Valerie Schmidt-Gardner
@valerieschmidtgardne
Experienced educator and IB program coordinator dedicated to student success.
What I'm looking for
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
International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Bachelor of Arts Degree, French Language and Literature
Activities and societies: Pi Delta Phi: National French Honor Society
Completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language and Literature.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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