HELLO THERE!
I'M SAIJA WASHINGTON
My Skills & Experience
Thanks for visiting! On this site, you will find my professional experiences and skills, my interests and education. I created this platform to showcase the one thing I’m sure of -There is no one else like me out there! I am skilled in the ability to build relationships, and find comfort in people who share their vulnerabilities both professionally and personally. Browse through all the information I have provided, and contact me directly to learn more.
ABOUT SAIJA ADAMS WASHINGTON
Who I Am
Professional yet personable. I grew up in the New England area about 45 minutes outside of New York City. My father was a police detective, turned teacher- administrator in the late 80's, which had a tremendous influence on my career. The rich diversity within those experiences residing and working in the Northeast made me who I am today. For the past 14 years, I had the opportunity to learn, grow and empower future educators in North Carolina. I have the compassion of a teacher, dedication of a parent, and resolve of a leader.
PROFESSIONAL OUTLOOK
Where I've Been. Where I Am. Where I’m Going.
I am an experienced instructional coach with a passion for design. As an Instructional Coach, when vulnerabilities are exposed, doors open, alliances are formed, and viable solutions happen. My multi-faceted experiences afforded me opportunities to write curriculum and design content for and about children of all ages K-12. I am capable of- creating & delivering training, professional development & seminars for educational purposes. Based on my foundation and expertise, I am seeking opportunities to grow in industries committed to expanding talent development through the use of innovation and technology. My goal is to approach each challenge with the same enthusiasm, desire to learn, and positive attitude. Be sure to browse through my resume (click the button below), so that you have a better idea of what I can offer. I am also a self published author, and enjoy supporting small entrepreneurs as a Learning Design Consultant.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
My Roles & Accomplishments
TITLE I SPECIALIST
December 2021 - Present
Serves as the central office contact and liaison with Regional offices regarding Title I programming. Continuously helps to monitor the compliance with Title I rules and regulations in eligible schools; reviews schools’ documentation; and monitors individual school budgets. Monitors schools and federal funded positions and programs to ensure federal funds are used in a fiscally responsible manner. Creates and conducts local training sessions for administrators and staff on the guidelines and correct procedures and processed for utilizing federal funds.
FREELANCE INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER
June 2020 - Present
Customize and design relevant content based on the needs of subject matter experts solving a business need through the use of technology (Articulate, Articulate Rise and Captivate). Manage projects using collaborative tools to meet deadlines and shared accountability (i.e. Trello, Drive). Negotiate a plan of action for how to meet those needs using the ADDIE Model.
ACADEMIC COACH
2016-2020
Managed, coordinated and organized the planning, implementation, and evaluation of grant-funded STEM program; Designed instruction to enhance technology integration in schools in partnership with university; Promoted and modeled practices designed to champion initiatives for STEM education.
Accomplishments: Established and facilitated a model for clinical practices for strategies to enhance technology integration in schools.
Designed, implemented and managed seminars to train doctoral students in the Joint School of Nanoscience and Engineering Program;
Initiated procurement of Burroughs Wellcome STEM Grant 2019.
EDUCATION CONSULTANT
2010-2016
Coached and facilitated cohorts of adult learners; Created systems and tools to support goal setting using formative and summative evaluations.
Accomplishments: Designed and researched virtual clinical coaching model for publication; Presented at national education conferences; Created multi-media content for clinical training.
LITERACY COACH/ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER LEADER
2008-2010
Spearheaded and created middle school curriculum pacing guides for instruction in compliance with IB (International Baccalaureate) standards.
Accomplishments: Lead teacher team setting goals, writing curriculum to attain 11.6% composite growth in high needs school.
2ND-6TH GRADE TEACHER
1998-2010
Instructional and teacher leader who taught in a variety of settings including Bridgeport Public School System (CT), Wake County Public Schools (NC), and Guilford County School Systems. Primary responsibilities was to coach, inspire and motivate young minds as an example to other educators in a public schools setting. Accomplishments: Rookie Teacher of the Year; Teacher of the Year candidate; Most Outstanding Educator Award and Increase EVASS Composite Schools in ELA 11.6%
SKILLS
INSTRUCTION DESIGN CERTIFICATION
Active Learner
TRAINER
FACILITATOR
Approachable
PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATOR
Bridging Boundaries
Need more details? Scroll down to connect.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
What I’ve Learned
Being a lifelong learner is a trait that is really important to me, and I know that a good education is not just for the schoolyard. Some lessons were learned in the traditional way, while others I have received from professional mentors, industry professionals and in some cases, friends and family. I’d love the opportunity to talk to you about how my academic background could benefit you, so get in touch.
UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT, MASTER OF SCIENCE
2002-2003
I received my Masters degree in Education. Completed successfully clinical internship in urban school in Bridgeport, CT. As a graduate intern, I mentored small groups, assisted with projects as a substitute teacher.
BENNETT COLLEGE, BACHELOR OF ARTS
1992-1997
Located in Greensboro, North Carolina I received my B.A. degree in Elementary Education. Clinical experiences consisted of teaching and learning in K-5th grade classrooms.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE STUDENT
2021-present
Pursuing a Masters degree in learning design and technology. Working as a freelance learning designer for subject matter experts for entrepreneurs seeking opportunities to solve business problems through e-learning.
COACHING PRESERVICE TEACHER
Favorite Quote: “Everyone we work with knows a lot more and can do a lot more than we think. It's our job as coaches to find out what it is that they know, care about, can do, and are committed to, and then to use that information to help them move their practice.”
― Elena Aguilar
SOUL II SOUL
Mindfulness Journal
Please check out this clip of a compilation of works where mindfulness practices supported other women during my Soul II Soul Journal Towards Forgiveness book launch.