Clara Southerland
Instructional Coach And Elementary Administrator
Samut Prakan
Summary
Dynamic facilitator of Professional Learning Communities, driving transformational teaching practices that enhance student engagement and achievement. Expertise in developing and implementing arts-integrated curricula through innovative project-based learning approaches, fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. Successfully introduced the Autonomous Learner Model in gifted programs at the elementary level, promoting self-directed learning and academic excellence. Recognized for contributions to systemic reform in math and science education through workshops presented for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and played a pivotal role as a member of the inaugural cohort developing English Section Curriculum for a local school in Macau.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Vice Principal
Raffles American School
08.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented innovative educational programs, enhancing student engagement and academic performance across all grade levels.
- Led faculty training initiatives to improve teaching methodologies, resulting in a significant increase in student satisfaction and learning outcomes.
- Managed student discipline and behavioral interventions, fostering a positive school culture and reducing incidents of misconduct.
- Monitored and evaluated academic performance metrics, using data-driven insights to inform instructional strategies and boost student achievement.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff, encouraging continuous growth and improvement in teaching practices and educational standards.
Director of Teaching and Learning
Chester College International School
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Analyzed student performance data to identify learning gaps, resulting in targeted interventions that improved academic achievement.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies that enhanced student engagement and improved learning outcomes across diverse classrooms.
- Mentored and coached teaching staff, enhancing their instructional skills and contributing to a positive school culture focused on excellence.
Department Coordinator
Colégio Diocesano De São José (5ª)
08.2016 - 07.2023
- Served as a member of the inaugural cohort of teachers that developed the English Section Curriculum for a local school in Macau. During my first six years I worked exclusively with mathematics teachers by modeling effective instructional strategies and supporting local teachers as they incorporated these strategies.
- Organized and led extracurricular activities, promoting student engagement and enhancing community involvement at the school.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Developed and implemented curriculum frameworks to enhance student engagement and align with educational standards.
- Mentored new curriculum coordinators, sharing best practices and facilitating smooth transitions into their roles.
- Provided subject matter expertise on all courses, materials, and lesson plans.
Instructional Coach
Tulsa Public Schools
08.2000 - 07.2016
- Supported implementation of programs and encouraged reflective practice related to district initiatives in eight elementary schools.
- Successfully moved teachers on improvement plans to effective instructional levels.
- Organized and led Professional Learning Communities at various school sites.
- Co-created and facilitated New Teacher Induction for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers.
- Built positive working relationships with administration, faculty, and staff through constructive support.
- Independently planned work schedule based on needs of schools.
- Designed and implemented innovative instructional strategies that enhanced teacher effectiveness and improved student engagement across various subjects.
- Collaborated with educators to develop tailored professional development workshops, increasing instructional quality and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Conducted classroom observations and provided constructive feedback, resulting in enhanced teaching practices and improved student learning outcomes.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify trends and inform instructional decisions, leading to targeted interventions and increased student achievement.
Teacher Consultant
Oklahoma State University Writing Project
01.1994 - Current
- Affiliated with the National Writing Project, through the OSUWP I have learned successful writing strategies for all grade levels and participated in studies on effective writing instruction.
Common Core Cadre and IPD Committee
Oklahoma Education Association
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Co-created and presented professional development opportunities on Project Based Learning to districts throughout the state. Facilitated cross-curricular strategies to assist teachers in finding ways to cooperatively plan instruction.
Faculty Advisor
Teach for America
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Successfully mentored Teach for America Corps Members during summer school institute, observed and provided feedback to improve instructional effectiveness.
Padilla Trainer of Trainers, TIMSS
Oklahoma State Department of Education
01.1994 - 01.2005
- Received training and presented workshops throughout Oklahoma on reforms in mathematics and science teaching.
Education
Masters in Education Administration -
University of Oklahoma
01.2015
Bachelors in Elementary Education - undefined
Cameron University
01.1981
Skills
Educational program development
Faculty training initiatives
Student performance analysis
Instructional strategies
Professional development workshops
Curriculum development
Data-driven decision making
Collaborative planning
Teacher mentoring
Classroom observations
Cross-curricular strategies
School leadership
Teacher improvement plans
Professional Learning Communities
Reflective practice
References
- Brenda German, Teacher at Albanian College Tirana, brendagerman7@aol.com, +355 69 756 7079
- Rebeka, Gergens, Teacher at The International School, Macau, rebeka.gergens@tis.edu.mo, +853 6201 7049
- Amber Reynolds, Teacher at Albanian College Tirana, reynolds.amber1@gmail.com, +355 69 566 3326
Honors and Awards
Finalist, Tulsa Public Schools Teacher of the Year, 2005 and 2011, Tulsa World Classroom of the Month, December 2007, Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Elementary Math, 1998, Math Power Magazine, Giant Geometry Scavenger Hunt, 2nd Place Nationally, 1996, Oklahoma Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year, 1994
Timeline
Elementary Vice Principal
Raffles American School
08.2024 - Current
Director of Teaching and Learning
Chester College International School
09.2023 - 06.2024
Department Coordinator
Colégio Diocesano De São José (5ª)
08.2016 - 07.2023
Common Core Cadre and IPD Committee
Oklahoma Education Association
01.2012 - 01.2016
Faculty Advisor
Teach for America
01.2012 - 01.2015
Instructional Coach
Tulsa Public Schools
08.2000 - 07.2016
Teacher Consultant
Oklahoma State University Writing Project
01.1994 - Current
Padilla Trainer of Trainers, TIMSS
Oklahoma State Department of Education
01.1994 - 01.2005
Bachelors in Elementary Education - undefined
Cameron University
Masters in Education Administration -
University of Oklahoma