Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

LaTricia Varnado

Oakpark

Summary

Dynamic and equity-driven educational leader with over 19 years of experience in secondary education, instructional leadership, and workforce development. Proven success in developing and managing career and technical education (CTE) pathways, cultivating partnerships with industry and postsecondary institutions, and leading data-informed school improvement initiatives. Skilled in curriculum development, teacher coaching, program evaluation, and grant management. Committed to preparing all students for success in college, careers, and beyond through equitable access to high-quality learning experiences.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Business and Finance Academy

Rich Township High School District 227
07.2020 - Current

Lead the design and implementation of CTE programming within the Business and Finance Academy, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and career-connected learning.

Developed and maintained industry partnerships to facilitate work experiences and mentorships for students.

Supported the development of an advisory board to build community partnership and real world experiences for students through career panels, guest speakers, and industry contact.

Trained staff in Understanding by Design (UbD), Project Based Learning (PBL), Marzano strategies, Danielson Framework, Reading Apprenticeship, and HRS practices.

Led professional development on data analysis (including SAT), culturally responsive instruction, and instructional best practices.

Oversaw teacher evaluation, hiring, and coaching processes

.

Collaborated on the master schedule, course creation (AP African American Studies, AP Spanish), and community colleges.

Facilitated the partnership with Prairies State College to increase dual credit offerings and Early College opportunities.

Served on multiple leadership teams including PEC, AP, DCAC, and the Instructional Leadership Team.

Led data conversations on district goal progress and student achievement.

Division Leader of Humanities

Rich Township High School District 227
07.2018 - 07.2020
  • Established trust with stakeholders through effective communication, transparent reporting, and consistent delivery of results that exceeded expectations.
  • Balanced competing priorities successfully by staying organized, prioritizing tasks efficiently, and maintaining a focus on achieving key objectives.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors effectively, securing optimal pricing and terms for the company''s benefit.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication, timely project completion, and excellent customer service.

Supervised the English, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and World Language departments.

Implemented new academic programs including Pre-AP, AP Seminar, and ThinkCERCA.

Recruited, evaluated, and supported teaching staff, aligning PD and instructional practices with district goals.

Promoted cross-curricular collaboration and data-driven decision-making to enhance student achievement.

English Teacher/Teacher Leader

Rich Township High School District 227
08.2006 - 07.2018

Taught rigorous, student-centered ELA instruction aligned with Common Core and AP standards.

Mentored six new teachers and supported long-term substitutes through onboarding and instructional coaching.

Developed new AP-approved curriculum and facilitated writing seminars for cross-departmental staff.

Led PLCs, analyzed assessment data, and contributed to school improvement plans and vertical alignment with postsecondary partners.


Education

Master of Arts - Teaching,Secondary Education

National Louis University
Chicago, IL

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership

Concordia University
05-2013

Master of Science - English

Dominican University
River Forest, IL
06-2004

Skills

    Career & Technical Education (CTE)

    Pathway and Curriculum Development (CCPE, Dual Credit, AP)

    Workforce & Industry Partnerships

    Strategic Planning & Implementation

    Professional Development & Instructional Coaching

    Data-Driven Decision Making

    Stakeholder Engagement

Affiliations

  • Member, District Instructional Leadership Team Facilitator, Dual Credit and Career Partnerships with Community Colleges Lead Trainer: CT3, UbD, Danielson, Reading Apprenticeship, PBL, and HRS Frameworks Developer of Career-Connected Course Offerings Participant, District Strategic Planning and AP Expansion Initiatives
  • CERTIFICATIONS & ENDORSEMENTS Illinois Professional Educator License (Type 75 & Type 09) Endorsements: English Language Arts (9–12) Language Arts (Middle Grades) Social Studies (Middle Grades) Highly Qualified: Reading and Title I Remedial Reading Qualified Evaluator Certification

Certification

  • [Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]

Timeline

Business and Finance Academy

Rich Township High School District 227
07.2020 - Current

Division Leader of Humanities

Rich Township High School District 227
07.2018 - 07.2020

English Teacher/Teacher Leader

Rich Township High School District 227
08.2006 - 07.2018

Master of Arts - Teaching,Secondary Education

National Louis University

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership

Concordia University

Master of Science - English

Dominican University
LaTricia Varnado