Karen Lea Branch

3331 Clubview Drive, Farmville, NC 27828 Phone: 252-375-0111 E: klsharpe@ncsu.edu W: https://nela3sharpe.wikispaces.com/home

Objective
My goal is to secure a position as an administrator within a Northeastern North Carolina Public School.

Experience
Northeast Leadership Academy Principal Intern 2013-2014 West Bertie Elementary School, Bertie County Schools o Site Coordinator 21st Century Community Learning Center o School Testing Coordinator NELA Fellow NCSU 2012-2014 Bertie Early College High School 2009 2013

Lead Teacher (create/secure, implement professional development, some AP duties) 9th -12th grade Science Teacher Science Department Chair (5 years) Served on School Improvement Team (Action Plan) Plan and set up new Biotechnology Lab 2010-2012

Boston University Biotechnology CityLab/SummerLab

Biogen Scholars Coordinator, NC Division Planned and supervised the travel of high school students to and from Boston, Massachusetts Attended and assisted with lab sessions at Boston University School of Medicine 1998-2003, 2005-present

Bertie County Schools, Teacher Askewville Elementary School Grade 2, 5 self-contained CG White Middle School 7th grade Science Bertie Middle School 8th grade Science Bertie Freshman Academy 9th grade Science Bertie Early College Grades 9-12 Science, Lead Teacher

Science Facilitator, North Carolina Partnership for Improving Math/Science, Chapel Hill, NC 2003 - 2005 The North Carolina Partnership for Improving Mathematics and Science is a regional collaborative partnership initiative, supported by the National Science Foundation and the US Department of Education, to improve the quality of K-12 mathematics and science education through the professional development of teachers; engagement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) faculty and professionals; and delivery of student encouragement activities. My responsibilities included:

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Recruitment and selection of lead teachers Designing and delivering professional development based upon the National Science Teaching Standards that also increases content knowledge in Science Increasing parental awareness through community meetings about the NCSCOS and model strategies that can be used at home to increase parental involvement and student achievement PUSH (Parents Utilizing Standards at Home) Developed District Leadership Teams that included board members, superintendents, curriculum specialists, and lead teachers

EDUCATION Masters of School Administration North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC GPA 4.0 Graduation Date: May 9, 2014

Bachelor of Science Degree, Elementary Education East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 Concentration in Biology: GPA Major 4.0, Concentration 3.9 Graduation Date: May 15, 1998 (Summa Cum Laude) Associate of Arts Degree Roanoke Chowan Community College, Ahoskie, NC College Transfer: GPA 4.0 Graduation Date: August 26, 1996
SKILLS

Computer knowledge of IBM and Macintosh systems, Internet, E-mail, and Webpage Design. All major Spreadsheet, database, graphics, and word-processing programs including MS Word, PowerPoint, Prezi, MS Publisher, Creative Writer, CBLs, TI 83s, Google Drive, Blackboard, Moodle, eTrex GPS, and Technology with 3D Visualizations. Relevant courses that have been taken are listed on Continuing Education Class History and Transcripts.
SPECIALIZED TRAININGS

Through the Northeast Leadership Academy at North Carolina State University, I have participated in many specialized trainings including: Facilitative Leadership, Crucial Conversations, Social Justice and Equity, ASSISTments, Common Core, Conflict Resolutions, Data Day: EVAAS, ACRE, Metametrics, Powerschool, Llano Grande Digital Storytelling, Response to Intervention, NC Public School Funding, Quality Teaching and Learning, The Flipped Classroom, Understanding By Design, Distinguished Leadership in Practice, School Law/Special Education Law, and Grant Writing.

AWARDS/CERTIFICATIONS

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National Board Certified Teacher, 2009-present Golden Key International Honor Society 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year, Bertie Early College, 2011 Teacher of the Year, Bertie Preparatory, 2009 Certification, Grades 6-9 Middle School Science Certification, K-12 Academically and Intellectually Gifted Biltmores Whos Who 2007-2008 Whos Who of American Women, 2006-2007 Whos Who Among Americas Teachers, 2005-2006 Certification, EMT-B, 2005-2009 Teacher of the Year, Askewville Elementary, 2001-2002 First Year Teacher of the Year, Bertie County, 1998-2000 Certificate of Recognition for Service Learning Projects, 2001-2002 PESA National Science Foundation award for Outstanding Service and Support, 2000 Recognition for Technical Assistance during the PRAXIS II NTE Workshop, 1999 Certificate of Commendation, Sallie Mae First Class Teacher Award, 1999 Pinnacle Honor Society, 1998 All American Scholar, 1998 The National Deans List, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 Phi Kappa Phi, 1996 - 2001 Golden Key National Honor Society, 1996-1998 Certificate of Recognition for Academic Excellence, 1996 North Carolina Governors Certification of Appreciation, 1994 Chancellors List, Roanoke Chowan Community College and East Carolina University

ACTIVITIES

Bennetts Millpond Teacher, 2010-2012 Teacher Cadet Program Mentor, 2008 -2010 Teacher Mentor, 2007-present Director, GIRLS Science Club Officer, Ahoskie Rescue Member, Bertie County Search and Rescue Team Emergency Medical Technician, Basic Level Member, Bertie County Arts Council Director, BYTES Computer Club NCAE Member Elementary Education Club, ECU 1997-1999 Student Government Secretary and Parliamentarian 1994-95 REVITALIZE, Rural Educators Using Visualization to Inspire Teacher Advancement and Learning to Improve Science and Mathematics Education, East Carolina University, 2005 - 2007

PUBLICATIONS

Conference Annual: Technology for the Excellent School Tomorrow, Greenville, NC 1998

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REFERENCES Please see reference letter attachments.