Sabrina Schongalla

DP Coordinator:

• Created a welcoming atmosphere for all stakeholders involved in the education process through open lines of communication and transparent decision making.
• Enhanced curriculum quality by collaborating with teachers and administrators to review, revise, and implement new instructional materials, ensuring alignment IB Diploma Programme (DP) Standards and Practices.
• Served as Extended Essay and CAS coordinator.
• Led the DP accreditation process and cycle, managing programme policies and procedures, and collaborating with other IB Curriculum Coordinators to build a coherent PK–12 learning continuum.
• Managed IBDP documentation, including programme policies (language, inclusion, assessment,
  academic honesty), ensuring regular review and implementation.
• Coordinated internal and external IB evaluations, including preparation for authorization and reaccreditation visits.
• Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness to inform professional development choices and provide support of staff growth through coaching, feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
• Advocated for learning support of students with special needs.
• Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
• Developed and implemented training programs for new staff, improving onboarding efficiency.
• Led the collection, analysis, and interpretation of student learning data to inform curriculum planning and instructional strategies.
• Monitored assessment trends and progress across grade levels to identify areas for targeted support or
  intervention.
• Collaborated with teachers to use data effectively in refining unit plans, differentiating instruction, and
  setting learning goals.
• Presented data insights to leadership and staff to support strategic decision-making and continuous school improvement.
• Oversaw the planning and implementation of all examination requirements (internal and external),
  ensuring alignment with IB standards and timelines (Calendar of Deadlines).
• Coordinated logistics for examination administration, including scheduling, supervision protocols, and
  technical readiness.
• Provided training and support to staff and students to ensure confidence and competence in the
  examination process.
• Analyzed examination data to identify trends, inform teaching practices, and guide curriculum
  refinement.
• Shared insights from assessment outcomes with faculty and leadership to support data-driven decisionmaking and continuous improvement.

College Counselor:

• Developed individualized academic and career plans for diverse student populations.
• Facilitated workshops on college readiness, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Analyzed student performance data to inform counseling practices and enhance outcomes.
• Established partnerships with local colleges to create pathways for student enrollment.
• Advocated for students' needs with administrative staff to improve educational resources.
• Led initiatives to integrate technology into counseling processes, enhancing service delivery.
• Built and maintained relationships with college admissions offices.
• Assisted with admissions process, financial aid process and obstacles that arose.
• Monitored student progress towards graduation requirements, ensuring timely completion of necessary coursework and credits.
• Planned grade-specific events for parents to address specific needs of academic year.
• Provided resources and guidance on gap year planning for students considering alternative paths before pursuing higher education.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge on current trends in higher education by attending professional conferences, webinars, and workshops regularly.
• Spearheaded workshops on various topics, including financial aid applications, resume building, interview skills, and stress management techniques during the college application process.
• Created a supportive environment for students to discuss personal challenges, such as family issues or mental health concerns, that may impact their academic performance or college readiness.
• Evaluated transcripts and standardized test scores to recommend appropriate course placements and accommodations for incoming students.
• Organized annual college fairs, inviting representatives from numerous institutions to educate students about their programs and offerings.
• Taught students to navigate college applications process.
• Implemented individualized college planning sessions to address unique needs of each student and set achievable goals for their future.
• Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.
• Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
• Monitored student progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
• Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises.
• Encouraged students to explore age-appropriate and career-related opportunities.
• Planned and promoted career planning presentations, work experience programs and career workshops.

DP Teacher (English Language & Literature, Psychology, Theory of Knowledge):

• Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
• Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
• Utilized assessment tools to evaluate student progress and inform instructional practices.
• Analyzed educational data to drive decision-making and improve teaching methodologies.
• Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
• Engaged students in curriculum development through choices in learning activities and assessment types.
• Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to strengthen home-school connections and support student success.
• Led school-wide initiatives promoting inclusivity and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
• Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
• Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
• Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
• Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
• Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
• Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
• Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
• Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
• Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.

Teaching & Learning

• Prepared comprehensive English 9, IB English B, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) curricula for multiple classes.
• Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
• Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
• Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
• Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
• Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.
• Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
• Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
• Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
• Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
• Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
• Developed and implemented variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of students.
• Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
• Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.

Professional Development

• Coordinated the school's PLC program (2022 - present).
• Led regular workshops focused on integrating TOK throughout the DP subjects.
• Led workshops on Socratic Seminar and Assessment for Learning.
• Led a team of 15 teachers in collecting evidence of teaching and learning to satisfy the IBDP 5-year evaluation.
• Collaborated with IBDP coordinator and school administrative team to develop the IBDP Program Development Plan (PDP).
• Conducted qualitative study to support goals of PDP and develop action plan.
• Collaborate with IBDP Core Team (2019 to present) to develop and administer the IBDP Orientation Program to incoming grade 11 students.
• Collaborated regularly with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
• Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula. Led the 9th grade English team (2020 - 2023) and the TOK team (2018 - Present).
• Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
• Completed Category 2 TOK training.
• Supported student skill development in alignment with personal and academic goals through participation in PLC focused on feedback for student learning.

Contributions to School Culture

• Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
• Created and maintained safe and orderly classroom environment conducive to learning by promoting a culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in the classroom.
• Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social and emotional issues.
• Assisted in development of extracurricular activities and special events.
• Served as Student Council advisor (2018 - 2019) and organized the annual end-of-year festival.
• Advised the Speech and Debate team, attending international competitions. (2018 - 2019; 2022 - 2023).
• Collaborated with team of colleagues and students to provide learning materials to earthquake victims of the 2023 diaster in the Hatay region of Turkey.
• Advised a pen pal program between students from SAC and students in Burkina Faso; developed a sister-school relationship to support Petrine International Academy.
• Advised the Diversity Club (2021 - 2022) and supported students efforts to enfranchise marginalized groups within the school.

Teaching & Learning

• Prepared comprehensive curricula for and taught English 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and AP English Language and Literature composition courses. Prepared curricula for and taught leadership and yearbook programs.
• Organized virtual guest speaker event for AP Language and Composition course with Jay Heinrichs, author of Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion.
• Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
• Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
• Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
• Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
  Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.
• Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
• Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
• Developed and implemented variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of students.
• Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
• Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.

Professional Development

• Served as the ISO Teacher & Teaching Assistant Representative on the school board (2015 - 2016) which included sending out quarterly newsletters to ISOTTA members, attending monthly Board meetings, communicating staff ideas and concerns to the ELT and the Board, helping to organize association meetings, holding elections for the next rep, etc., served on the Board’s Steering Committee and Communications Committee
• Co-authored the ISOTTA Job description
• Helped build ISO's 2015/2016 Service Learning & Community Service policies
• Acted as deputy for Upper School Principal, June 2017
• Served on 2016 and 2017 Scholarship Student Selection Committees
• Served as the chair of the 2016/2017 Community Service Committee.
• Led workshops on Socratic Seminar at the annual Teachers Teaching Teachers (T3) conference hosted by ISO to offer PD opportunities to local area teachers.
• Collaborated regularly with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.

Contributions to School Culture

• Participated in cross-curricular collaboration to create a school-wide service learning program as part of "Schools Without Walls" initiative.
• Served as the staff advisor for the student-led Bright project bringing solar light to students with limited or no access to electricity so they could study at night.
• Led student field trips to the orphanage school Les Enfants D'Abord in the village of Gueswendé to offer tutoring and resource support.
• Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members by attending student art and sports performances, open house events, and cultural events.
• Created a partner program with local area English language school Blessed Iwene Tansi Merited Crown College collaborating on academic events including speech and debate tournaments and AP language and composition workshops.
• Produced comprehensive Pre K - 12 yearbooks (2016 - 2018).
• Helped organize 2017 and 2018 graduation ceremonies; gave a commencement addresses both years.
• Was awarded the 2017 “Spirit of the Turtle” Award by ISO students for “exceptional commitment to the positive development of the students’ intellect and character in an English-speaking community".
• Served as organizing advisor for high school prom (2018).
• Advised student-led high school newspaper.

Teaching & Learning

• Developed curriculum for, and taught courses in literacy for at-risk populations as well as general 10th, 11th, and 12th grade Communication Arts courses, AP Language and Composition, Speech and Debate, Journalism, Creative Writing, and Yearbook.
• Wrote 10th grade “End of Course Assessment” for review and use of Communication Arts Department.
• Used research-based instructional methods including differentiation, backward lesson design, and project-based learning.
• Created and administered interactive activities for students.
• Tutored students struggling with course material.
• Evaluated and graded students' essays, projects and exams.
• Developed online resources to supplement traditional course materials, both to support student in traditional classroom settings and in contribution to curriculum of the Bethel Online Academy.
• Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
• Designed and implemented assessments to measure student progress in English language learning.
• Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material, including local and international service learning projects.
• Supported student skill development in alignment with personal and academic goals.
• Led Socratic-style classroom discussions to encourage students to analyze literature critically.
• Incorporated current events into lesson plans to promote student engagement.
• Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
• Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.

Professional Development

• Created a cross-curricular PLC to create and refine common assessment materials and improve instructional practices that align with Common Core State Standards.
• Presented texts for review with district’s sensitive materials committee, adding new titles to the list of works available for curriculum use.
• Attended AP Language and Composition trainings and met College Board criteria to be eligible to teach AP Language and Composition, including a syllabus review.
• Trained by Oscar Graybill of Socratic Seminars International to use Socratic methods in the classroom.
• Provides staff development in Socratic methodology to science department faculty.
• Written and won diversity grants furthering educational projects related to communication and social justice.
• Attended 2007 High Schools That Work conference in New Orleans, LA.
• Led workshops with building staff concerning differentiated instruction strategies and cross-curricular literacy education.
• Attended a week-long writing workshop to score the Washington Assessment of Student Learning in 2006.
• Attended district offered, week-long professional development events every summer.
• Served as Curriculum Leader for English/Language Arts Department while working part-time with the district's alternative high school.
• Organized English/Language Arts portion of School Improvement Plan.
• Trained as an Instructional Coach and participated in professional Learning communities to improve instruction and assessment using instructional coaching inquiry practices.

Contributions to School Culture

• Served as yearbook advisor from 2012 - 2015, producing yearbooks for a 9 - 12 high school of 2500.
• Coached competitive speech and debate team, leading students to state and national competitions, from 2003 to 2011.
• Served as senior class adviser for the 2008-2009 school year to organize graduation, prom, and other senior class events.
• Adviser of school's chapter of the Gay-Straight Alliance from 2005 - 2008.
• Created and implemented credit retrieval/course audit programs for English/Language Arts credits from 2003 until 2011.
• Taught summer school credit retrieval program.
• Attended school sports, arts, fundraising, and social events.