Elaina Shannon
Evergreen Park
Summary
Experienced educational leader in school administration, curriculum development, and special education. Co-founder and principal of a successful therapeutic day school, with a strong track record in staff management, innovative academic programs, and compliance with state educational standards. Builds positive relationships with parents, educators, and external agencies to create an effective learning environment. Drives academic success and fosters collaboration. Expert in curriculum development, staff training, and student engagement. Recognized for adaptability, reliability, and results-driven approach aligned with institutional goals and changing educational needs.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal & Co-Founder
Connections Academy East
01.2015 - Current
- Lead and manage a staff of 90 in a therapeutic day school setting
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance school operations
- Oversee curriculum selection and alignment with Illinois Learning Standards
- Manage multiple budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation
- Conduct staff evaluations and mentorship programs to foster professional growth
- Coordinate with ISBE compliance office to ensure adherence to regulations
- Oversee IEP meetings, ensuring compliance and individualized student support
- Spearhead innovative educational programs to enhance student success
- Analyze behavioral data to inform decision-making and staff training
Principal
Connections Day School
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Managed a team of 40 educators and support staff
- Developed and executed discipline policies and behavioral intervention strategies
- Conducted staff training workshops and professional development programs
- Maintained compliance with state and federal education standards
- Oversaw school budgets totaling $4 million annually
- Led curriculum development and implementation
- Coordinated educational field trips to enhance experiential learning
Assistant Principal
Independence School
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Supervised daily school operations, including discipline and staff evaluations
- Led implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Assisted with curriculum development and lesson planning
- Facilitated professional development workshops for educators
District Administrator - Specialized Schools and Services
Chicago Public Schools
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Provided oversight for specialized education services across multiple schools
- Conducted professional development for educators and case managers
- Ensured compliance with IEP requirements and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) policies
- Assisted in the coordination of annual reviews and re-evaluations
Principal
Ada S. McKinley
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Established policies and procedures to enhance school efficiency
- Managed a team of 25 educators and support staff
- Developed and monitored annual budgets
- Ensured compliance with local and state educational mandates
- Led staff meetings and professional development initiatives
Curriculum Director
Banner Therapeutic Day School
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Developed and delivered professional training for educators
- Assisted in grant research and funding opportunities
- Led curriculum development initiatives, ensuring state standard alignment
- Conducted school-wide assessments and evaluations
Previous Teaching Roles
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Alternatives Unlimited - Therapeutic Day School
- Songhai Learning Institute - Self-Contained Cross-Categorical Classroom
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with state standards
- Created behavioral management plans tailored to student needs
- Supported special education programs and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Education
Master's Degree - Educational Technology Specialist, Technology Specialist Endorsement, School Leadership
Concordia University
River Forest, IL01.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary and Special Education
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL01.2001
Associate of Arts -
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL01.1999
Skills
- Educational Leadership & Administration
- Curriculum Development & Implementation
- Budget Management & Resource Allocation
- Staff Development & Mentorship
- Compliance & Policy Development (ISBE, IEP)
- Behavioral Intervention & Crisis Management (CPI Certified)
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Training and mentoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff management
- Employee performance evaluations
- School community relations
- Strategic leadership
- Team collaboration
- Community engagement
- Staff development
- Curriculum development
- Student discipline
- Data-driven instruction
- Student and parent relations
- Program implementation
- Safety and security procedures
- Goal planning
- Student achievement
Timeline
Principal & Co-Founder
Connections Academy East
01.2015 - Current
Principal
Connections Day School
01.2008 - 01.2015
Assistant Principal
Independence School
01.2007 - 01.2008
District Administrator - Specialized Schools and Services
Chicago Public Schools
01.2006 - 01.2007
Principal
Ada S. McKinley
01.2006 - 12.2006
Curriculum Director
Banner Therapeutic Day School
01.2003 - 01.2006
Previous Teaching Roles
01.2002 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary and Special Education
Lewis University
Associate of Arts -
Moraine Valley Community College
Master's Degree - Educational Technology Specialist, Technology Specialist Endorsement, School Leadership
Concordia University
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