Kathy Kress
Denver,CO
Summary
Visionary educational leader with over 30 years of experience in school administration, program development, and business growth. Seeking to leverage a growth mindset and expertise in enrollment management, financial reporting, and talent development to serve as Head of School. Dedicated to fostering a healthy campus culture through collaborative leadership, community outreach, and a passion for alternative education systems.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Director
Panama Coast International School
Nueva Gorgona, Panama
01.2008 - Current
- Lead all aspects of a PK-12 school, driving business growth through strategic admissions and local marketing plans to increase enrollment.
- Manage the campus budget and financial reporting, ensuring fiscal health and meeting top line targets through effective resource allocation.
- Recruit, hire, and lead professional staff, providing consistent mentoring and talent development to maintain high team retention and a unified vision.
- Oversee program development and curriculum implementation, ensuring student services meet high academic standards while providing world-class customer service to families.
- Build relationships with local influencers and businesses through community outreach and marketing events to enhance brand awareness and partnership opportunities.
- Developed and implemented educational programs aligning with school mission and vision.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards.
- Conducted regular assessments of curriculum effectiveness, facilitating data-driven instructional improvements.
- Increased parent involvement in school activities by organizing community outreach programs and regular parent-teacher conferences.
- Prepared school budget and submitted to school board with recommendations for hiring, capital expenditures, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
- Developed and coordinated after-school programs and activities.
- Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Established positive, stimulating learning environment for students and exciting education-focused setting for teachers.
- Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Improved school performance by implementing strategic plans and curriculum development initiatives.
- Established partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide students with internship opportunities and real-world experiences.
- Developed comprehensive support services for at-risk students, coordinating intervention programs designed to improve academic performance and wellbeing.
- Enhanced student achievement through data-driven instruction and continuous assessment of learning outcomes.
- Managed budget allocations effectively, ensuring optimal utilization of resources for maximum impact on student success.
Faculty for the Teacher Education Program
University of Phoenix, Colorado Campus
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Taught courses in classroom management and instructional design, articulating complex pedagogical strategies to develop future educators.
- Mentored adult learners with an emphasis on agility and creativity in lesson planning to meet diverse student needs.
ESL Coordinator, Consultant and Grant Writer
Sheridan School District, Sheridan, Co.
Sheridan, CO
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Developed and implemented district-wide policy manuals, demonstrating highly organized project management and attention to detail.
- Secured a $1.25 million Title VII grant through persuasive writing and data-driven advocacy, contributing to long-term program sustainability.
- Collaborated with a variety of stakeholders to ensure state compliance and effective communication across the district.
Classroom Teacher and Curriculum Designer
Xiamen International School, Xiamen, China
Xiamen, China
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Designed and implemented a Mandarin-bilingual curriculum for a new school startup, establishing foundational procedures and a positive school culture.
- Managed student placement and behavioral issues with a strong customer focus on student success and family satisfaction.
Classroom Teacher
Nishimachi International School, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
01.1990 - 01.1995
- Served as Elementary Coordinator and computer resource teacher, demonstrating leadership experience and the ability to build cohesive teams in a multicultural setting.
- Applied collaborative teaching strategies and managed time-sensitive educational projects.
Classroom Teacher
American School of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain
01.1988 - 01.1990
- Trained colleagues on literature-based curriculum design, showcasing strong communication skills and enthusiasm for professional development.
Bilingual Classroom Teacher
Logan Street School, LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA
01.1985 - 01.1988
- Served as a mentor teacher, providing coaching and support to staff to improve instructional quality and student outcomes.
Education
Master of Education - Administration and Supervision of International and Overseas Schools
The College of New Jersey
01-1999
Teaching Credential and Bachelor of Arts - Latin American Studies
University of California, Los Angeles
01-1985
Skills
- Languages: English - native, Spanish - fluent, Japanese - fair
- Professional Training: Educational leadership, Educational finance and law, Program development, Account Management, KPI tracking, Business development, Community outreach, Mentoring, Instructional Design, Pedagogical Strategies, STEM, AI, Classroom Teaching Experience, Articulate
- Computer Skills: Strong proficiency in Office applications, Financial reporting software, Educational software including AI, Understanding of networking and educational internet use
Certification
- Elementary Certification with Bilingual and ESL Endorsements in CO, CA, and OR
- Principal Certification in Colorado and Pennsylvania
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Japanese
Elementary
Timeline
School Director
Panama Coast International School
01.2008 - Current
Faculty for the Teacher Education Program
University of Phoenix, Colorado Campus
01.2004 - 01.2008
ESL Coordinator, Consultant and Grant Writer
Sheridan School District, Sheridan, Co.
01.1998 - 01.2001
Classroom Teacher and Curriculum Designer
Xiamen International School, Xiamen, China
01.1997 - 01.1998
Classroom Teacher
Nishimachi International School, Tokyo, Japan
01.1990 - 01.1995
Classroom Teacher
American School of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
01.1988 - 01.1990
Bilingual Classroom Teacher
Logan Street School, LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA
01.1985 - 01.1988
Master of Education - Administration and Supervision of International and Overseas Schools
The College of New Jersey
Teaching Credential and Bachelor of Arts - Latin American Studies
University of California, Los Angeles