Erin Anderson
Machesney Park
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at the Donald C. Parker Early Education Center, excelling in instructional leadership and community engagement. Expert in MTSS implementation and data-driven decision making, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among staff to enhance early childhood education outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Donald C. Parker Early Education Center
Machesney Park
01.2020 - Current
- Provide instructional leadership for a center serving preschool and kindergarten students, overseeing staff, scheduling, and daily operations.
- Manage school budget and resource allocation to support instructional goals and early childhood initiatives.
- Implemented Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to strengthen interventions and student progress monitoring.
- Oversaw district administration of the state-mandated KIDS assessment for kindergarten readiness.
- Guided staff in data-informed instruction and continuous improvement practices through comprehensive evaluation and feedback.
- Expanded partnerships with community organizations including United Way and Alignment Rockford’s Parent Saturation Committee.
- Harlem School District
Director of Literacy & Social Studies
Crystal Lake School District
Crystal Lake
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Directed literacy and social studies curriculum development for PreK–8.
- Led district-wide adoption and implementation of a comprehensive reading curriculum.
- Collaborated with administrators and instructional coaches to enhance tiered literacy support systems.
- Developed and facilitated professional learning focused on evidence-based literacy practices.
Professional Development Specialist for Literacy
Harlem School District
Machesney Park
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Provided professional development and instructional coaching to align classroom instruction with Illinois Learning Standards.
- Modeled effective literacy instruction and assessment practices for teachers across grade levels.
- Observed, coached, and provided actionable feedback to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and intervention alignment.
Classroom Teacher
Rock Cut Elementary School & Belvidere South Middle School
01.2004 - 01.2014
- Taught grades 1, 2, 6, and 8 with a focus on literacy instruction, student engagement, and social-emotional learning.
Education
M.A. - Reading Education
Concordia University
Chicago, IL01.2016
M.A. - Educational Leadership
Aurora University
Aurora, IL01.2007
B.S. - Elementary Education
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL01.2003
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Staff Development
- Early Childhood Education
- Program Improvement
- MTSS Implementation
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Curriculum Design
- Literacy Development
- Family Engagement
- Community Engagement
- School Climate
- School Culture
- Grant Writing
- Resource Management
- Strategic Planning
- Continuous Improvement
- Professional Development
- Coaching
- Budget Oversight
- Operations Management
Community And Partnerships
Active member of the Parent Saturation Committee in partnership with Alignment Rockford; collaborate with the United Way on literacy initiatives to promote school readiness and community engagement.
Leadership Highlights And Achievements
- 2024 Golden Apple Outstanding Principal recipient.
- Secured grant funding through United Way to expand early literacy initiatives.
- Implemented MTSS structure at Parker Early Education Center to improve tiered supports for students.
- Led program improvement from Silver to Gold Circle of Quality for the Early Childhood Center.
- Elevated PI (Prevention Initiative) program to quality-confirmed status for the first time in district history.
- Coached and developed staff leading to two Golden Apple award-winning teachers.
- Led district-wide adoption of new PreK–8 reading curriculum as Director of Literacy.
Timeline
Principal
Donald C. Parker Early Education Center
01.2020 - Current
Director of Literacy & Social Studies
Crystal Lake School District
01.2016 - 01.2020
Professional Development Specialist for Literacy
Harlem School District
01.2014 - 01.2016
Classroom Teacher
Rock Cut Elementary School & Belvidere South Middle School
01.2004 - 01.2014
M.A. - Reading Education
Concordia University
M.A. - Educational Leadership
Aurora University
B.S. - Elementary Education
Northern Illinois University