Crystal Worrell
Curriculum Developer and Instructional Leader
About
Curriculum developer and instructional leader with a strong background in special education, literacy, and elementary instruction. Experienced in designing standards-aligned curricula, leading grade-level teams, and coaching and developing teachers to strengthen instructional practice and improve student outcomes. Skilled in leveraging AI-based tools and advanced Excel analysis to drive data-informed curriculum decisions.
Experience
Curriculum Developer (Creative Writing) | 10th Grade Team Lead | Learning & Development Specialist - Unity Preparatory High School - Brooklyn, NY
(2023-12)
- Lead the development and creation of creative writing curriculum for 10th grade, aligning units, assessments, and materials with school-wide literacy goals
- Serve as 10th Grade Team Lead, coordinating instructional planning and collaboration across content-area teachers
- Operate as a Learning & Development Specialist, providing coaching, training, and resources to support teacher growth and instructional effectiveness
- Coach and develop teachers on instructional and classroom management practices, providing feedback and support to strengthen teaching quality
- Analyze student performance data using Excel and AI-powered tools to inform curriculum revisions and instructional decisions
- Partner with school leadership to align curriculum initiatives with broader academic priorities
Teaching Artist | Mentor | Publishing & Editorial Team Member - Girls Write Now - New York, NY
(2023-12)
- Instruct and mentor young women in creative writing through Girls Write Now, a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying women's voices through writing and publication
- Serve on the Publishing and Editorial Team, supporting the development and preparation of mentee writing for publication
Special Education / Learning Specialist and Teacher, 2nd Grade - Achievement First Crown Heights Elementary - Brooklyn, NY
(2023-06 - 2024-08)
- Provided small-group instruction in Math and ELA for students with IEPs, adapting curriculum and materials to individual learning needs
- Co-taught in an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) whole-group model, partnering with general education teachers to implement inclusive instructional strategies
- Designed and led an after-school dance program, integrating creative arts enrichment into the broader curriculum
Lead General Education and ICT Instructor, 2nd Grade - Ascend Charter Schools, Cypress Hills - Brooklyn, NY
(2021-07 - 2023-05)
- Served as homeroom and lead teacher, designing and delivering 45-minute math lessons aligned to grade-level curriculum standards
- Used the Fountas & Pinnell framework to assess reading levels and inform differentiated guided reading instruction
- Led two 30-minute guided reading blocks daily for students reading on, below, and above grade level
- Supported small-group instruction for IEP students, modifying curriculum for students above and below grade level
- Contributed to curriculum and program planning, including field trips, final exam development, and standardized test administration
- Created lesson plans across all subject areas and organized parent and team meetings
- Set and maintained high academic and behavioral expectations for students
Lead Teacher, ICT, 1st Grade - Success Academy - Far Rockaway, NY
(2018-06 - 2021-07)
- Served as homeroom and lead teacher, executing 45-minute math sessions and using Fountas & Pinnell to assess scholar reading levels
- Led a 30-minute guided reading block to support students reading on, below, and above grade level
- Provided small-group instruction for IEP students, differentiating curriculum for students above and below grade level
- Managed student transitions and classroom routines
Education
Master's - Dance Education and Literature / Early Childhood Education - NYU (2020-05)
Bachelor of Arts - English, Minor in Dance - St. Mary's College of Maryland (2017-05)
Summer Intensive - Creative Writing - NYU (2015-06 - 2015-08)
