SAMANTHA 1140 Donna St.
Denver, IA 50622
319-596-5124
THORNTON sjthornton10@gmail.com
http://mrsthorntonjcsd.weebly.com
CORE VALUES
As a caring, detail-oriented, self-motivated educational leader, I’m ready to impact all students by
creating a positive and safe environment, trusting relationships, and meaningful learning opportunities.
EDUCATION & LICENSURE
Master of Arts in Education | University of Northern Iowa
PK-12 PRINCIPAL / PK-12 SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPERVISOR
AUG 2017 – ANTICIPATED MAY 2019 | GPA 4.0/4.0
Bachelor of Science in Education | Black Hills State University
MIDDLE SCHOOL & SECONDARY ENGLISH
AUG 2006 – MAY 2009 | GPA 3.83/4.0 – MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Professional Licensure | Folder #989230
(Anticipated) PK-12 Principal / PK-12 Special Education Supervisor / Evaluator Licensure
Standard Teaching License: 5-12 English/Language Arts & PK-12 Talented & Gifted
Coaching Authorization
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
PK-12 Connector Teacher | Jesup Community School District
AUG 2016 – PRESENT
Work alongside teachers using the student-centered coaching model, completing 15-20 coaching
cycles a year, building on teacher strengths and tracking student growth
Collaboratively plan and lead professional learning on standards-based grading, technology,
instructional practices, and building a positive culture
Facilitate connections between teachers through learning walks, observations, relationship-
building, collaborative conversations, creative challenges, and professional breakout sessions
Assist in developing and overseeing the mentoring and induction program with new teachers
9th Grade English Teacher| Jesup Community School District
AUG 2018 – PRESENT
Creatively teach the standards through real-world experiences and collaborative learning
Support and collaborate with other English teachers to develop curriculum centered around best
practice and student preparedness for collegiate level academics
Integrate technology to maximize student learning and provide differentiation and choice
7/8 English & PK-12 Talented & Gifted Teacher | Jesup Community School District
AUG 2010 – MAY 2016
Created lessons that generated higher-level thinking and promoted real-life experiences both in
and outside of the classroom for students at all levels
Engaged students in skill work that was both meaningful and challenging
Analyzed student data to identify and support students at all levels and in all content areas
Provided students with opportunities to pursue their interests through differentiation and/or
acceleration both within my own classroom and collaboratively with PK-12 teachers
LEADERSHIP & TRAINING EXPERIENCES
District & Building Leadership Team (2016-Present)
Evaluate district-wide data to set professional goals and initiatives
Provide input from teachers and PLCs to engage & support change
Principal & Teacher Hiring Committee Facilitator (2017-Present)
Developed teacher interview questions for high school committee
Supported the student panel in the principal interviews through facilitation & questioning
SAI Annual & Law Conference Attendee (2018 & 2019)
Learned about and engaged in conversations around: mental health, sexual harassment, social media
awareness & Chapter 20
Networked and learned alongside many effective principals about the initiatives and hot topics in
education right now: growth mindset, creating resilience in our staff & students, & teacher leadership
Student-Centered Coaching & Learning Lab Host (2016-2018)
Used Diane Sweeny’s model to develop our own coaching process at Jesup Community Schools
Hosted a learning lab for other instructional coaches with the support of my model teacher
Teacher Leadership Planning Committee (2015- 2016)
Analyzed various teacher leadership programs and grants, visiting other schools, and meeting with
leaders to create our own school-specific teacher leadership program
AMLE Conference Presenter (Nov. 2013)
Collaboratively planned & shared a multi-disciplinary unit for 8th grade Language Arts
Presented to the school board after our return from the conference to share our own learning
COACHING & EXTRA-CURRICULARS
Culture Club Facilitator & Energy Bus Driver (2017-Present)
Support planning and implementing of student book club to build positive leaders and schools
Empowering Women Group Facilitator (208-Present)
Work with high school principal to facilitate empowerment group for potential female leaders
Middle School Track & Field Coach (2010-2015)
Built well-rounded athletes by instilling motivation, teamwork, and confidence in all members
Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach (2010-2014)
Emphasized goal-setting, hard work, and dedication through practices, team meetings, & role modeling
Abby’s Champs 5K Coordinator (March 2013)
Assisted by my track team, coordinated a 5k benefit for a former student with bone marrow cancer
First Lego League Coach (2011-2013)
Challenged TAG students with robotics, teamwork, & creativity by bringing FLL to our school
