Tara R. Cartafalsa
530 Morton Ave. Folsom,PA
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Ridley School District
07.2024 - Current
- Foster a positive school culture by addressing student behavior proactively and promoting a high-expectation, inclusive academic environment.
- Built strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners to create a supportive and collaborative school climate.
- Partner with leadership and curriculum departments to align instructional practices with academic goals and state standards.
- Supervise and evaluated teaching and support staff, providing constructive feedback and coaching to enhance instructional effectiveness.
- Lead professional development initiatives focused on student engagement, safety protocols, and effective use of educational technology.
- Manage master scheduling, course planning, staffing allocation, and transition support for incoming 8th grade and newly registered students to ensure seamless integration.
- Oversee digital platforms (Canvas, PowerSchool, Smart Pass) and supported equitable access to student technology and instructional tools.
- Act as LEA in IEP and 504 meetings, supported intervention plans, and collaborated on SAP teams to address academic and behavioral needs.
- Organize and lead school events including academic recognitions, pep rallies, open houses, and homecoming, enhancing community involvement.
- Promote student leadership and extracurricular involvement by coordinating clubs, dances, and non-athletic programs.
- Support crisis response efforts, provided oversight on Safe2Say tips, and maintain knowledge on school safety issues and de-escalation practices.
Dean of Students
Ridley School District
09.2018 - 06.2024
- Lead disciplinary initiatives employing restorative practices, fostering a supportive and accountable environment.
- Maintain comprehensive disciplinary records and ensure accurate incident reporting.
- Engage with students to cultivate positive performance and address barriers to success, coordinating necessary support services.
- Resolve disciplinary issues equitably, processing referrals from faculty and staff members.
- Supervise paraprofessional staff, optimizing daily schedules to align with building needs.
- Coordinate and supervise co-curricular activities, enriching student experiences beyond the classroom.
- Collaborate with Case Managers to support Individualized Education Plan (IEP) needs, actively participating in IEP meetings.
- Develop individualized graduation plans for at-risk students, contributing to reduced dropout rates via the night school program.
- Contribute to campus control and security practices, supporting a safe and conducive learning environment.
- Active membership on the Ridley School District Homecoming Committee and Safety and Security Committee.
- Serve as a sitting member of the Student Assistance team, providing vital support to students in need.
- Supervised a student team for the RHS Peer Mentoring program, providing ongoing support and accountability from 2016 to 2020.
- Authored annual GIEPs for high school students and monitored progress towards annual goals from 2019 to 2022.
- Provided support in organizing and facilitating the 2023 Green Mystique annual charity contest.
- Orchestrated and hosted elementary and high school pep rallies in 2023.
Digital Learning Platform Counselor
Ridley School District
08.2013 - 09.2018
- Directed daily operations of Ridley's K-12 Digital Learning program, ensuring its smooth functioning.
- Collaborated with educators to devise curriculum adaptations using Canvas and integrated applications, enhancing learning experiences.
- Developed online lessons for professional development and extended digital support to students and families.
- Partnered with the technology department to foster program growth and technological advancement.
- Conducted comprehensive training sessions for students and staff on Canvas and associated technologies, ensuring proficiency.
- Facilitated meetings with families to explain the benefits and nuances of online education, fostering informed decision-making.
- Orchestrated new student orientation and provided essential technology training, easing the transition to online learning.
- Managed yearly scheduling for all students within my caseload, optimizing their educational experience.
- Established and created digital PowerSchool sections for teachers, facilitating enrollment processes.
- Offered guidance to students and guardians in college and career planning, empowering informed decision-making.
- Contributed as a member of the Student Assistance Programs at Middle and High Schools, as well as the REST team at elementary schools.
On-Site Director, Philadelphia Graduation Academy
Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS), Walter D. Palmer Charter Schools
09.2011 - 08.2013
- Managed daily operations of a program catering to at-risk students in grades 6-12, fostering a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.
- Conducted enrollment meetings to comprehensively review transcripts, 504 plans, and IEPs with prospective students and their support teams.
- Designed individualized graduation pathway plans for all incoming students, ensuring alignment with academic goals and requirements.
- Represented the Local Education Agency (LEA) in IEP meetings for enrolled and newly enrolling students, advocating for their educational needs.
- Fostered a productive partnership with Walter D. Palmer Charter Schools, serving as the liaison between organizations.
- Implemented tailored support measures for struggling students, facilitating their academic progress and overall well-being.
- Established and nurtured partnerships with community organizations, fostering collaboration to enhance student support services.
- Actively participated as a member and case manager in the Student Assistance (C.A.R.E.) team, contributing to student welfare and success.
Education
School Administration Program
California University of Pennsylvania
08.2018
Virtual Online Teaching Program
University of Pennsylvania
08.2016
Master of Education - School Counseling
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
12.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
05.2007
Skills
Ridley School District
Woodlyn Elementary School & Ridley High School
2017-2018 School Year
Coordinated PSSA and Keystone testing logistics
Conducted informal classroom and teacher evaluations
Attended parent conferences and disciplinary meetings
Assisted with planning and oversight of ESY program
Supervised daily ESY operations at Ridley High School
Developed application materials for night school program
Shadowed Principal and Assistant Principal in daily tasks
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Ridley School District
07.2024 - Current
Dean of Students
Ridley School District
09.2018 - 06.2024
Digital Learning Platform Counselor
Ridley School District
08.2013 - 09.2018
On-Site Director, Philadelphia Graduation Academy
Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS), Walter D. Palmer Charter Schools
09.2011 - 08.2013
Master of Education - School Counseling
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
School Administration Program
California University of Pennsylvania
Virtual Online Teaching Program
University of Pennsylvania
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