Open to opportunities

Marliss Platt

@marlissplatt

I build humanities instruction, teacher development, and schoolwide systems that improve classroom practice and student outcomes.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead teacher learning, humanities instruction, and schoolwide systems that strengthen classroom practice, culture, and holistic student outcomes.

At Ascend Learning, I design and facilitate network-wide humanities training across 14 campuses, translating instructional priorities into classroom-ready tools for K–8 teachers. I build frameworks, instructional models, unit unpacks, pacing documentation, and leader guidance that shift ELA teaching from test-prep delivery toward meaning making.

Through EllaVate Education, I design workshops, coaching plans, and strategic supports for schools, universities, and other organizations. My work centers climate and culture, teacher retention, restorative practice, executive functioning, and holistic student development.

I've led schoolwide academic, behavioral, and disciplinary systems as Lead Dean of Students at BelovED High School, including MTSS coordination, DEI professional development, teacher coaching, and a $50K+ events and trips budget. I also helped build staff culture through difficult conversations, mediation, and actionable systems for students, families, and educators.

My classroom foundation includes leading English instruction at KIPP BOLD Academy and North Star Academy, where I used literacy and assessment data to support student growth. I’ve also developed humanities, STEM, early childhood, Spanish, communications, and writing curriculum across K–12, higher education, and community learning settings.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate Director of Training and Development

Current

Ascend Learning

Mar 2026 - Present (5 months)

Designs and facilitates instructional labs and professional development for humanities teachers across 14 campuses. Leads ELA instructional development and builds network-level frameworks for instructional philosophy.

Instructional Design Professional Development Curriculum Development K 8 Education Teacher Training Data Analysis Leadership

Current

Founder

Current

EllaVate Education LLC

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 7 months)

Founded an education consulting firm providing workshops, coaching, and strategic planning for schools and other industries. Develops programs focused on climate, culture, and student development.

Workshop Design Coaching Strategic Planning Curriculum Development Social Emotional Learning Executive Functioning Youth Development

Instructional Strategies Specialist

IDE Corp.

Feb 2025 - Jun 2025 (4 months)

Coached K-12 teachers in NY and NJ on student-led classrooms and created professional development workshops. Contributed to projects like Future Powered Kindergarten and designed STEM and humanities units.

Coaching Professional Development Curriculum Design STEM Education Project Based Learning K 12 Education Workshop Facilitation

Educational Consultant

BelovED High School Community Charter School

Jul 2024 - Aug 2024 (1 month)

Created and facilitated professional development on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Designed school-wide procedures for deans and consulted on student behavior approaches.

Professional Development Policy Design Consultation

English Teacher

NJIT Pre-College Program

Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 (2 months)

Created curriculum at the intersection of English and Science/Engineering for summer program. Taught five classes daily, aligning to state standards.

Curriculum Development STEM Education Lesson Planning State Standards

Lead Dean of Students

BelovED High School Community Charter School

Dec 2021 - Jul 2024 (2 years 7 months)

Established and maintained school-wide behavioral and academic systems, coached teachers, and managed budgets. Led MTSS efforts and facilitated professional development on diversity and inclusion.

Behavior Management Academic Coaching Data Analysis Dean'S List Professional Development Budget Management Conflict Resolution

Grade Level Chair

KIPP BOLD Academy

Aug 2020 - Dec 2021 (1 year 4 months)

Managed all 8th grade teachers and staff, coordinated meetings, and used data to drive grade-level goals. Mentored and evaluated teachers on instruction and classroom management.

Teaching Mentoring Data Driven Instruction Budget Management Staff Management Professional Development

Lead English Teacher

KIPP BOLD Academy

Aug 2018 - Dec 2021 (3 years 4 months)

Led 7th grade cohort to above network average state assessment scores. Managed guided reading, integrated culturally responsive content, and advised student leadership clubs.

Curriculum Development Data Analysis Guided Reading Culturally Responsive Teaching Student Leadership Assessments Accelerated Reader

Adjunct Communications & English Instructor

Eastwick College

Apr 2019 - Jul 2019 (3 months)

Taught Foundations of Communications and English courses. Created syllabi, coursework, and assessments, and held office hours for student support.

Curriculum Design Academic Writing Assessments

Lead English Teacher

North Star Academy

Aug 2017 - Jun 2018 (10 months)

Led 7th grade cohorts to above 70% on state assessments. Provided content modifications for students with IEPs and used data to construct reteach lessons.

Data Analysis Assessments Small Group Instruction

Teaching Resident and Fellow

Great Oaks Charter School

Jul 2016 - Jul 2017 (1 year)

Balanced dual role as small group instructor and classroom teacher. Created and implemented enrichment courses and assessed data trends from assessments.

Lesson Planning Curriculum Development Data Analysis Small Group Instruction