Open to opportunities

Valerie Schmidt-Gardner

@valerieschmidtgardne

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Experienced educator and IB program coordinator dedicated to student success.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that allows me to leverage my expertise in education and leadership, focusing on curriculum development and teacher training in a collaborative environment.

As an accomplished educator with a PhD in Education from the University of Tennessee, I have dedicated my career to fostering student success through innovative teaching and leadership. My role as the International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator at West High School has allowed me to lead a team of 32 teachers, ensuring that our students excel in a rigorous academic environment. I am passionate about creating inclusive learning experiences that empower students to thrive in diverse settings.

Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my commitment to professional development and pedagogical leadership. I have designed and led numerous workshops for educators, focusing on best practices in language acquisition and classroom management. My efforts have not only improved teaching efficacy but have also contributed to the retention of our school's IB World School classification. I believe in the power of collaboration and continuous improvement, and I strive to inspire both students and colleagues to reach their full potential.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator

Current

West High School

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 6 months)

Administered student acceptance, progress, and success through rigorous IB Diploma, IB Career-Related, and IB Middle Years programs. Directed a team of 32 IB teachers, focusing on data-driven best practices for training, efficacy, and retention.

Teacher Training Data Analysis Budget Management Curriculum Development Leadership Project Management Strategic Planning

Graduate Assistant

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Feb 2021 - Jul 2021 (5 months)

Collected and collated information for faculty CVs and departmental functions. Contributed to research under the guidance of Dr. Sherry Bell, faculty supervisor and Department Head.

Data Collection Information Management Administrative Assistance document preparation Event Coordination Communication Organizational Skills Microsoft Office Suite

World Language Department Chair

West High School

Jan 2017 - Dec 2019 (2 years 11 months)

Led a nine-member World Language and ESL department in all facets of its operation and growth. Managed and reconciled the department budget.

Budget Management Professional Learning Communities Curriculum Development Strategic Planning Team Leadership Communication Conflict Resolution

World Language Professional Development Specialist

Knox County Schools

Jan 2015 - Dec 2019 (4 years 11 months)

Designed and led workshops on rubric-based grading, professional inter-school collaboration, and backward design. Developed and led new teacher forums and training sessions.

Professional Development Curriculum Design Classroom Management Teacher Training Collaboration Educational Leadership Program Development

Humanities Teacher

West High School

Jan 2016 - Dec 2019 (3 years 11 months)

Designed and implemented an English/Social Studies elective course. Introduced students to concepts of philosophy, psychology, systems-theory, non-Euro-Western world views, privilege, critical theory, and social justice.

Philosophy Psychology Critical Theory Interdisciplinary Studies Student Engagement

Mentor Core Team Supervisor

West High School

Jan 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year 11 months)

Led a team of experienced educators in collaborative relationships with new teachers. Designed and implemented professional development sessions related to lesson planning, record keeping, and technology integration.

Team Leadership Mentoring Professional Development Lesson planning Protocol Management Collaboration Education

Lead Teacher/Instructional Support

West High School

Jan 2015 - Dec 2017 (2 years 11 months)

Observed and evaluated peer educators during lesson delivery based on the TEAM/TAP evaluation models. Maintained open and professional communication throughout the evaluation process.

Teacher Development Collaboration Mentoring Coaching Leadership

Professional Development Specialist

Knox County Schools

Jan 2012 - Dec 2016 (4 years 11 months)

Designed and led professional development in-service sessions related to TEAM/TAP evaluation models. Introduced and taught various research-based models and learning theories such as Constructivism.

Professional Development Constructivism Implementation Communication Collaboration

CAPS Outreach/AEUB French Teacher

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Jun 2014 - Jul 2014 (1 month)

Designed and implemented college-level French courses for students. Taught in a summer-long Upward Bound program.

Implementation Curriculum Development Summer Program Management Academic Support Lesson planning

International Baccalaureate French Teacher

West High School

Jan 2001 - Dec 2023 (22 years 11 months)

Designed and executed curricula for nine levels of French language instruction. Mentored students in the IB Diploma Program for Extended Essays and Personal Projects in the IB Middle Years Program.

Curriculum Design Mentoring Program Development Cultural Exchange Educational Leadership

French Teacher

Bearden Middle School

Jan 2000 - Dec 2001 (1 year 11 months)

Assumed all professional duties as the interim French teacher. Covered for another teacher on a year-long sabbatical leave.

Classroom Management Educational Support Middle School Education Language Teaching Interim Management

French Teacher

Carter Middle and Carter High Schools

Jan 1999 - Dec 2000 (1 year 11 months)

Assumed all professional duties concurrently at both schools as the interim French teacher. Covered for another teacher on maternity leave.

Dual School Management Educational Support High School Education Middle School Education Interim Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Doctor of Philosophy Degree, Education: Theory and Practice in Teacher Education

Completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a concentration in Literacy Studies and a focus on World Language and ELL Education. The cognate was Cultural Studies in Education.

Lincoln Memorial University

Education Specialist Degree, Administration and Supervision

Obtained an Education Specialist Degree with a focus on Administration and Supervision.

Carson-Newman University

Master of Arts in Teaching Degree, Curriculum and Instruction

Activities and societies: Kappa Delta Pi: International Honor Society for Education

Earned a Master of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. Achieved dual certification in Elementary Education K-8 and French 7-12.