Educational Biography
I am an Instructional Leader for the Chicago Public School District. In my role, I support principals and assistant principals across elementary, middle, and high schools to engage in the Educator Effectiveness System, resulting in continuous improvement in teaching and learning. My background includes serving as an Elementary Resident Principal, a High School Assistant Principal, an Instructional Coach, an Instructional Support Leader, and teaching experience at both elementary and middle levels in all content areas. My educational degrees include a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Jackson State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the American College of Education, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I have a deep passion for serving my community. I find immense joy in mentoring young adults and providing guidance as they navigate their educational and career paths. Moreover, I am committed to supporting seniors in our community, ensuring they have the resources and assistance needed for a fulfilling and enriched life. This dedication to community service aligns with my belief in creating a holistic and supportive environment for all individuals. I aim to extend this spirit of service to contribute positively to the well-being of the community I am privileged to serve.
I continue to strive for academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness. In my current position, I design and lead professional development aligned to the school improvement plan, support teachers in the Educator Effectiveness cycle, model instructional practices, support school leaders with the development and progress monitoring of school improvement plans and commitments, support school instructional leadership teams with the development of staff professional learning aligned to trends in school-wide data, and provide coaching feedback and support to classroom teachers.
Educational Philosophy
As the proud leader of our esteemed school district, I firmly believe that the cornerstone of our success lies in the hands of our dedicated educators. Undoubtedly, the classroom is where the magic happens, and it’s where our outstanding teachers exert the most significant influence on student growth and achievement. With our students firmly at the core of my educational leadership philosophy, I am committed to fostering a thriving school community through the establishment of clear, results-driven goals, the cultivation of a district culture steeped in high expectations, and the promotion of a sense of urgency in our educational pursuits. Collaboration among all stakeholders is key, and I envision our learning community embodying values such as lifelong learning, academic excellence, servant leadership, professionalism, positive relationships, and continuous professional growth. Open communication, organizational leadership, and, above all, an unwavering emphasis on the art of teaching and learning will define our path toward excellence. Together, as a united school community, we will not only meet but exceed the expectations of academic success.
COVER LETTER
Dear Hiring Committee,
With this letter and the attached resume, I express my sincere interest in the administrative position you have available. As an accomplished educator with a strong passion for educational leadership, my extensive experience, professional development, and commitment to student success make me an ideal candidate for this role.
I bring 15+ years of experience as an educational leader. I have demonstrated exceptional skills in fostering a positive learning environment, driving academic excellence, and building strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community. I have experience as a teacher, instructional coach, district instruction support leader, resident principal, and assistant principal, all of which have equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead and transform schools effectively.
My educational background includes a Master of Education in Leadership and Supervision, where I gained valuable insights into effective leadership strategies, instructional supervision, and staff development. Additionally, I hold an Educational Administration Certificate Type 75, highlighting my commitment to ongoing professional growth and staying abreast of the latest educational practices. My Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction further enhances my ability to design and implement effective curriculum plans that meet the diverse needs of students.
Throughout my career, I have consistently championed innovative teaching methodologies and utilized technology to enhance instruction and student engagement. I have successfully improved student achievement by implementing data-driven decision-making processes and led schools to surpass academic benchmarks. I am confident in my ability to lead and inspire educators, empowering them to deliver high-quality instruction that supports student growth and development.
In my current role as an Assistant Principal at John Marshall Harlan Community Academy, I have successfully implemented strategies to improve student attendance and grades. By leading a team in root cause analysis, I identified the factors impacting attendance and grades. I implemented targeted interventions that resulted in a 10% increase in attendance and a 25% decrease in students off track academically.
I am also proud of my accomplishments in creating a positive school climate and culture. I have successfully increased student attendance rates and reduced behavior infractions by implementing incentives such as food truck Fridays and game room passes. I have also invested in Restorative Justice, Trauma, and Peace Circle training for faculty and staff, empowering them to address student misbehavior effectively.
Having qualified for the CPS Principal Candidate Pool, I am deeply familiar with the Chicago Public School system and understand the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. I am dedicated to collaborating with district leaders, parents, and community stakeholders to create a collaborative and inclusive school environment that supports the holistic development of every student.
I am available for an interview anytime, and if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. In the meantime, thank you sincerely for taking the time to read my application, and I look forward to speaking to you in more detail regarding this position.
Sincerely,
Marsandra Brown
