Professional Growth Never Ends
Vision:
At School House Strategies, my ultimate goal is to help schools and districts grow, ensuring that every professional learning session, strategy, and tool aligns with their vision for success. I am passionate about empowering educators and leaders to create environments where students can thrive, and I believe that through this work, we can build stronger, more vibrant communities together.
My Services
School Improvement Strategic Coaching and Professional Learning:
* Professional Services offered are school and district level strategic planning and coaching
* Change Management planning and implementation
* Needs Assessment and next step planning
* Branding and rebranding through change management process
Over the past two decades, I have participated in extensive, ongoing, and multi-year training opportunities focused on performance-based coaching, transformational school leadership development, and re-envisioning school structures and schedules to support the significant work of school transformation. Some of the notable training programs I’ve attended include The Institute of School Turnaround at Harvard Graduate School of Education, New Mexico Priority Schools Bureau School Improvement and Performance Coach training, and Leadership Coaching through EdConnective.
Within the scope of school transformation and turnaround, I’ve worked on many facets that influence both the day-to-day operations of schools and their instructional infrastructure. However, beyond the training I’ve attended and the professional learning sessions I’ve facilitated, I’ve personally experienced this work firsthand. I served as the principal of a school that successfully underwent a complete transformation—from being a low-performing school to earning and sustaining an “A” grade for several years. That experience fundamentally shaped my understanding of what it takes to lead meaningful, lasting change in educational environments.
Performance and Executive Coaching:
* Executive performance coaching for school improvement and change
* Leadership Development coaching and professional learning for:
*District Leaders
*School site leaders
*Teacher Leaders
*Aspiring Leaders
I have extensive experience in performance coaching at both local and national levels, working with leaders at various stages of their careers. My coaching approach is grounded in the principles and research of Paul Bambrick-Santoyo, complemented by evidence-based practices supported by the International Coaching Federation. For the past seven years, I’ve provided performance coaching through the New Mexico Priority Schools Bureau, and more recently, I’ve expanded my work to include coaching at the national level with EdConnective.At the national level, I collaborate with teacher leaders, site leaders, district leaders, and state officials who are implementing the Science of Reading and Change Management plans within their states or organizations. This work allows me to support leaders as they navigate the challenges of systemic change while ensuring a focus on research-based practices that drive meaningful improvement.
Professional Learning Services (public, private):
* Instructional Rounds
* Enhancing Professional Learning Community Collaboration and Planning
*Data discussions
*Common Formative Assessment Development
* Differentiation vs Scaffolding for on-the-spot intervention
* Strengthening Academic and Literacy Coaching cycles
* Coaching Teachers via Observation and Feedback cycles
* Developing Student and Teacher Efficacy Through Intentional Instructional Moves
* Establishing a systemic 3-tiered approach to New Teacher Induction
* Establishing a sustainable Academic/Literacy Coaching Structure
I have had the privilege of providing professional learning opportunities to local schools seeking to strengthen their Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) by working directly with school administrators and their grade-level teacher teams. Because this work is tailored to meet the unique needs of each school, it requires an ongoing, hybrid approach with the flexibility to adjust and pivot as needed. This approach includes collaborative planning meetings with school leadership, regular meetings with individual grade-level teams, and periodic sessions with the entire staff to bring everything together cohesively.The foundation of my PLC work is rooted in the research and evidence-based practices of Richard and Rebecca DuFour and Robert Marzano, ensuring that the work is grounded in proven strategies. While these meetings are most effective when conducted in person, I also offer virtual options to provide even greater flexibility for schools. My experience with Professional Learning Communities dates back to 2003 and has remained a consistent part of my professional practice throughout my career. Over the years, I’ve participated in training facilitated by Solution Tree contributors such as Mike Mattos and Austin Buffum, which has further deepened my understanding of how to support schools in building strong, effective PLCs.
Educational Grant Writing:
One of the key services I offer through School House Strategies is consultation and drafting of comprehensive educational grants for schools or districts seeking additional or supplemental funding to improve student outcomes. Over the years, I have successfully submitted multiple grants on behalf of schools and districts, securing substantial funding to support their transformational processes.Through these grant funds, schools and districts have been able to access high-quality professional learning, purchase evidence-based supplemental materials, and provide substitutes for teachers so they can participate in professional learning opportunities. Additionally, these funds have been used to offer students enhanced before- and after-school learning opportunities and to purchase supplies and materials that directly support some of our most vulnerable students.Some of the most recent grants I’ve successfully drafted and submitted include:
NM Priority Schools Bureau School Improvement Grants for over 25 schools
Fine Arts for Elementary Schools Act (FAEA) Grant
Structured Literacy Plan Grant
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant
The Leader In Me Foundational Grant
When writing grants, my primary focus is to align state, district, and school goals with the proposed actions outlined in the grant. This ensures that each funding request is clearly tied to initiatives that increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for students. Helping schools and districts secure the resources they need to thrive is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work!
Coach. Mentor. Thought Partner.
“We need not differentiate to the detriment of our students' academic growth. The key is lifting them up through high-leverage, scaffolded, instructional strategies.” -Kathy
Partnership Approach
When partnering with schools and districts, I take a highly personalized and collaborative approach. I begin by taking the time to deeply understand the unique goals, challenges, and vision of each institution I work with. This allows me to tailor my support and ensure that every initiative, training, and strategy is perfectly aligned with their specific needs.
