Hi, I'm Savannah!
Dedicated professional with a strong focus on education, boasting a proven track record in assisting in the founding and nurturing of a not-for-profit k-12 private school, and successfully orchestrating two distinct programs. With a meticulous eye for organization and forward-thinking, I drive projects forward by envisioning the broader landscape while intricately planning and executing each detail. My commitment to mentorship, community and teamwork cultivates a culture of growth and collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
Experience
Work History
August 2021-April 2023
Consultant, Independent
I led the design and execution of tailored project plans, customizing methodologies and resources to meet the unique needs of various stakeholders. By providing guidance and mentorship to homeschool parents and co-op educators, I offered personalized strategies for planning and implementation, helping optimize their children's educational experiences. I collaborated closely with a wide range of stakeholders, leveraging exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and foster productive partnerships within the homeschooling and private school community. Additionally, I developed and delivered customized workshops and training sessions on effective teaching methodologies, curriculum selection, and adaptable learning techniques. By staying abreast of the latest educational trends and best practices, I integrated innovative approaches to curriculum development and provided parents with cutting-edge insights for a dynamic, evidence-based, and enriching learning environment. This evidence-based approach enabled stakeholders to achieve remarkable success, overcoming project challenges and surpassing expectations.
February 2017- August 2021
Founding Member, Program Lead, Literacy/Social Studies Educator- Verdi EcoSchool
As a Founding Member of the Verdi EcoSchool- a not-for-profit k-12 school- I orchestrated the development and implementation of comprehensive and progressive educational curricula and programs, ensuring alignment with project objectives and student needs in order to deliver quality outcomes. By establishing and nurturing partnerships with community-based organizations, I leveraged collaborative networks to enhance project success and maximize community and student impact. As the program lead of the Upper School and High School programs, I established term-specific rhythms, curated academic experiences, mentored students on an individual basis, maintained transparent parent communication, monitored progress towards goal and developed professional development experiences for staff. By developing tailored success strategies and setting SMART objectives, I empowered students and staff to achieve their goals. Personalized check-in meetings with staff and students ensured alignment with their specific needs and objectives. I formulated rubric frameworks to track stakeholder responsibilities and progress effectively and organized community-based excursions and programs to cultivate and sustain strong community relationships. My commitment to open communication fostered trust and transparency within the project and community.
December 2015-February 2017
Educator, Palm Bay Elementary
As an educator, instructed both Social Studies and Reading in a departmentalized classroom across two different grade levels. During this time, I developed hands-on lessons to engage students and foster a meaningful connection with the curriculum. Additionally, I established a supportive, encouraging, and safe learning environment for all students. In my role, I was responsible for assessing students' academic progress, providing timely feedback, and implementing interventions to support diverse learning needs. I collaborated with colleagues, parents, and administration to ensure a cohesive educational experience for all students. Furthermore, I actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with educational best practices and methodologies. My commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom environment contributed to the academic and personal growth of my students.
October-November 2015
Educator Intern, Whitley Primary School, England
Through a study abroad internship program, I was able to utilize my Exceptional Education background to provide remedial support to small groups consisting of students with special needs. I was able to expand my knowledge of instructional strategies and assessments that would allow me to best monitor growth in my students to come.
Educational Background
What I’ve Learned
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
University of Central Florida
Minor, Exceptional Education
University of Central Florida
ESOL & Reading Endorsement
University of Central Florida
Orton-Gillingham: Classroom Level
Reed Charitable Foundation
Orton-Gillingham: Associate Level
Reed Charitable Foundation
Project-Based Learning
Think Global PBL Academy
Conscious Discipline
Conscious Discipline Institute
Project Management
Google, Inc.
My Skill Set
What I Do
Student and Staff Development
Project-Based Learning & Design Thinking
Community Outreach
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Data Analysis
Success Plan Development
Place Based Education
Social Emotional Education & Conscious Discipline
Student Assessment
Curriculum Development
Mentorship and Training
Administration
Project Showcase
See below for the Driving Questions and Course Descriptions of some of my (our!) best projects!
Cultural Relativism
How can we use Cultural Relativism as a way to view civil rights issues in both the past and present?
Civil rights struggles have been a concept since the beginning of human existence. Equal rights, social, and political freedom are just some of the categories that we see in civil rights quarrels throughout time. In this unit, students will utilize their lens of cultural relativism, an anthropological term coined by Franz Boas (The Father of Anthropology), to analyze human rights struggles at home and around the world. Students will then utilize this background knowledge to persuade local government officials to honor a prominent author, anthropologist and civil rights activist who called Eau Gallie home.
Scarcity Sparked by History
How can we, as local philanthropists, aid those experiencing economic hardship in our community?
Resources are scarce, inflation high and money low. The pandemic has set forth in motion a time of hardship and economic crisis. This is not the only time in our nation’s history that we have experienced an unexpected event, however, that had devastating effects. In this course, students will analyze how difficult times can be sparked by events throughout history, and will work to aid those that have experienced economic hardship due to the ongoing pandemic now.
Voting and Voices
How can we, as election participants, hold an election that benefits the local community and beyond?
When it comes to election season, we’ve all heard the phrase “Your voice matters” in a well-meaning effort to increase voter participation across the United States. We believe that all voices matter, but do they? If so, have they always? In Voting and Voices, students will analyze the election process, the history of voting and voters rights and the voices that make up the “people’s vote”. Students will hold a mock election whose platform seeks to benefit the local community and beyond.
Impacts of Industrialization
How can we, as mechanical and civil engineers, develop solutions to problems within local industries?
Industrial advancement has changed the way of American life since the inception of new manufacturing ideas during the first Industrial Revolution. Industry is what brings us the goods that we demand and need, provides employment and stimulates the economy. But at what cost? In this course, students will learn about the first and second industrial revolution, and will explore how various industries in Brevard County impact the environment and our community.
The "New" World
How can we, as social justice advocates, increase representation of Native American populations in Florida?
In The “New” World, students will explore Spanish exploration and settlement in and around Florida, and how this impacted the native populations that were already inhabiting the land. Students will explore human migration and social justice advocacy, and will develop solutions in order to increase representation of minority groups.
United We Stand
How can we, as podcast journalists, investigate aspects and impacts of the military?
The United States has the most powerful military in the world, and has a strong history of warfare through time.? In this course, students will be analyzing and evaluating U.S wars, and will discover the various aspects of the military as a whole. As podcast journalists, students will interview current military personnel, veterans and those who work with veterans in order to raise awareness of social concerns surrounding the military.
Co-Lab Virtual Lesson Sample
Designed for an online project-based school, this Co-Lab was created to introduce learners to the skill of Debate, the basic tenets of Debate, and why it is important.
Introduction to Project Based Learning & Design Thinking
Designed for an online Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking workshop. The purpose of this workshop was to walk educators through each methodology, outline the parallels between PBL and Design Thinking, and showcase how they can be used side by side within a classroom setting.
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself."