Elizabeth Gurney
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Resume

Professional Summary
Experienced educator and emerging school leader with a strong background in instructional coaching, student engagement, and collaborative school improvement. Skilled in data-driven decision making, faculty development, and building partnerships with stakeholders that promote equity, inclusion, and academic success. Dedicated to fostering a positive school culture through effective communication and servant leadership. 

Core Leadership Comptetencies
  • Instructional leadership and coaching to strengthen teaching and learning
  • Data-informed decision making to improve student learning and engagement
  • Equity-centered discipline and student support using PBIS and restorative approaches
  • Parent and community partnerships that foster trust and collaboration
  • Strategic communication and proactive leadership aligned with school goals
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Professional Experience

ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN, (2024-2025)
ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Completed a comprehensive, district-supported administrative internship across elementary, middle, high school, and central office settings, gaining hands-on experience in instructional leadership, student support systems, special education processes, school operations, and district-level collaboration. Actively participated in leadership teams, data-driven decision-making, staff supervision processes, and school improvement initiatives. Sites included: Back Creek Elementary, Clearbrook Elementary, Cave Spring Middle School, Hidden Valley High School, and RCPS Central Office. 
  • Analyzed instructional practice during classroom walkthroughs and formal observation cycles, contributing to reflective discussions and teacher goal-setting aligned with school improvement priorities.
  • Supported student discipline systems, including PBIS implementation, restorative practices, discipline investigations, and individual student conferences focused on behavior growth and accountability.
  • ​Participated in IEP meetings, Child Study teams, and SPED coordinator PLCs, strengthening compliance knowledge and collaborative problem-solving for diverse learners.
  • Collaborated with administrators on school operations and scheduling, observing master scheduling, staffing discussions, school-wide programming, safety drills, and district safety task force meetings to develop systems-level leadership understanding.
  • Engaged in district-level leadership and data-driven decision-making, including faculty and PLC meetings, data reviews, hiring interviews, and professional development planning.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR, (2022-current)
OUR LADY OF NAZARETH CATHOLIC CHURCH
Provide strategic leadership for middle school students through the design, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale youth programs focused on student engagement, leadership development, and social-emotional growth. Oversaw staff supervision, family communication systems, budgeting, and community partnerships while scaling participation and strengthening inclusive, relationship-centered programming.
  • Increased student participation from 6 to 64 within 12 months by designing inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming that promoted leadership skills, ethical decision-making, and a positive peer culture.
  • Implemented a small-group engagement model and supervised a team of 7 adult facilitators, leading recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, supervision, and retention.
  • ​Developed and manage comprehensive family communication systems (newsletters, targeted messaging, email, social media) to strengthen engagement and transparency.
  • Plan and coordinate large-scale student enrichment experiences, including service initiatives and multi-day leadership retreats, overseeing logistics, staffing, risk management, and budgets totaling $24,000 annually.
  • ​Collaborate with community partners, including the Partnership for Community Wellness, to implement outreach initiatives supporting students and families’ social-emotional needs, engaging approximately 200 participants.
 
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES, (Spring 2025) & HS TEACHER, (2020-2022)
ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Served as Interim Director of Student Services, providing administrative leadership and oversight of student support, discipline, and academic services for the upper school. Collaborated with faculty, families, and administration to ensure a positive, equitable, and well-structured learning environment.
  • Led behavior review meetings in collaboration with students, faculty, administrators,and families, fostering collaboration and implementing restorative approaches to address student behavior and promote accountability.
  • Managed student registration and course scheduling processes, conducting one-on-one counseling sessions to ensure appropriate academic placement and postsecondary planning. 
  • Collaborated with school leadership and faculty to plan and execute major school events, including National Honor Society Induction, Baccalaureate, Graduation, and upper and lower school awards ceremonies. 
  • Coordinated with Testing Coordinator to plan and administer AP and final exams, ensuring ISP accommodations were implemented with fidelity and in compliance with testing protocols.
  • Created and facilitated faculty engagement initiatives, including staff celebrations, end-of-year events, and weekly newsletters to strengthen communication and build a positive school culture.
  • Designed and implemented engaging theology instruction for grades 8-11, aligned with consensus curriculum, integrating faith formation, service learning, and student leadership opportunities. 
  • Co-lead Campus Ministry initiatives and service projects connecting students with community partners.
  • Represented the school in the Diocesan Leadership Academy, developing administrative competencies in instructional supervision, faculty collaboration, and school improvement planning.
  • Initiated staff-wide “moments of joy” and community-building activities to enhance morale and strengthen relationships among students, faculty, and families.
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HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL GERMAN TEACHER, (2007-2013)
ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PENNRIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, COUNCIL ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Contracted teacher for 8-12th Grade Conversational German, German 1, 2, 3, 4 (Honors), and 5 (Honors).  Assumed all responsibilities of regular classroom teacher, including creating lesson plans, evaluating student progress, professional/staff development, and communication with staff members and parents. Collaborated with fellow German/Foreign Language teachers to develop classroom activities. Provided individual assistance to students, as needed.
  • Differentiated instruction, implementing student-centered learning methodologies and specially designed instruction to serve all students.  Significantly enhanced the class environment by moving from traditional teacher-directed instruction to empowering student-led learning opportunities.
  • Developed positive classroom environment to maximize individual student results; used behavior modification techniques to motivate students, improve conduct, and encourage participation.
  • Collaborated with German colleagues to organize and promote exchange program with a high school in Nürnberg, Germany.
 
PRIVATE PROGRAM MANAGER, (July 2006-August 2007)
ABC LANGUAGE EXCHANGE

Manage accounts for 500+ private students and corporations for the leading private foreign language school in New York City. Provided excellent customer service for client base of over 1,500 accounts. Responsible for developing and expanding the corporate market for Manhattan school.  
  • Developed language program at Fortune 500 and international corporations: Saatchi & Saatchi (grossed over $25k in first semester), Donna Karan, O Magazine, Metlife, Barnes & Noble, and Columbia Business School.  
  • Routinely substituted for German teachers at school; developed material and content for classes while teachers were absent. Taught material to a range of levels from beginner to advanced conversation.
  • Responsible for interviewing, hiring and training employees, including office staff and base of approximately 200 foreign language instructors.
  • Executed and expanded Elementary School and After-school Program for eight prestigious private schools in Manhattan, including Brearley-Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and The Dwight School.
   
Education & Certificates      
M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration, Radford University, Radford, VA, 
Completed all Degree Requirements, Graduation May 2026
Certificate in Catholic School Management, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, Expected Completion April 2026
Post Baccalaureate Educational Program with PA Certification, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, 2008
            Pennsylvania Level 1 Certification, German Language, K-12

            Virginia Certification, German Language, PreK-12
B.A. in German and International Trade, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 2004
            Certificate, German Language studies, Justus Liebig Universität, Giessen, Germany, 2002-03
    
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