KRISTEN SMALL
Gibsonia
Summary
Experienced educator and training professional with 7+ years of designing, facilitating, and evaluating learning programs for diverse audiences. Skilled in curriculum development, professional development, coaching, and program evaluation. Adept at leading teams, mentoring staff, and creating engaging, evidence-based instructional materials. Proven success in improving performance, fostering professional growth, and applying adult learning principles across educational and organizational settings. Highly adaptable, collaborative, and committed to promoting inclusive, trauma-informed, and results-driven learning environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Erie Middle School
Erie, CO
01.2016 - 01.2023
- Designed, facilitated, and evaluated instructional programming for diverse learners using trauma-informed, equity-centered, and data-driven approaches
- Developed curriculum, instructional resources, and training materials aligned to district standards, evidence-based practice, and learner needs
- Conducted needs assessments and implemented targeted interventions, improving learner engagement and achievement outcomes by 15–20%
- Facilitated small-group and large-group learning sessions focused on critical thinking, communication skills, and applied problem-solving
- Mentored and coached 5+ newly hired educators annually, providing onboarding support, instructional modeling, feedback cycles, and reflective practice guidance
- Led professional development sessions on curriculum design, classroom management, student engagement, and trauma-responsive teaching strategies
- Collaborated cross-functionally with leadership, counselors, families, and community stakeholders to strengthen student support systems and improve retention
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
LaunchEd Virtual Academy, St. Vrain Valley School District
Longmont, CO
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Designed and delivered engaging digital curriculum and training content across three grade levels using adult learning and universal design principles
- Facilitated virtual instruction and coaching sessions, achieving a 95% learner completion rate
- Provided individualized coaching and small-group instruction, increasing formative assessment performance by 10%
- Leveraged learning management systems and digital tools to monitor progress, assess engagement, and adapt instruction in real time
- Maintained high-level family and stakeholder communication, achieving a 98% response and engagement rate
8th Grade U.S. History Teacher
Sky Vista Middle School
Aurora, CO
11.2015 - 04.2016
- Designed inclusive curriculum and learning experiences using the Parallel Curriculum Model, increasing analytical reasoning skills by 17%
- Facilitated collaborative learning and critical discussions focused on inquiry-based problem solving and reflective practice
- Integrated instructional technology and digital resources to support engagement, access, and learner-centered instruction
Student Teacher, World History
Boulder Valley School District
Boulder, CO
02.2015 - 11.2015
- Provided instructional continuity in AP and general education courses across classrooms of 25-30 students
Student Teacher, World History
Boulder High School
Boulder, CO
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Designed and facilitated learner-centered instruction for 90+ students, improving assessment outcomes and critical thinking skills
- Implemented data-informed instructional strategies to support diverse learning needs
Education
MA + Teaching Licensure - Secondary Social Studies
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO05.2015
BA - Politics and Philosophy
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA04.2012
Skills
- Training & Professional Development
- Curriculum Design & Instructional Development
- Adult Learning Theory
- Facilitation (Large Group, Small Group, 1:1 Coaching)
- Program Evaluation & Needs Assessment
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Motivational & Reflective Interviewing Techniques
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Google Classroom, Schoology)
- Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
Certification
Social Studies Teacher-Colorado
- Licensed Educator in Colorado and Pennsylvania
CDE-approved English Learner Professional Development Pathway through St. Vrain Valley Schools
Timeline
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
LaunchEd Virtual Academy, St. Vrain Valley School District
10.2020 - 08.2021
Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Erie Middle School
01.2016 - 01.2023
8th Grade U.S. History Teacher
Sky Vista Middle School
11.2015 - 04.2016
Student Teacher, World History
Boulder Valley School District
02.2015 - 11.2015
Student Teacher, World History
Boulder High School
08.2014 - 12.2014
BA - Politics and Philosophy
University of Pittsburgh
MA + Teaching Licensure - Secondary Social Studies
University of Colorado Boulder
TRAINING & PROGRAM LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Facilitated onboarding and mentoring programs for newly hired educators
- Designed and led professional development workshops focused on engagement strategies, trauma-informed teaching, and inclusive practice
- Developed instructional resources, training guides, and curriculum frameworks
- Conducted program evaluations and applied continuous improvement strategies based on data and participant feedback