Natalie Richards

Resume

Background and experience

Natalie Richards

Assistant Principal Candidate

Leadership Profile

I'm passionate about helping teachers, students, and families succeed. Throughout my career, I've found the greatest fulfillment in supporting teachers, solving problems, and building relationships that help students thrive. When teachers feel supported and valued, they're better equipped to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students. As a Reading Intervention Specialist and IAT Coordinator, I partner with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to strengthen instruction, coordinate student supports, and solve problems together.

Leadership Highlights

  • 12+ Years of Elementary Education
  • Teacher Coaching & Support
  • MTSS & Student Intervention
  • Positive School Culture
  • Ohio Principal License (PK–6)
  • Family & Community Partnerships
  • Reading Endorsement (PK–12)
  • PBIS Leadership & Student Behavior Supports

Experience

Reading Intervention Specialist & Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) Coordinator

2023 – Present

Whiteford Elementary, Sylvania Schools

Instruction & Teacher Support
  • Partner with teachers to analyze student data and develop intervention plans that strengthen instruction and accelerate student growth.
  • Coach teachers in implementing evidence-based instructional strategies, progress monitoring practices, and targeted interventions to meet the needs of diverse learners.
  • Design and deliver structured literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, providing targeted support for students across multiple grade levels.
Student Support & MTSS Leadership
  • Lead Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) meetings by facilitating collaborative discussions, reviewing student data, and monitoring intervention plans.
  • Collaborate with administrators, school psychologists, counselors, speech-language pathologists, intervention specialists, and families to develop comprehensive academic and behavioral supports for students.
  • Analyze academic, behavioral, and attendance data to identify trends, monitor intervention effectiveness, and guide data-informed decision making.
School Leadership & Collaboration
  • Coordinate intervention services across Kindergarten through fifth grade, assessment schedules, and testing accommodations for students with IEPs, 504 Plans, and English Learner services while maintaining accurate documentation and compliance.
  • Provide ongoing coaching and problem-solving support to 30+ classroom teachers, helping them identify practical strategies to meet students' academic and behavioral needs.
  • Plan and support schoolwide literacy initiatives, including Literacy Week in partnership with the PTO, creating engaging experiences that promote a love of reading while strengthening school culture and family involvement.

Classroom Teacher (K–3)

2013 – 2023

Whiteford Elementary, Sylvania Schools

  • Created inclusive classroom communities where students felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow academically and socially.
  • Collaborated with grade-level teams to analyze student data, plan instruction, and implement strategies that met the diverse needs of learners.
  • Built trusting relationships with families through open communication and collaboration.
  • Served in a variety of leadership roles, including Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Building Leadership Committee, PBIS, benchmark data meetings, interview teams, and school improvement initiatives.
  • Mentored and supported colleagues by sharing instructional strategies, collaborating on problem-solving, and contributing to a positive, team-focused school culture.

Consultant & Curriculum Designer

2022 – Present

Active Response Solutions

  • Collaborate with organizational leaders to develop training materials, professional learning resources, and implementation support.
  • Design engaging presentations and educational resources that communicate complex information in clear, practical ways.

Professional Leadership

  • Building Leadership Committee
  • Intervention Assistance Team Coordinator
  • Teacher Interview Committee
  • Professional Learning Communities
  • Benchmark Data Meetings
  • Schoolwide Assessment Coordination
  • Student Behavior & Attendance Teams
  • PBIS Leadership Team
  • Literacy Week Planning & PTO Collaboration

Education

  • M.S., Educational Leadership, Western Governors University
  • M.A., Reading Education, Concordia University Chicago
  • B.S., Early Childhood Education, University of Toledo

Licensure

  • Ohio Professional Principal License (PK–6)
  • Ohio Professional Teaching License (PK–5)
  • Reading Endorsement (PK–12)

Coursework & Certifications

  • Science of Reading Professional Learning
  • Introduction to Dyslexia
  • Fundations®
  • Just Words®