Meagan Darland
Hoffman Estates,IL
Summary
Experienced and driven educator with a proven track record in elementary education and instructional leadership. Seeking Assistant Principal position to utilize expertise in cultivating collaborative school cultures, enhancing curriculum, and ensuring student success. Skilled in leading diverse teams, utilizing data for informed decision-making, and fostering inclusive environments that promote the growth and well-being of both students and staff.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Apollo School
Des Plaines, Illinois
08.2019 - Current
- Led a diverse, inclusive kindergarten classroom focused on developing social-emotional skills, academic excellence, and positive behaviors aligned with school goals
- Served as the primary teacher representative on the school leadership team, contributing to school-wide goal-setting, curriculum development, and fostering a positive school culture
- Facilitated the School Activities Team, organizing events to strengthen family and community engagement
- Collaborated with district math leadership to align curriculum and promote best practices
- Designed and led district-wide professional development, focusing on small group instruction and math fluency for over 50 educators across multiple schools
- Drove initiatives to enhance student achievement, consistently achieving high MAP scores and supporting students' social-emotional growth
Kindergarten Teacher
Pennoyer School
Norridge, Illinois
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Implemented a balanced literacy approach and math curriculum, fostering a classroom culture focused on student achievement and positive behaviors
- Collaborated with grade-level teams to align curriculum and improve instructional practices
- Integrated technology tools such as SMART Boards, Seesaw, and iPads to promote individualized learning and engagement
- Served as a member of the PBIS and ELA Curriculum Committees, contributing to school-wide behavioral and academic strategies
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Led initiatives resulting in 90% of students meeting or exceeding grade-level proficiency on the MAP math assessment, demonstrating a significant impact on student achievement.
First Grade Teacher
Pennoyer School
Norridge, Illinois
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Led instruction in literacy, math, and social-emotional learning, utilizing differentiated strategies to meet diverse student needs
- Actively participated in the school leadership team, collaborating on curriculum development and school-wide initiatives
- Built student independence and responsibility through structured routines and positive reinforcement strategies
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
Kindergarten Teacher
St. Colette Catholic School
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Developed and implemented math Common Core standards and literacy lessons while integrating social skills development
- Fostered a positive and nurturing classroom environment, ensuring the academic and social growth of all students
Para-Professional
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Supported classroom instruction and behavior management for students with special needs
- Developed and implemented behavior intervention plans (BIP), working closely with service providers to support student learning and development
Education
Master's Degree - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
Chicago, IL 01.2024 - 05.2025
ESL Endorsement -
Northeastern University
Chicago, IL 08.2020 - 06.2021
National Board Certification - Literacy
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 09.2017 - 12.2019
LBS1 Endorsement -
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL 08.2012 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL 08.2005 - 06.2010
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Student Centered Leadership
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Behavioral Management
- School Culture Development
- Data Driven Decision Making
- Professional Development
- Parent and Community Engagement
Certification
Master Teacher/PEL, Illinois
Professional Development
- Math Fluency Training, 2024
- Boosting STEM Achievement Through Coding and Robotics Training, 2023
- National Boards Certification Symposium, 2020
- Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures Workshop, 2017
- NWEA MAP Training, 2017
Leadership Experience
- Grade-Level Team Leader, Facilitated weekly meetings to ensure collaboration and the development of standards-based instruction.
- District Math Leadership Team Member, Contributed to district-wide math initiatives, curriculum alignment, and professional development.
- School Activities Team Co-Facilitator, Led the planning and execution of school events to enhance family and community engagement.
- Mentorship, Guided new teachers in classroom management, instructional practices, and professional growth.
Accomplishments
Leadership and Instructional Innovation
- Developed and led district-wide professional development on math fluency for kindergarten teachers, enhancing instructional strategies and student outcomes.
- Integrated technology into kindergarten classrooms using the Engineering Design Process and SAMR model, boosting student engagement and problem-solving skills.
- Designed and facilitated technology-focused professional development on utilizing robots and word work, empowering educators to integrate innovative tools into the curriculum.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making with technology tools to inform instruction, resulting in improved learning outcomes.
Professional Development and Certification
- Renewed National Board Certification in Literacy, demonstrating a continued commitment to professional growth and excellence in teaching.
Community Engagement
- Organized and led school events to engage parents and the community, fostering a collaborative environment supporting student learning.
Timeline
Master's Degree - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
01.2024 - 05.2025
ESL Endorsement -
Northeastern University
08.2020 - 06.2021
Kindergarten Teacher
Apollo School
08.2019 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Pennoyer School
08.2018 - 06.2019
National Board Certification - Literacy
Illinois State University
09.2017 - 12.2019
First Grade Teacher
Pennoyer School
08.2016 - 08.2018
Kindergarten Teacher
St. Colette Catholic School
08.2014 - 08.2016
LBS1 Endorsement -
University of St. Francis
08.2012 - 06.2013
Para-Professional
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
08.2012 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
National Louis University
08.2005 - 06.2010
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