a teacher leader/facilitator for the summer math workshops at the University Child Development School for three summers. For the past two years I have been an internal facilitator for our math curriculum. School Assessment coordinator for WASL, MAP and MSP. I was selected to be a member of a school design team for a new school opening 2010-2011 school year. I supported the new principal with the mission and vision statements, the screening of and interviewing the entire staff. Outside of school
Professional Goal:
I am excited to have an opportunity to bring my passion and background experiences and leadership skills to a school community as principal. I believe in collaboration and understand the importance of diversity being embraced as a culturally responsive person and would bring this to the school community as an asset to build upon. I want to be a supporter of the learning community I will be working with, building and strengthening the work in progressive and creative ways keeping our children the focus of these efforts.
Frances Coppa
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Stephen Coryelle
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
♦ Renton School District (Central Office)
♦ Hazen High School
Academic Background:
♦ San Jose State University: B.A.., English
♦ San Jose State University: M.A., English
♦ San Jose State University: Credential, English with CLAD certification (Sheltered Instruction for English Language Learners)
♦ University of Washington: PhD, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
♦ Seattle University: Professional Teaching Certificate (March, 2011)
Professional Experience:
In the past fifteen years I have changed from a person who never wanted to be a teacher into one who now, thankfully, understands what remarkable work educators do. After three years as a substitute teacher in San Jose, CA—a job I took to pay the bills—I ended up spending five more, this time as a full-time teacher. Had it not been for the untimely death of a mentor I might have never recognized the true community that a school can be, and this change on my part spurred me to take on a number of roles: club advisor, class advisor, a member of the Assessment and Accountability Committee for my school, and a member of the Redesignation Committee for English Language Learners for the district. These experiences led me to pursue doctoral work in education, with the hope that I would discover what else I could do in the field. While at the University of Washington I continued teaching high school. In the six years at Hazen High, as the advisor of the Diversity Club, I have seen the implementation of a Diversi ty Week, capped by a Diversity Assembly, these efforts spearheaded by me and now, thankfully, sustainable enough to be fully run by the students. I have also become a member of the building leadership team, and will spend this internship year doing school leadership work, as well as leading the district effort to coordinate the 9th grade language arts teachers as they collaborate to align their curriculum. I am also a member of committees that are working on teacher evaluation, budgetary issues, enrollment review, K-5 Response to Intervention, and curriculum materials.
Professional Goal:
I am looking to parlay my expertise in leadership and organizational management, as well as my work experience, into a assistant principal, principal, or district-level director position, with the eventual goal of leading a district myself. Having spent many years in the classroom, while at the same time conducting original research, I am aware of the enormous wealth of knowledge that exists within a district’s faculty and staff, knowledge which must be spread to their peers. Finally, I have gained a solid understanding of how to support and motivate the teacher leaders, administrative leaders, and district personnel responsible for educating the leaders of tomorrow.
Ted Dezember
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Neil Gerrans
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
♦ Kennydale Elementary School, Renton School District
♦ Concord International Elementary School, Seattle School District
Academic Background:
♦ Carnegie Mellon, PhD and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
♦ Walla Walla College, BS Electrical Engineering (minor in Mathematics)g
♦ Antioch University Seattle, K-8 Certification
♦ National Board Certification, Generalist Middle Childhood
Professional Experience:
I have taught grades 1 to 4 in Renton School District for 7 years. I have been involved with building my school’s technology usage by conducting trainings for our staff. I also organized several after-school and before-school programs (chess, strategy games, math support, origami club, literature book club) to enhance our campus offerings of enrichment and remedial support for families connected to our school. I am particularly interested in learning that connects beyond the classroom walls. I have participated and enrolled other staff in Bringing Theater into the Classroom program and Seattle Aquarium Ocean Science program. I participated in a 20 day teacher trip to China with 20 other educators and worked to integrate multi-cultural education into our art, social studies, math, and science curriculum. I took a one year leave to travel in and study a number of different cultures spending significant time in Syria, Laos, and Bolivia.
Before doing my formal teacher training, I worked for several years as a strategy consultant for McKinsey & Company and as a research assistant during my PhD studying computational magnetic field shielding. I have worked in outdoor education as a program director at a summer camp for youth and when I was in college spent 1 year in Korea teaching conversational English to college age and adult students.
Professional Goal:
I am excited to lead a team in building an equitable, challenging and vibrant elementary or middle school community. As the building instructional leader I want to support my staff through smart allocation of resources, stream-lined processes, data-driven decision making, focused professional development and insightful evaluations.
I welcome the opportunity to build community partnerships, providing integrated and wrap-around services for students with needs of additional support. I am excited to engage families and volunteers in meaningful ways through mentorship, tutoring, volunteering and small-group instruction.
I want every student to know they are smart and they are valued. I want to collaborate with the faculty to provide engaging and authentic learning experiences, while maintaining high standards for skill mastery and higher order thinking.
Beth Hamilton
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Clyde Hill Elementary/ Bellevue School District
♦ Lake Hills Elementary/ Bellevue School District
♦ Curriculum Department/ Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
♦ Willamette University, MAT
♦ University of Puget Sound, BA-Psychology
Professional Experience:
After obtaining my MAT in 2001, I was hired by the Bellevue School District where I have spent the last 9 years. I taught 5th grade and 3rd grade as a classroom teacher and for the past 2 years have been an Elementary Technology/ Curriculum Coach, working with the curriculum department writing, revising, and working on our curriculum and it’s web platform, as well as providing professional development for teachers in technology and curriculum areas. As an ETCC,I specifically support 2 (of the 16) elementary schools working on implementing technology and our common curriculum in classrooms K-5 while doing what I love most: instructional coaching.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to become an elementary school principal where I can lead to eliminate the Achievement Gap as well as extend those students who are at or above grade level. I believe that collaboration and dedication amongst a staff and community, with a strong focus on quality instruction, will bring success for all students!
Scott Hetherington
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Bruce Kelly
Certification:
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Kent School District Central Administrative Office
Academic Background:
♦ M.A. Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA.
♦ B.A. Science-Math Education, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.
Professional Experience:
Across my 26 year professional journey, I enjoyed 21 years of teaching secondary science and mathematics in three WA locations: Sumner High School, White River Middle and High Schools, and Life Christian School. In addition to classroom teaching, I benefited tremendously from the two years with the Center for School Improvement and Center for Research and Data Analysis at Educational Service District #113 as a math and science content specialist. The last three years, I have served as the K-12 Science and Health/Fitness coordinator for the Kent School District.
Professional Goal:
My current leadership goal is to serve as a director for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM, education and continue to build alliances with universities, non-profits, and the private sector to advance STEM learning for all students.
Tim Krieger
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
♦ Pacific Cascade Middle School, Issaquah School Distric
Academic Background:
♦ Stanford University, B.S., Biological Sciences
♦ Stanford University, M.A., Education
Professional Experience:
I began my educational career in California. I taught science and
leadership at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino for eight years.
During this time I spent time as Science Department Chair and a TOSA
for Student Activities. In 2006 I moved to Washington State and
served as a Dean of Students and Biology/World History teacher for the
Bellevue School District. As a Dean I was responsible for the student
intervention team, peer tutoring program, emergency preparation, and
supported student activities.
For the past two years I have been teaching science at the Pacific
Cascade 9th grade campus in Issaquah in addition to serving as a
Program Assistant working with student achievement data and academic
interventions.
Professional Goal:
I believe all students deserve a first-class education and this can
happen through data-driven decisions, a focus on thinking skills, and
a collaborative culture. I am particularly interested in how a school
and/or district can increase student learning through resource
allocation and creative problem solving. My hope is to contribute to
a system that strives to integrate technology throughout the
curriculum. My specific career goal is to be a building or district
leader that works with teachers to improve instruction. I believe the
biggest opportunity to impact student learning and behavior is what
occurs in the individual classroom.
Aaron Lee
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Cedar Heights Junior High School, South Kitsap School District
♦ South Kitsap High School, South Kitsap School District
Academic Background:
♦ Seattle Pacific University, M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction
♦ Washington State University, B.A., Social Studies and Special Education
♦ National Board Certification, Social Studies AYA
Professional Experience:
For the last eight years I have worked as a high school social studies teacher guiding students through AP economics, civics, and US history curriculum. Before I taught high school social studies, I taught junior high English and social studies for five years and two years as a high school resource room special education teacher. During the last fifteen years I have also served as a department head, a member of the building leadership team, a mentor teacher to several student teachers, a professional learning community team facilitator, and a coach and advisor.
Professional Goal:
I would like to have the opportunity to be a leader of an educational program that promotes a learning environment that utilizes a relationship centered, rigorous, and results oriented atmosphere. An opportunity to be a leader in which people are an integral part of the success in which all learners – adults and students alike- are recognized for their successes and strengths and are given an opportunity to improve themselves in a supportive and compassionate environment.
Amy Mapes
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Sean Martin
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
♦ Skyline High School, Issaquah School District
Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, Masters in Teaching
♦ Teaching Certificate: 4-12 English, History, Social Studies
♦ University of Washington, B.A., English Literature
Professional Experience:
I have had the opportunity to work in both a suburban public high school, Skyline High School in the Issaquah School District, and also at two international schools in Turkey.
After graduating from the University of Washington Masters in Teaching program in the spring of 2001, I taught both History and English for two years at Skyline.
In the fall of 2003, I accepted a job teaching internationally, and over the next five years, one at Tarsus American College and the following four at Bilkent University
Preparatory School/Bilkent International School (BUPS/BIS) in Ankara, I taught English literature to Turkish and international students from grades 6-12.
It was fascinating to be exposed to an entirely new culture, working under a combined system of IB and Turkish National curricula. I also had the opportunity to
be the head of the BUPS/BIS English Department from 2006-2008, and to take students to Model United Nations conferences in the Hague, the Netherlands and in
Istanbul, as well as hosting an international MUN conference at our school in Ankara. In the fall of 2008, I returned to Skyline High School to teach IB English
and SAIL English.
Professional Goal:
I am excited to draw upon the wide variety of experiences I have had in teaching as a high school principal or assistant principal. Having taught in such a wide variety of educational environments, I have seen a number of strategies and approaches to school development and improvement. These experiences have proven to me just how powerful effective leadership is in a school, and the incredible effect that administrators, teachers, and staff can have upon student learning and the school environment as a whole.
Ted Martin
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
♦ Chinook Middle School, Highline School District
Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, M.Ed., Special Education Endorsement
♦ University of Wisconsin, B.A., Political Science
Professional Experience:
I have worked for 13 years in the North Highline Area. I taught first grade for 5 years then fifth and sixth grade for another 5 years. Three years ago at the behest of my principal and literacy coach I accepted the position of math coach at my school. The last three years as math coach and math intervention specialist has been an incredible learning experience that has rejuvenated my passion for urban public education. I have participated in summer reading and math academies for 5 years in addition to serving on a number of district wide math committees intended to align our curriculum to the new state Performance Expectations and increasing the computational fluency skills of students. In addition to the academic work experience I have also coached after school athletics for 6 years and volunteered through the Sierra Club as an outdoor wilderness leader for 5 years.
Professional Goal:
I aspire to pursue my vision of educational leadership by establishing goals, values and a shared vision based on excellence in teaching and learning. The engine to actualize the vision will be built on a culture of professional learning communities where staff can engage in promoting best instructional practices though collaboration and the use of data to drive the decision making process. I will seek to include all stakeholders from the community to participate in reaching our student achievement goals.
Kirsten Gometz McArdle
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
♦ Wheelock College, Boston, MA: MS in Teaching Students with Special Needs
♦ Wheelock College, Boston, MA: Elementary and Special Education Certification (K-9)
♦ Clark University, Worcester, MA: BA: English and Drama
Professional Experience:
I have taught in the Issaquah School District for the past six years, first as the teacher/team leader for our self-contained elementary EBD classroom, and currently as a fifth grade teacher. I am also my building’s Principal Designee and a member of both my school’s Positive Behavior Support team and its Continuous Improvement Plan team. My experience as an educator includes successful teaching at elementary, middle, and high school levels, and in both general and special education. Additionally, I have an extensive background leading youths in camp situations, adding up to more than 25 years of experience with children from all ages, ability levels, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Professional Goal:
I wish to help create and sustain a school environment in which every child and every professional feels safe enough, both emotionally and physically, to challenge themselves and try new things. I believe every child possesses the potential for greatness, and that the onus is on us as educators to help that greatness manifest. I am seeking a position as a principal in an elementary or middle school, where I can bring my leadership goals to full realization.
Mike McCarthy
Certification:
Initial Principal
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
♦ Mill Creek Middle School, Kent School District
Academic Background:
♦ Northwest Nazarene University, BA English/Math Education
Professional Experience:
I began teaching language arts in the Kent School District in 2002 but have spent much of the last 8 years as a middle and high school math teacher, department chair, and math coach in the district.
I attained National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Mathematics in 2008 and currently work as an Educational Assistant at Mill Creek Middle School in Kent, Washington. For the last 4 years
as a department chair, I have co-led district math professional development sessions during quarterly late arrival days. Through the implementation of a newly adopted mathematics curriculum,
I designed a standards-based grading protocol that has been used at both elementary and middle schools—district wide. As the Educational Assistant at a very diverse, poverty-stricken middle school,
I coordinate, design training, and manage implementation of a school-wide reading and math Response to Intervention program as well as act as discipline dean, assessment coordinator, and math
instructional coach. My leadership experiences exist outside of the educational environment as well. I have been a member of the Washington Army National Guard since 1998 deploying twice to
Iraq as an infantry Team Leader and Platoon Leader in 2004-05 and 2008-09. I understand organizational leadership and I have a passion for educating underprivileged youth.
Professional Goal:
I plan on becoming a building principal dedicated to increased student achievement through instructional improvement, academic rigor, and educational innovation. I will lead my school community in creating and maintaining a shared vision of quality instruction, equity of access, and compassionate mentorship so that all students can live up to their full academic, civic, and social potential.
Liz McFarland
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Nathan Hale High School
Academic Background:
♦ Seattle University, Post Master’s graduate coursework in School Psychology
♦ University of St. Thomas, Master’s in Special education-Learning Disabilities, Autism Certification
♦ University of Minnesota, Gifted Education coursework
♦ University of New Orleans, Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Professional Experience:
I currently work as a special educator for students in the Seattle School district. I have worked in special education working with kids with a range of abilities and studied school psychology to enhance my practice. I have a particular interest and background in Autism and students with emotional and behavioral needs. I have taught general education, provided educational consulting services, and worked for a non-profit organization to provide job skills to inner city youth.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to make positive changes in schools to promote social justice. I want to be able to support and nurture students to become compassionate and reflective people. I hope to use my experience in special education and school psychology to help me find creative solutions to support all students and to collaborate with fellow teachers and administrators to create successful interventions.
Jane O'Brien
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
♦ Ridgecrest Elementary, Shoreline School District
♦ Department of Teaching and Learning, Renton School District
♦ Lynndale Elementary, Edmonds School District
Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, M.Ed.
♦ Oregon College of Education, B.A; K-8 Certification
Professional Experience:
I am currently a Professional Development Specialist for staff members at Hazen High School and McKnight Middle schools in the Renton, Washington School District. I have also been a Technology Integration Specialist/Coach, an Applied Learning Teacher on Special Assignment and an elementary teacher in the Shoreline School District. These experiences have allowed me to gain K – 12 leadership skills, provide guidance in differentiating instruction, mentor teachers and be integral in making decisions and implementing professional development activities in both districts.
Professional Goal:
I am interested in becoming a public school administrator as a way to pursue my passions related to equal access to quality education, active learning through projects with real-world applications and the integration of technology into school curricula. I look forward to the opportunity to incorporate these passions in a role that supports teacher professional development, optimizes student learning and encourages community participation in creating a safe, respectful, equitable and effective learning environment.
Tom O'Connor
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Eckstein Middle School, Seattle
Academic Background:
♦ Teachers College, Columbia University, MA, Social Studies
♦ Connecticut College, BA, History
Professional Experience:
Over the last 8 years, I have had the opportunity to work in educational settings in Seattle and New York City. My teaching experience ranges from teaching AP classes at the high school level to working at a K-8. One of the significant experiences of my life as an educator has been through my work with Rainier Scholars. I helped work on a key instructional team that provided advanced academic opportunities for students of color in Seattle while reducing the achievement gap. I am currently working on a collaborative administrative team at Eckstein where we are focusing on supporting all students to become responsible global citizens.
Professional Goal:
I want to lead of a collaborative school culture that promotes critical thinking, creativity and holds each member of our community to the highest standards. I would love to work on developing new middle and high school programs in Seattle and beyond. Public education is one of the last democratic acts in our society and we have a moral imperative to deliver high quality instruction for each child.
Kristin Percy Calaff
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
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Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Brian Teppner
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Hazelwood Elementary, Renton School District
Academic Background:
♦ Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist
♦ Lesley University, M.Ed.
♦ Central Washington University, B.A.Ed (Elementary Education K-8, Early Childhood Education P-3)
Professional Experience:
I have taught grades 2-5 and am currently the K-12 Science Teacher on Special Assignment for the Renton School District. My principle responsibilities with the district are to coordinate our Systems Education Approach to science through a partnership with the Center for Inquiry Science. My leadership skills have been honed through extensive experience providing professional development on topics including: initial use of instructional materials, formative assessment, best instructional practices, standards-based report cards, and professional learning communities. Through organizing, facilitating, and chairing various building, district and state level meetings I have developed skills to help move groups toward common ground. I have extensive experience developing and aligning curriculum and assessments to standards and recently put this experience into action by co-authoring the “Puzzlewise Science” literacy and assessment preparation supplemental curriculum. I bring with me a passion for fostering comm unity partnerships and was the recipient of a Department of Ecology grant focused on the reduction of Biomass into the landfills through Vermicomposting food waste from elementary schools.
Professional Goal:
I am eager to share my leadership skills, instructional experiences and enthusiasm for student learning with a school community as an elementary school principal. As a leader I am committed to fostering professional learning communities and extending the boundaries of our neighborhood as we partner with community resources. I am enthusiastic about an opportunity to narrow the achievement gap through a shared vision of instruction and a common understanding of best instructional practices.
Damarcus Thomas
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M.Ed.
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
♦ California State University, Sacramento, B.A., Mathematics
♦ New York City Teaching License
Professional Experience:
With 10 years experience as a Math Teacher and six of those years as Program Chair in New York City schools, I have had opportunities to teach classes ranging from Basic Math to AP Calculus, I have coordinated and conducted trainings on math instruction and have participated on committees aimed at teaching advanced math to all demographics. I have taught financial literacy for the past two years and led a team to place nationally in the 2010 Stock Market Game competition. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach and coach chess to primary grade students at the Harlem Children’s Zone.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to build on my passion for quality education by establishing a culture and program conducive to student learning and advancement. My undying belief is that all children can achieve success in academics and this has led me to pursue leadership opportunities so that I can stay true to my passion for learning while leading others to do the same.
Sahnica Washington
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
♦ Roxhill Elementary School, Seattle School District
Academic Background:
♦ Seattle University, Master In Teaching
♦ Seattle University, B.A., Liberal Studies
♦ Seattle University, Minor, Social Work
Professional Experience:
Teaching in Seattle’s Elementary Schools for over eight years, has afforded me the opportunity to build strong instructional skills while providing academic opportunity for all students. In addition to teaching, I participated in the Instructional Leadership Team at my school, which focused on school reform; building capacity for teacher leaders; and strengthening teaching and learning. My experiences in the school setting prepared me for my current role as a STAR Consulting Teacher/Mentor.
As a Consulting Teacher I mentor new and experienced teachers. I focus on engendering growth in adults through culturally responsive pedagogy, professional development, professional learning communities, peer observation/reflection and other learning opportunities. My experiences in teaching and mentoring have shaped me into the instructional leader I am today.
Professional Goal:
I aspire to be an innovative educational leader of the 21st century who finds ways to close the achievement/opportunity gap for all children. It is my mission to find the best ways to help teachers meet the needs of their students and to build strong community partnerships that invest in the education of our future leaders, the children. After Danforth, I want to work in an urban elementary school setting as an Assistant Principal or Principal.
If you would like to make any changes to your biography please email Brieanne Hull at k12admin@u.washington.edu