Raquel Hawkins
******.*******@*******.*** Rochester, 14608, NY 585-***-****
Summary
I am a dynamic educator with over 27 years of experience in diverse teaching roles and administrative support within the Rochester City School District. I have proven skills in fostering effective communication, classroom management, and collaborative professional development. I successfully facilitated student engagement and academic achievement through innovative instructional strategies and personalized support for students with diverse needs. I am committed to enhancing educational environments and building strong relationships to promote student success.
Work Experience
Substitute Principal/Assistant Principal, The Rochester City School District, Rochester
09/2018 – 05/2019
• Enforced disciplinary policies and procedures effectively to maintain school order.
• Guided teachers on effective classroom management, behavioral strategies, and instructional techniques.
• Cultivated a positive school climate by fostering effective communication among staff.
• Resolved conflicts to strengthen relationships with students and parents.
• Conducted daily classroom observations to support educators and enhance student learning.
• Engaged in parent discussions concerning student behavior to collaboratively develop improvement plans.
• Responded proactively to inquiries from teachers, parents, and community members.
• Facilitated small group conferences with students to address and resolve issues promptly.
• Fulfilled cafeteria and bus duties to ensure student safety and order during transitions.
Instructional Coach, Rochester City School District, Rochester
09/2025 – Present
• Provide comprehensive support and collaboration strategies for teachers, including structured communication and shared planning sessions.
• Champion the development of a shared vision and goals that empower teachers.
• Establish clear communication norms to enhance decision-making processes.
• Promote a culture of trust and respect through active listening and constructive engagement.
• Collaborate with educators on student work assessments, sharing insights to inform instructional strategies.
Sixth Grade Teacher, Rochester City School District, Rochester
09/2015 – 06/2025
• Facilitated small group and individualized instructional activities tailored to diverse learning needs.
• Educated an average of 18 students per class, ensuring personalized engagement.
• Evaluated student progress through regular quizzes, final exams, and standardized assessments.
• Promoted students' physical, emotional, and social development through engaging activities.
• Collaborated with specialists to address the educational needs of students with 504 or IEP plans.
• Established a consistent, learning-centered classroom environment by defining and communicating clear objectives.
• Adapted teaching methodologies to accommodate various skill levels among students.
• Explored innovative learning methods to prepare students for future educational challenges.
• Outlined lesson objectives and project expectations clearly to students and families.
• Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to correct inappropriate behavior.
• Participated in a range of professional development workshops focused on classroom management, student motivation, and engaging learning experiences.
First Grade Teacher, Rochester City School District, Rochester
09/2014 – 06/2015
• Sustained a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Instructed students both individually and in groups utilizing diverse teaching methods.
• Defined and communicated clear learning objectives to support academic achievement.
• Aligned lessons with district standards to prepare students for standardized assessments.
• Administered and evaluated class assessments to gauge student understanding and progress.
• Educated students in subject-specific content, learning strategies, and essential social skills.
• Engaged with parents to discuss student progress, achievements, and classroom challenges.
• I identified early indicators of emotional, developmental, or health issues, and communicated with parents to follow up.
Resource Specialist Teacher, Rochester City School District, Rochester
12/2012 – 06/2013
• Completed comprehensive Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for the entire school and actively participated in all CSE meetings.
• Implemented small group and individualized instruction addressing distinct learning needs.
• Delivered specialized education to a wide range of students with developmental disorders, including autism, utilizing differentiated instructional strategies.
• Oversaw the implementation of instructional resource services for elementary students in reading, math, and writing.
• Nurtured relationships with students to enhance engagement, providing periodic updates on progress to parents, guardians, and school administrators.
Third Grade Teacher, Rochester City School District, Rochester
09/2011 – 06/2012
• Instructed students in core subjects while also imparting general learning strategies and social skills necessary for character development.
• Enhanced student engagement using student-centered classroom management techniques.
• Maintained a positive classroom atmosphere by consistently reinforcing behavior standards and promoting relationship-building.
• Participated in professional development activities to remain informed about policy and educational reforms.
• Encouraged parental involvement in the educational process by developing strong, communicative relationships.
Intervention Specialist, Rochester City School District, Rochester
11/2010 – 06/2011
• Established trusting relationships with students and their parents to foster communication.
• Implemented individualized and small group classroom activities tailored to varied learning styles.
• Developed supportive relationships with students to enhance engagement and reported on progress to parents, guardians, and school leadership.
Fifth Grade Teacher, Rochester City School District, Rochester
09/2009 – 06/2010
• Cultivated positive classroom environments by reinforcing behavior expectations and relationship-building initiatives.
• Educated students in core subjects and essential learning strategies while promoting social skills.
• Increased student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management practices that sparked academic curiosity.
• Fostered parental involvement in student education through strong, supportive relationships.
Fourth Grade Teacher, Rochester City School District, Rochester
09/1997 – 06/2009
• Enhanced student engagement through effective, student-centered classroom management techniques.
• Sustained positive classroom environments by upholding behavioral rules and relationship-building practices.
• Defined and articulated clear learning objectives to promote student progress and academic success.
Administrative Internship, The Rochester City School District, Rochester
05/2016 – 08/2018
• Acquired 600 hours of hands-on experience through comprehensive building and district internships at School #2, gaining extensive knowledge in educational leadership.
• Authored the school's new mission statement collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Facilitated numerous weekly grade-level meetings focused on data-driven decision-making based on student progress monitoring.
• Executed the daily responsibilities of an assistant principal, including managing disciplinary issues, liaising with parents regarding student concerns, and collaborating with teachers on various classroom issues.
• Partnered closely with the principal to create the master schedule for the following academic year.
• Participated in renovation meetings, organized 55 resumes, and prepared interview materials for hiring processes.
• Committed extra hours to attend committees such as the school-Based Planning Team, Leadership, Professional Development, and the Annual Talent Show, which I initiated.
Education
Advanced Certificate, School Building and District Leadership, University of Rochester Warner School of Education, Rochester
05/2016 – 05/2019
• GPA 4.0
• Education Administration
Master of Education, Childhood Education/Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6) (Grades 5-9), Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester
05/2008 – 12/2010
• GPA 3.8
Bachelor of Social Science, Nazareth College, Rochester
08/2002 – 05/2006
Associate in science and liberal arts, Monroe Community College, Rochester
08/1998 – 05/2001
Skills
Classroom Instruction
Curriculum Development
Lesson Planning
Behavior Management
Restorative Practice
Differentiated Learning
IEP/504 Plans
Data-Based Decision Making
Master Schedule Development
Interviewing
Educational Administration
Technology Skills
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Leadership
Relationship Building
Collaboration
Problem Solving
Active Listening
References
Akilah Collins
Principal, Rochester City School District- Ida B. Wells Barnett School 34
530 Lexington Avenue, 14613
******.*******@*******.*** 585-***-****
Mia Sinclair
Assistant Principal, Rochester City School District
***.********@*******.***
Dr. Amy L. Shema, PhD
*******@*********.***
Faculty, Department of Education & Human Development
SUNY Brockport
350 New Campus Drive
Brockport, New York 14420
Phone: 585-***-****
Pamela Rutland
Retired Principal, Rochester City School District