Rachel Wiggs
Couch
Summary
Results-driven educational leader with two years of experience as an Elementary Principal and Special Education Coordinator, combined with a strong foundation in instructional leadership, student support, and school operations. Holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and is skilled in data-driven decision making, staff supervision, and fostering positive school culture. Experienced in student discipline, teacher coaching, and implementing effective instructional practices to improve student achievement. Knowledgeable in special education compliance, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with a commitment to ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all students. Dedicated to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while supporting a safe, structured, and engaging middle school environment.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Principal/Special Education Coordinator
Couch R-1 School
Myrtle, MO
07.2024 - Current
- Led instructional leadership initiatives to enhance student achievement and foster a positive learning environment.
- Developed and implemented school-wide policies to ensure compliance with educational standards and regulations.
- Mentored staff in best practices for curriculum development and classroom management strategies.
- Collaborated with teachers to analyze performance data, driving targeted interventions for student improvement.
- Facilitated professional development sessions to promote continuous learning and teacher effectiveness.
- Engaged with parents and community stakeholders to strengthen school partnerships and support systems.
- Implemented technology integration initiatives to enhance teaching methods and student engagement across grade levels.
- Enhanced school performance by implementing data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement strategies.
- Trained faculty members on best practices for accommodating diverse learners, fostering inclusive school culture.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance to teachers in the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies designed for special education students.
- Facilitated transition of students from special education to mainstream education, tailoring support to ensure success.
3rd Grade Teacher
Walnut Elementary - Emporia Unified School District 253
Emporia, KS
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Instruct students individually and in small groups.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin boards displays and demonstrations.
- Adapt teaching methods and material to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Meet regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance.
- Plan and implement creative lessons in accordance with the district.
- Work with other teachers and administrators to evaluate and revise elementary school programs.
- Determine student strengths and weaknesses through FastBridge Data, and weekly assessments.
- Develop small group lesson plans based on test results.
- Fill out behavior forms
- Data talks - review data and place students in tiered level of support groups
4th Grade Teacher
Greeley County School USD 200
Tribune, KS
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Fourth grade math, spelling, and Social Studies
- Fifth grade math
- Seventh grade intervention instructor
- Instruct students individually and in small groups.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin boards displays and demonstrations.
- Adapt teaching methods and material to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Meet regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance.
- Plan and implement creative lessons in accordance with the district.
- Work with other teachers and administrators to evaluate and revise elementary school programs.
- Determine student strengths and weaknesses through I-ready, and weekly assessments.
- Develop small group lesson plans based on test results.
3rd Grade Teacher
Wichita County School
Leoti, KS
07.2018 - 05.2022
- Instruct students individually and in small groups.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin boards displays and demonstrations.
- Adapt teaching methods and material to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Meet regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance.
- Plan and implement creative lessons in accordance with the district.
- Work with other teachers and administrators to evaluate and revise elementary school programs.
- Determine student strengths and weaknesses through Fast Bridge, I-ready, STAR testing and weekly assessments.
- Develop small group lesson plans based on test results.
4th Grade Teacher
Couch R-1 School
Myrtle, Mo
07.2013 - 05.2018
- Instruct students individually and in small groups.
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin boards displays and demonstrations.
- Adapt teaching methods and material to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Meet regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance.
- Plan and implement creative lessons in accordance with the district.
- Work with other teachers and administrators to evaluate and revise elementary school programs.
- Determine student strengths and weaknesses through DIBELS, STAR testing and weekly assessments.
- Develop small group lesson plans based on test results.
Advisor
Trinity Behavioral Health
Warm Spring, AR
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Overseeing juveniles (troubled children) in daily activities.
- Mentor/counsel the children when things in their world are turned upside down.
- Tutored students when they had homework.
- Dealt with inappropriate behaviors in the school setting as well as home. (screaming, fighting, cussing, etc)
Personal Aide
Ripley County R-111 School
Gatewood, MO
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Worked one on one with an autistic child.
- Selected age appropriate stories and lesson to work with during daily scheduled classroom time.
- Created and taught engaging lessons to further vocabulary skills.
- Encouraged good behavior
- Made uncomfortable situations comfortable.
Education
Master of Science - School Leadership
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS12-2024
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education (1st-6th)
Southwest Baptist University
Mt. View, Mo05-2013
Associate Degree - undefined
Missouri State University - WP
12-2009
High School Diploma - undefined
Couch R-1 School
05-2003
Skills
- Missouri Educator's Certificate with School Leader K-12 Endorsement
- Kansas Teaching Certificate with Elementary Education Endorsement
- Missouri Teaching Certificate with Elementary Education Endorsement
- Instructional leadership and teacher coaching
- Staff supervision and performance evaluation
- Student discipline and behavior management (PBIS/MTSS)
- School improvement planning and data-driven decision making
- Data analysis (FastBridge, i-Ready, DIBELS)
- Differentiated instruction and intervention strategies
- Special education coordination and IEP compliance (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- Family and community engagement
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Conflict resolution and team collaboration
- Educational technology integration (SMART Board, digital tools)
- Organization, time management, and problem-solving
Certification
- Educators Certificate
- Subject - School Leader K-12
- Expiration Date 02/2029
- Type - Initial Admin Classification
- Educators Certificate
- Subject – Elementary Education 1-6
- Expiration Date 11/2116
- Type – Career Continuous Professional
- Educators Certificate
- Subject - Mild/Cross Categorical
- Expiration Date 11/2116
- Type - Career Continuous Professional
Timeline
Elementary Principal/Special Education Coordinator
Couch R-1 School
07.2024 - Current
3rd Grade Teacher
Walnut Elementary - Emporia Unified School District 253
08.2023 - 05.2024
4th Grade Teacher
Greeley County School USD 200
08.2022 - 05.2023
3rd Grade Teacher
Wichita County School
07.2018 - 05.2022
4th Grade Teacher
Couch R-1 School
07.2013 - 05.2018
Advisor
Trinity Behavioral Health
01.2012 - 01.2013
Personal Aide
Ripley County R-111 School
01.2010 - 01.2012
Associate Degree - undefined
Missouri State University - WP
High School Diploma - undefined
Couch R-1 School
Master of Science - School Leadership
Emporia State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education (1st-6th)
Southwest Baptist University
TRAININGS
- MLDS
- Network Educator Effectiveness
- Special Education Coordinator
- Capturing Kids Hearts
- Whole Brain Teaching
- ESL training
- I-ready Intervention
- Opinion Writings Conference
- Rigorous Comprehension Instruction Grades 4-8
- Dr. Ruby Payne Poverty Seminar
DISTRICT INVOLVEMENT
- CSIP
2024-2026
- KESA/DLT
2020/21, 2021/22
- Professional Development Committee
2013-2014, 2016-2017, 2017-2018
- Student Council Sponsor
2016-2017, 2017-2018
- Parent Teacher Organization
Member 2015-2016
Secretary 2016-2017
Secretary 2017-2018