Simcha Baker-Dixon
Homewood
Summary
Instructional leader focused on continuous school improvement and administration. Coaches educators through classroom observations and reflective practice, providing constructive feedback and implementing effective instructional strategies. Supports teacher candidates in applying theoretical knowledge across diverse educational environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Math Instructional Coordinator
Harvey SD152
Harvey
08.2025 - Current
- Coordinated professional development workshops that equipped staff with effective instructional practices.
- Developed instructional materials aligned with curriculum standards for diverse learning needs.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform adjustments in curriculum and teaching methods.
- Collaborated with teachers to refine instructional strategies, resulting in increased student engagement.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders to drive innovative curriculum implementation.
- Reviewed and selected educational resources that align with district objectives and student requirements.
- Provided mentorship to new instructional staff on best practices in education.
- Participated in committees responsible for developing district policies on curriculum planning.
Professional Learning Specialist
West40 Intermediate Service Center 2 (ISC2)
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Partnered with school and district leaders to strengthen instructional capacity and support student learning outcomes.
- Facilitated professional development workshops, empowering educators and staff to implement best practices in their classrooms.
- Supported adult learning and reflective practice through job-embedded professional development.
- Led instructional coaching cycles, modeling effective teaching practices to improve educator performance.
- Developed educational materials aligned with state learning standards.
CPS/IARSS School Improvement Project Co-Lead
West40 ISC2
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Coached instructional leaders and school teams in implementing evidence-based practices to enhance student outcomes.
- Modeled classroom strategies and guided goal-setting to address specific student learning needs.
- Guided goal-setting initiatives aligned with specific student learning needs.
School Improvement Specialist
South Cook ISC4
07.2024 - 09.2024
- Facilitated continuous improvement planning across multiple schools to enhance educational outcomes.
- Developed school improvement plans in collaboration with educators and administrators.
- Coordinated with district leaders to implement school improvement initiatives, enhancing program effectiveness.
- Conducted data reviews to inform and refine school improvement strategies.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for academic enhancement.
- Supported analysis of instructional walkthrough data to monitor progress effectively.
- Engaged stakeholders through consistent communication and collaboration to strengthen school improvement efforts.
- Provided guidance on resource allocation to maximize educational outcomes for students.
Head of School
School Mates
08.2019 - 06.2024
- Implemented professional learning plans aligned with teacher development goals, driving professional growth and instructional effectiveness.
- Supervised and evaluated teaching staff through targeted classroom observations and performance data analysis, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Mentored new teachers and facilitated reflective growth conversations, enhancing their teaching practices and confidence.
- Bronzeville Academy Charter School
Administrative & Instructional Support Strategist
School Mates
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Facilitated instructional design and delivery, enhancing teaching practices for preservice and novice teachers.
- Conducted classroom observations and debriefs, fostering targeted instructional improvements.
- Developed strategic marketing plans, increasing brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and customer preferences.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align project goals and initiatives.
Coordinator of Teaching and Learning
Hazel Crest School District 152.5
07.2016 - 06.2018
- Directed instructional coaching and professional learning programs to elevate teaching standards district-wide.
- Aligned curriculum across multiple grade levels to enhance educational outcomes.
- Supervised teachers to enhance implementation of effective teaching strategies.
- Developed training materials to support staff in implementing educational initiatives.
- Managed scheduling for programs and events to optimize district-wide educational initiatives.
- Collaborated with educators to streamline operational processes and improve overall efficiency.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies.
Educator
Chicago Public Schools & Edison Learning
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Delivered standards-aligned instruction and mentored teacher candidates, enhancing their clinical placement experiences.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student populations.
- Led small-group instruction and modeled effective classroom management strategies.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking and collaboration.
- Assessed student progress and provided targeted feedback for improvement.
- Established positive relationships to create a safe, comfortable learning environment, fostering student engagement and trust.
- Implemented educational technologies to enhance student learning experiences.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary curriculum units.
Education
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN01-2013
M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN07-2010
M.A.T. - Education
National Louis University
Chicago, IL08-2006
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL08-2000
Skills
- Curriculum and standards alignment
- Instructional design and materials development
- Data-informed instructional practice
- Classroom observation and growth-focused debriefing
- Professional learning and development
- Virtual training and multimedia integration
- Reflective feedback and evaluation
- Collaborative teamwork
- Clinical supervision and instructional coaching
- Mentorship and teacher candidate support
- Stakeholder communication and engagement
- Project management and strategic planning
- Administrative leadership in school improvement plans
- Organizational skills in budgeting and forecasting
- Adaptable leadership techniques
- Effective communication skills
- Motivational techniques for educators
- Adult learning theory application
Certification
- Illinois Professional Educator License
- Illinois Association for School Administrators (IASA)
- Illinois Principals Association (IPA)
- Instructional Leadership Association (ILA)
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Timeline
Math Instructional Coordinator
Harvey SD152
08.2025 - Current
Professional Learning Specialist
West40 Intermediate Service Center 2 (ISC2)
04.2025 - 07.2025
CPS/IARSS School Improvement Project Co-Lead
West40 ISC2
09.2024 - 04.2025
School Improvement Specialist
South Cook ISC4
07.2024 - 09.2024
Head of School
School Mates
08.2019 - 06.2024
Administrative & Instructional Support Strategist
School Mates
07.2018 - 06.2019
Coordinator of Teaching and Learning
Hazel Crest School District 152.5
07.2016 - 06.2018
Educator
Chicago Public Schools & Edison Learning
01.2008 - 01.2014
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
American College of Education
M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction
American College of Education
M.A.T. - Education
National Louis University
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Northern Illinois University