DR. HEATHER MUELLER
Empower others. Lead by example.
Profile
Drawing from more than 25 years of experience as a leader in public schools, the heart of my daily work is collaborative partnerships, leading by example, and empowering others. I am passionate about creating professional development content, training and supporting learners, and developing individual and collective capacity.
Education
Doctor of Education
Missouri Baptist University, September, 2017
Dissertation: Principals’ Perceptions of their Leadership Preparation: A Study of Preparation Programs’ Practices for Transferring Theory to Practice
Educational Specialist
Missouri Baptist University, September, 2015
Master of Educational Administration
Missouri Baptist University, 2011
Master of Education
Central Methodist University, 2005
Bachelor of Science in Education
Central Methodist University, 1998
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Certifications
Superintendent, Initial Admin, (K-12)
Principal, Transitional Admin (K-8)
Special Reading CPC (K-12)
Elementary Education CPC (1-6)
Awards & Honors
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DESE MAP Cut Scores Policy Group Member, August 2018
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MAESP Regional Representative, DESE Cut Score Meeting, October 2018
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Outstanding Assistant Principal, South Central MAESP, 2017
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Missouri Leadership Academy, 31st Class Member, 2015-2016
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Outdoor Leadership Experience, Completed October 2015
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MoSEE Professional Development Series focused on feedback with Mike Rutherford, 2014-2015
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Meramec Valley R-III Teacher of the Year, 2008
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Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award, 2008
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Summer Fellow of the National Writing Project’s Gateway Writing Project, 2008
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Skills
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PLC Trained
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Leader in Me -Lighthouse School Leader
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Process-oriented leader with the ability to identify needs, set priorities, and collaboratively develop plans
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Specific, timely communication
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Excellent writing, listening, and speaking skills
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Professional development design and implementation aligned to BSIP and CSIP goals
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People focused: Hire, train, and support talent to be the best educators possible
Resume
Principal
Forest Park Elementary School – O’Fallon, MO
Lighthouse School, Leader in Me
2020 - Present
Principal
Sullivan Elementary School – Sullivan, MO
a Leader in Me School
2017 - 2020
Assistant Principal
Sullivan Elementary School – Sullivan, MO
a Leader in Me School
2014 - 2017
Title I Reading Teacher, Instructional Coach
Meramec Valley R-III School District – Pacific, MO
2004 - 2014
Teacher
Meramec Valley R-III School District – Pacific, MO
1998 - 2004
Grades 3-5, 425 students, 62 Staff Members
Led the development of a comprehensive school-wide Covid-19 plan focusing on procedures and processes for student and staff safety.
Support, monitor, and problem-solve virtual instruction for more than 110 FPE students participating in Virtual Learning while simultaneously leading the on-campus learners and staff.
Responsible for all staff evaluations and feedback.
Support and sustain the Lighthouse status with a focus on student leadership opportunities and building staff collaborative capacity.
Currently conducting needs assessments. Long range goals include a focus on PLC work, data driven decision making, and professional development through active learning focused on high-impact strategies and practices.
Grades 3-5, 450 students, 62 Staff Members
Of the 465 K-12 School Districts in MO in 2019, the Sullivan School District performed in the top 13% in the State in ELA; top 17% in math. SES is the only 3-5 school in the District, thus all test results for these grade levels and courses came from my building.
Revised curriculum, instruction, and assessment to align with Missouri Learning Standards (MLS); Transitioned the Elementary to Standards-Based Grading in English Language Arts and math; Implemented effective Professional Learning Communities in all grades and content areas with a focus on data-based decision making; Maintained high levels of academic achievement- all grades and content areas scored above state average on Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) assessments in 2018 and 2019.
Created a new class for all students: the Innovation & Design Lab which provides students with experiences related to creativity, the design process, and work-force skills such as empathy, feedback, collaboration, and communication. Facilitated Leader in Me implementation from planning and identification of needs and funding acquisition to professional development.
Grades 2-5, 650 students
Responsible for student discipline; Implemented Positive Behavior Support vocabulary and expectations schoolwide; Supervised student attendance and implemented attendance incentives; Implemented the Watch D.O.G.S. program (2015); Evaluated 26 staff members; Director of the Elementary Summer School program.
Grades K - 5 Reading
High School Reading Tutor
PHS Theater Musical Choreographer
Grades 4 and 5 All Subjects
Grade 6 Math
Let's Get
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