Karen James
Lee's Summit
Summary
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager, Assistant Manager, other roles
Goodwill
Kansas City
05.2022 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations of retail and donation centers.
- Ensured compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Directed safety operations and maintained clean work environment to meet general safety and OSHA requirements.
Director, Early Childhood Programs
Little Rock School District
05.2015 - 01.2019
- Led and monitored daily operations in 24 locations focused on program implementation, quality, and safety.
- Visited each location monthly to review site safety, compliance, and needs.
- Wrote site summaries with needs and action items to maintain high-quality and safe classrooms and playgrounds.
- Oversaw compliance for preschool program in conjunction with the DHS. Coordinate with DHS on Minimum Licensing Standards and Public School Compliance options to align DHS with ADE.
- Led construction and renovation of schools and playgrounds to align with requirements for age range.
- Submitted facility needs, budget, and plans to district departments.
- Investigated incidents, accidents, and inquiries to ensure student and staff safety.
- Maintained and disseminated product recall documentation to each location.
- Present quarterly reports to School Board and Superintendent.
Director, Elementary Literacy & Early Childhood Programs
Little Rock School District
08.2010 - 05.2015
- Planned and oversaw Elementary Literacy implementation with more than 600 K-5 teachers, 16,000 students, in 30 elementary schools.
- Provided direct school support to all elementary schools, principals, and teachers.
- Assisted with school improvement goals and instructional practices.
- Reviewed and evaluated student achievement data, made recommendations for program improvement.
- Presented to School Board on literacy and early childhood matters.
Reading Recovery Teacher Leader
Little Rock School District
08.2008 - 06.2010
- Supervised 34 trained teachers in 22 schools.
- Participated in district research initiatives including federally mandated evaluations for the 1987 Desegregation order and presentation in federal court.
- Presented at local, regional and national Reading and Reading Recovery conferences.
Research Associate & Teacher Leader
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
06.2004 - 08.2008
- Member of UALR Reading department.
- Developed and taught undergraduate and graduate level courses.
Reading Recovery Training Site
North Little Rock School District
08.2004 - 06.2007
- Taught Reading Recovery students at Boone Park Elementary as part of initial Reading Recovery Teacher Leader Training and for required service and application in subsequent years.
- Participated in primary grade team meetings and collaborated with classroom teachers.
- Worked with Elementary Director, Kaye Lowe, to write and secure Reading Recovery Teacher Leader Training Grant to allow NLRSD to hire their own Reading Recovery Teacher Leader.
Adjunct Professor
University of Missouri
01.2002 - 12.2004
- Balanced Literacy, Advanced Balanced Literacy, Writing in a Balanced Literacy Classroom, Advanced Writing for Balanced Literacy Instructors (K-3).
- Won University of Missouri 'High Flyers Award' three semesters for teaching effectiveness.
Reading Recovery/Literacy Coach
Columbia Public Schools
08.1999 - 06.2004
- Reading Recovery and Title I Reading Teacher. K-5, school based literacy coach.
- District literacy support teacher.
Banneker Elementary - Second Grade
Kansas City Missouri School District
08.1998 - 06.1999
- Taught 2nd grade.
Teaching Fellowship-First Grade
University of Missouri/Wentzville Schools
08.1997 - 06.1998
- Earned Master's degree during 1-year internship while teaching full time.
Education
Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) - Educational Leadership & Administration
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Lee's Summit, MO12.2012
Educational Specialist (Ed.S) - Reading
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
Little Rock12.2005
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO08.1998
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Missouri
Columbia12.1996
Skills
- Compliance oversight
- Safety management
- Performance evaluation
- Team leadership
- Data analysis
- Program implementation
Affiliations Awards And Service
- Arkansas Reading Association, Legislative Chair, 2013-2015
- Arkansas Association of Education Administrators (AAEA), Finalist, Curriculum Administrator of the Year, 2013
- Arkansas Safe Ways to School, Board of Directors, 2011-2014
- Reading Recovery Council of North America, Board of Directors, 2007-2010
- Arkansas Reading Recovery Conference, Conference Chair, 2005-2008
Professional Texts And Publications
- Oral Reading Records: Training Manual and Training Modules, Benchmark Education, 2012, Sole Author and Developer
- Oral Reading Records: Handbook, Benchmark Education, 2011, Sole Author
Timeline
General Manager, Assistant Manager, other roles
Goodwill
05.2022 - Current
Director, Early Childhood Programs
Little Rock School District
05.2015 - 01.2019
Director, Elementary Literacy & Early Childhood Programs
Little Rock School District
08.2010 - 05.2015
Reading Recovery Teacher Leader
Little Rock School District
08.2008 - 06.2010
Reading Recovery Training Site
North Little Rock School District
08.2004 - 06.2007
Research Associate & Teacher Leader
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
06.2004 - 08.2008
Adjunct Professor
University of Missouri
01.2002 - 12.2004
Reading Recovery/Literacy Coach
Columbia Public Schools
08.1999 - 06.2004
Banneker Elementary - Second Grade
Kansas City Missouri School District
08.1998 - 06.1999
Teaching Fellowship-First Grade
University of Missouri/Wentzville Schools
08.1997 - 06.1998
Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) - Educational Leadership & Administration
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Educational Specialist (Ed.S) - Reading
University of Arkansas At Little Rock
Master of Arts - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Missouri
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Missouri