Susan Chavez
Highlands Ranch,CO
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Douglas County School District, excelling in data-driven instruction and fostering 21st-century skills. Adept at implementing targeted interventions and cultivating strong partnerships with families, resulting in significant student growth and enhanced classroom environments. Committed to professional development and strategic leadership in educational settings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Classroom Teacher
Douglas County School District
07.2002 - Current
- Design and implement rigorous, standards-based instruction aligned with DCSD’s curriculum, consistently achieving high student growth on district and state assessments.
- Utilize Data-Driven Instruction (DDI) to analyze formative and summative assessment data, allowing for the differentiation of lessons to meet the diverse needs of IEP, 504, and ELL students.
- Foster a "Future-Focused" classroom culture by integrating 21st-century skills—critical thinking, collaboration, and technology—preparing students for postsecondary success.
- Facilitate the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process, developing targeted academic and behavioral interventions for student improvement.
- Contributed to the RTI process by collecting and analyzing student performance data to monitor the effectiveness of Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
- Cultivate proactive partnerships with families through consistent, transparent communication, ensuring a collaborative approach to student social-emotional and academic well-being. Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Collaborate within a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to develop common formative assessments and vertical alignment of curriculum across grade levels.
- Integrated instructional technology (e.g., Canvas, Google Workspace) to create a blended learning environment that increases student engagement and digital literacy.
- Manage classroom environment and student behavior using restorative practices and positive behavior interventions (PBIS), significantly reducing disciplinary referrals.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills (Summer Summit).
Alternative License Mentor
Douglas County School District
07.2025 - 05.2027
- Facilitate bi-monthly instructional coaching sessions for alternative licensure candidate, focusing on high-leverage teaching practices, curriculum alignment, and data-driven instruction.
- Guide mentees through the Response to Intervention (RTI) framework, assisting in data collection and the implementation of targeted interventions for at-risk students.
- Model effective classroom management strategies and student behavior de-escalation techniques to ensure a productive learning environment.
- Consult on professional communication, coaching new teachers on building proactive partnerships with parents and stakeholders.
- Review and provide feedback on assessment design, ensuring mentees utilize both formative and summative data to drive instructional adjustments.
- Collaborated with teachers, counselors and administrators to foster access to resources and support.
- Served as role model for mentees by demonstrating strong values and ethical standards.
- Assisted mentees in developing self-confidence and positive self-image.
Building Leadership Team
Saddle Ranch Elementary
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Served as a strategic liaison between the teaching staff and school administration, advocating for educator needs while supporting the implementation of school-wide initiatives.
- Provided actionable feedback to the principal regarding staff morale, instructional resources, and the practical application of district-mandated policies.
- Facilitated two-way communication to ensure transparency and collaboration during the decision-making process for school-wide changes.
- Collaborated on the Building Leadership Team (BLT) to analyze school-wide data and identify areas for growth in student achievement and staff professional development.
- Advised on the development and refinement of school-wide protocols
- Contributed to the School Unified Improvement Plan (UIP), helping to set and monitor annual goals for student growth and school climate.
Education
Master of Arts - Education Administration
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ06-2007
No Degree - Education
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver12-1997
Bachelor of Science - Human Development And Family Studies
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO05-1996
Skills
- Curriculum & Planning: Backward Design, Standards-based Lesson Planning, and Resource Evaluation
- Classroom Environment: Restorative Practices, Inclusive Culture building, and Positive Behavior Support (PBIS)
- MTSS/RTI Framework: Tiered Intervention strategy, Data-driven instruction, and Progress Monitoring
- Pedagogical Best Practices: Differentiated Instruction, Scaffolding for ELL/IEP, and Formative Assessment design
- Google Workspace for Education: Use of Docs, Sheets (data tracking), Slides, Forms, and Calendar
- Data Tools: Mastery of district data platforms (eg, Infinite Campus, i-Ready, Educlimber, and EPR) for student growth analysis
- Program Management: Teacher Induction coordination and Alternative Licensure (ALP) mentorship
Timeline
Alternative License Mentor
Douglas County School District
07.2025 - 05.2027
Building Leadership Team
Saddle Ranch Elementary
08.2023 - 05.2025
Classroom Teacher
Douglas County School District
07.2002 - Current
Master of Arts - Education Administration
University of Phoenix
No Degree - Education
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor of Science - Human Development And Family Studies
Colorado State University