Anna Blancarte

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cultivated an equitable and inclusive school culture primarily through targeted professional development, tiered academic and behavioral wrap-around services, and integration of community resources within our school.
• Supervised the maintenance of all school records and reports to ensure for confidentiality.
• Led the implementation of an incentive based behavior system for scholars and teachers. (PBIS/BIST)
• Significantly increased School Culture on AdvancED and Satchel Pulse Survey through cultivation of positive relationships between community , parents, scholars, staff and teachers.
• Led, supported, monitored and evaluated the impact of integrating CLOSE READING of texts in grades K-6, with specific attention given to CLOSE READING of SCIENCE TEXTS
• Cultivated a culture of mindfulness by teaching the nine pillars of mindfulness and practicing them daily.
• Maintained school focus on learning by introducing, teaching, and enforcing expectations related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
• Maintained high standards of student conducts and enforced discipline as necessary, according to due process rights of students following the district's adopted Superintendent Referral handbook.
• Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
• Developed and coordinated after-school clubs and activities that were challenging and fun for scholars and teachers.
• Studied overall assessment information collaboratively with the Building Leadership Team, parents and community to formulate the Title I School Improvement Plan
• Planned and supervised the school's emergency/safety plan ( fire drills, tornado drills, and emergency preparedness program )
• Served on district committee task-force to ensure for full accreditation through AdvancEd.
• Collaborated with district administrators to develop functional budgets within allocated funds. Earned "Exceptional Fiscal Management Awards" / Spring 2021-23.
• Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
• Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data within the Professional Learning Community platform.
• Provided oral and/or written reports to superintendent on state of the school three times per year - fall / winter / spring
• Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness with timely feedback given to teachers which was a key factor in retaining teachers.
• Communicated weekly with parents to encourage active parental participation in our educational programs and events.
• Kept current with changes and developments in education by attending professional meetings, reading journals and publications and discussing issues and trends with other colleagues outside of the work day.
• Developed a culture of "accountable talk" throughout each classroom within the school.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Retention of staff ( certified instructional staff of 68 ) increased to 87-90% consistently each year.
• School Culture, measured by the Satchel Pulse Survey, consistently scored an 8.2 out of 10 points. Survey was administered once per month.
• Received "Exceptional Fiscal Management Award" for demonstrated expenditures of all allocated district and federal funds.
• Implementation of PBIS, BIST and Restorative Practices contributed to a significant decrease in student suspensions, office referrals, and superintendent referrals.
• AVID Trained and Certified Instructor who successfully implemented the WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) throughout Kindergarten - 6th grade.
• Implemented "Flipped Learning" in grades 4-6 with teachers reporting higher student achievement and engagement and better attitudes towards learning and school.
• Scholar Average Daily Attendance increased significantly.

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Taught a graduate level course, through UMKC, to teachers seeking gifted education certification.
• Led the collaborative research and development initiative of an Advanced Academics Honors Program that encompassed PK- high school level courses to provide equitable access of advanced courses to all scholars across the district.
• Continually monitored and updated the Advanced Academics program in collaboration with the general education and gifted education teaching team.
• Spearheaded technology initiatives to support student learning and academic excellence.
• Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting for advanced coursework, engagement in classrooms, increased graduation rate and retention of scholars in the district.
• Modeled lessons, specifically strategies that engaged scholars in higher level thinking through questions and collaborative work groups
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions with principals and leadership teams at the school level.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Significant increase to 62% of middle school scholars enrolled in one or more advanced courses.
• Significant 12% increase in high school scholars passing AP courses and exams.
• All elementary schools had a gifted teacher assigned with the purpose of coaching teachers to integrate critical and creative instructional strategies throughout the curriculum.
• Supported teacher coaches at several elementary and middle school teams to earn 1st - 3rd place awards at the annual PrepKC Jr Math Relays.
• Supported teacher coaches at several elementary and middle school teams to earn awards at the annual Lego League stem competitions sponsored by PrepKC.

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Led and managed teacher teams (general education with a special education teacher) to develop Co-Teaching classrooms in an effort to support all scholars academically and socially.
• Coached teachers and principals through day-to-day work and complex problems.
• Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
• Planned and implemented staff development at the building and district level - specifically on Creative and Critical Thinking Strategies and Understanding Tiered Levels of Behavior with Building Level Strategies

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Successfully led five elementary and seven middle schools to implement the co-teaching model.
• Recruited by several principals to provide professional development and follow-up work to teachers on integrating Critical and Creative Instructional Strategies in their classrooms.
• The superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools recruited me for the position of Director of the Advanced Academics Program after attending one of my professional development presentation at a district Professional Development Day.

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Planned instruction and taught 4 three undergraduate credit classes for scholars obtaining a teaching degree. ( Teaching Math (two sections - one for elementary and one for middle school); Assessment and Learning; Integrating the Arts throughout the Curriculum)
• The student population is approximately 60% African-American, 20% White, 15% Hispanic, and other 5%
• Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
• Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
• Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
• Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
• Contributed to campus activities to promote positive university image.
• Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.
• Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum revision, evaluation of course syllabi and lesson plans for Assessment and Learning curriculum.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Advised, mentored and tutored three scholars, who were failing, to achieving passing standards.
• Assisted a school leadership team, in rural Bloomsburg, PA to achieve school improvement goals.
• Recruited several adults from Bloomsburg to enroll in the University for a degree in teaching..

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
• Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
• Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies.
• Studied assessment information covering students, teachers and school operations to formulate improvement plans.
• Collaborated with administration staff to develop functional budgets within allocated funds.
• Allocated school budgets and solicited additional funding from grant programs with well-written applications.
• Introduced modifications to reading and math curriculum and introduced new, effective instructional techniques.
• Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
• Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.
• Communicated and regularly practiced drills in association with the school safety and emergency plan.
• Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
• Verified adherence to state, federal and private funding source requirements across programs and outcomes.
• Researched and wrote proposals for educational grants.
• Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
• Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
• Established positive, stimulating learning environment for students and exciting education-focused setting for teachers.
• Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Wrote a SPRINT grant ($2500.00) to pay for the MAKING MEANING curriculum
• Successfully implemented Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program in collaboration with Kansas University. This collaboration was a part of a 3 year grant I wrote in collaboration with the Department Head of KU's Special Projects/Behavioral Supports for schools.
• Awarded the CHALLENGE AWARD OF RECOGNITION by the Kansas State Board of Education for OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT IN CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP in 4th and 5th grade math based on the 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 Kansas State Assessments.
• Awarded the CHALLENGE AWARD OF RECOGNITION by the Kansas State Board of Education for OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT IN CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade reading based on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008 Kansas State Assessments.
• Awarded the NCLB Blue Ribbon Award for outstanding student achievement
• Awarded the Best Principal in West Wyandotte County by the patrons of Wyandotte County (See copy of Award Certificate)
• Led a school in obtaining state accreditation and coming off of SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT status within the first two years as principal.
• "Applauded" several times for demonstrating an effective role as a leader to both staff and students. As quoted in the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools STAFF NOTEBOOK (newsletter for all employees), "Ms Blancarte is Quick to give praise to staff and regularly asks for staff input during staff development meetings. One staff member who nominated her said, "I am blessed each day to come and learn how to be an effective principal from Ms Blancarte". Applause given for dedication and selflessness."

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
• Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
• Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
• Supervised and evaluated teaching and support staff through instructional leadership and professional development.
• Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
• Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
• Oversaw schedule management and protocols for orientation, registration, and related activities.
• Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home.
• Supported special education department by developing programs and protocols for at-risk youth and students with special needs.
• Assisted with compliance efforts for fire and other safety regulations.
• Coordinated yearly operations and staff budget, tracked expenses, and documented actions.
• Verified adherence to state, federal and private funding source requirements across programs and outcomes.
• Collaborated with school board officials to assess areas for improvement in curricula, classrooms, testing and student activities.
• Instructed small groups of teachers and students.
• Verified student grades, attendance and schedules.
• Studied assessment information covering students, teachers and school operations to formulate improvement plans.
• Counseled students about rules and policies during school assemblies.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Increased parent involvement of ELL scholars due to offering innovative strategies to help with translation barriers.
• Teachers lunch time increased to the full 30 minutes due to the revision of the cafeteria drop off and pick up expectations.
• School culture increased significantly based on confidential surveys administered to staff each month.

• accomplishments.
• Created and presented clever lessons to engage scholars and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
• Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
• Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk scholars.
• Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
• Administered various reading tests and determined scholar reading levels based on assessment findings.
• Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare scholars for higher grade levels.
• Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
• Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
• Coached scholars on physical and emotional safety as part of health curriculum.
• Sourced supplies to fill gaps in scholar activities.
• Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
• Helped scholars develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
• Worked one-on-one with scholarss to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
• Developed and implemented discipline strategies to maintain classroom order.
• Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
• Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet scholars' diverse learning needs and abilities.
• Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
• Taught scholars subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
• Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
• Assessed scholar progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
• Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
• Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for scholars and visitors.
• Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
• Engaged in professional development to enhance instruction with English Language Learners.
• Reported to principal all scholar data ( academic and behavioral ) along with strategies I enforced to help all scholars meet growth targets.
• Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Collaborated with the PLC to plan for, monitor, and implement strategies to ensure for student academic and behavior growth. The PLC's demonstrated exceptional growth of scholars 9 out of 11 years.
• Pursued several leadership positions within the school such as: Student Council, Parent Engagement Committee Chair, After-school Programming Lead, Technology Integration Chair, Student Advisory Council to Principal Leader, Lunchroom Monitor, Safety and Emergency Plan Committee, Chair of Professional Development Committee.
• Presented with an offer to be Assistant Principal and enroll to earn master's degree in school administration following several observations from district level administrators,

• Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
• Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
• Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives in collaboration with the grade level team.
• Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
• Created and presented clever lessons to engage students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
• Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
• Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
• Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
• Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
• Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Third grade class took 2nd place in a district science challenge event ( two years)
• Selected to be grade level Lead Teacher for the District after the first year of teaching.