Karen Smith
Carmel
Summary
Experienced educator and instructional leader with a proven track record of guiding curriculum development and implementing state learning standards across K-8 education. Expertise in aligning instruction with Indiana, Michigan, and Common Core State Standards. Skilled in leveraging data to enhance instructional practices and teacher performance. Passionate about fostering professional development and supporting student achievement through research-based methodologies. Trained in the Science of Reading, with a focus on improving literacy outcomes. Strong knowledge of accreditation and evaluation for academic programs. Award-winning educator with a history of improving student outcomes and facilitating educator growth.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Coach & Assessment Scorer
#T.E.A.C.H.
01.2022 - Current
- Provide instructional support and assess program outcomes for 45 alternative-route educators
- Offer timely, constructive feedback and guidance to ensure residents meet certification requirements
- Utilize adult learning principles to foster engagement and success through remote coaching, webinars, and 1:1 check-ins
- Member of accreditation leadership team
- Trained in the Science of Reading, offering specialized support to residents in implementing evidence-based reading instruction
- Manage communications through weekly emails, Zoom meetings, and a dedicated Resident Padlet for streamlined information access
Training Support Specialist
Central Indiana Educational Service Center
01.2023 - 03.2025
- Support school administrators in their goals for continuous school improvement in early literacy
- Review and analyze school data, serving as a thinking partner with staff to continuously improve early literacy outcomes
- Plan and lead or co-lead professional development responsive to the specific needs of schools
- Provide oversight, monitoring, and problem-solving support for coaches in implementing the literacy cadre's goals
- Offer ongoing support and feedback to coaches, focusing on data-driven instructional coaching practices and job-embedded coaching using the student-centered coaching model
- Facilitate effective professional development for cadre schools, maintaining documentation of all literacy improvement efforts
- Created targeted strategies to enhance instructional practices and drive student achievement
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Indiana Math and Science Academies
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Led curriculum and instructional planning for two campuses, aligning with IDOE standards and improving academic outcomes
- Managed district assessments and regularly presented progress to the Board of Education
- Maintained 92% teacher certification compliance and supported continuous improvement efforts in school culture and academic systems
District Elementary Mathematics Coach
MSD Washington Township
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Supported math coaches in seven elementary schools to enhance instructional quality and track student progress
- Led the implementation of DreamBox adaptive math program and provided professional development on blended learning techniques
- Managed curriculum updates and collaborated with school leadership to address achievement gaps and prepare for state assessments
Lead K-8 Instructional Coach
UMKC Charter Schools
01.2013 - 12.2017
- Supervised and mentored a team of six instructional coaches, focusing on K-8 math, ELA, and science
- Led curriculum development initiatives and the implementation of new science resources aligned with state standards
- Developed a district-wide pacing guide tracking system to monitor instructional progress and support teacher development
Math Curriculum Specialist
UMKC Charter School Center
01.2012 - 12.2015
- Worked with K-8 administrators and teachers to develop and align math curriculum with Missouri Learning Standards
- Conducted job-embedded coaching through co-teaching, data analysis, and instructional feedback to enhance math instruction
- Provided professional development on unit planning and data-driven instructional strategies
Education
Ed.S. - Curriculum and Instruction
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VAM.Ed. - Elementary Education
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KSB.S. - Elementary Education (Reading Concentration)
Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MOSkills
- Curriculum Design & Instructional Strategy
- Teacher Coaching & Professional Development & Evaluation
- Science of Reading (Trained & Implemented)
- Data Analysis & Performance Metrics
- Leadership & Staff Development
- Standards-Based Instruction (Indiana, Michigan, Common Core)
- Adult Learning Principles & Coaching
- Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
- Education Technology Integration
- Classroom Observation & Feedback
Professional Community Organizations
- Indiana Department of Education Math Framework Review Committee
- National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM)
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
- Missouri DESE Math Performance Assessment Writing Cohort
- Missouri DESE Item Writing (Math) and Content/Bias Review Team (Math/Science)
- Catholic Business Exchange
- Changing Lives Forever - St Vincent de Paul
- Indiana Canine Assistance Network
Awards
- Magna Cum Laude Graduate, Liberty University
- Missouri Outstanding Beginning Teacher of the Year, Missouri State School Board Association
- Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Pittsburg State University
- Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Missouri Southern State University
- Dean's Academic Honors, Pittsburg State University
- Glenn D. Dolence Leadership/Service Award, Missouri Southern State University
Selected Professional Presentations
- Vocabulary Instruction for Comprehension - Hamilton SE Elementary Schools
- Coaching Institute: Developing Teacher Leadership - MSD Washington Township
- Implementing Standards for Mathematical Practice - UMKC Charter Schools
- What Does Rigor Look Like in Mathematics Instruction? - UMKC Charter Schools
- Inquiry-Based Science Instruction - New Teacher Orientation, Carthage R9
Timeline
Training Support Specialist
Central Indiana Educational Service Center
01.2023 - 03.2025
Instructional Coach & Assessment Scorer
#T.E.A.C.H.
01.2022 - Current
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Indiana Math and Science Academies
01.2019 - 12.2022
District Elementary Mathematics Coach
MSD Washington Township
01.2017 - 12.2019
Lead K-8 Instructional Coach
UMKC Charter Schools
01.2013 - 12.2017
Math Curriculum Specialist
UMKC Charter School Center
01.2012 - 12.2015
M.Ed. - Elementary Education
Pittsburg State University
B.S. - Elementary Education (Reading Concentration)
Missouri Southern State University
Ed.S. - Curriculum and Instruction
Liberty University
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