Kimberly Blakney

Seasoned special education teacher, operations, and program management with 13 years of expertise in cultivating achievement-focused, inclusive school cultures that promote academic success, personal growth, and student development. Excels in leveraging data-driven strategies and collaborative leadership to deliver impactful educational programs, enhance student performance, and implement innovative solutions that align with institutional goals, improving outcomes for students and educators. Proven positive behavioral interventions, and culturally responsive teaching methods to create supportive learning environments that foster academic and socio-emotional growth.

Adept at forging strong partnerships with families and key stakeholders, integrating community engagement into school operations to ensure comprehensive support for student development and long-term success, resulting in increased student retention.

Dean of Culture at KIPP New Jersey: TEAM Academy (2024-07 – Present)

Collaborate with the Assistant Principal of Culture and Director of Operations to cultivate a structured and achievement-oriented school culture, positively impacting 400+ middle school students and establishing an environment that promotes academic success and personal development.

• Implement and provide coaching to 50+ teachers in utilizing best practices of Restorative Justice, ensuring that disciplinary measures promote healing and accountability while maintaining a focus on student development.
• Monitor progress and develop strategic initiatives to improve outcomes on priority academic and cultural metrics, including formative and summative assessment data, as well as homework completion rates, enhancing overall student performance.
• Create and execute positive behavioral interventions targeting critical areas such as attendance, behavioral management, socio emotional support, intervention services, and family engagement, fostering a more inclusive and supportive school community.
• Lead the response to behavioral crises and effectively manage acute behavioral concerns for a diverse population of 400+ students in Grades 5-8, ensuring a safe and supportive school environment conducive to learning.
• Organize bi-weekly meetings to review attendance data, fostering collaborative discussions to develop targeted action plans to achieve the school-wide goal of maintaining an excellent daily attendance rate of 96%.

Special Education Teacher at KIPP New Jersey: Purpose Academy (2023-07 – 2024-06)

Delivered DLM curriculum to 7th and 8th graders with IEPs while creating differentiated lesson plans focusing on individual learning needs to improve overall academic success.

• Delivered DLM curriculum to 7th and 8th graders with IEPs while creating differentiated lesson plans focusing on individual learning needs to improve overall academic success.
• Collaborated and supported parents with scholars educational goals, behavioral and emotional goals through IEP meetings.
• Tracked students progress and behavior using data-driven systems to inform instruction and intervention.
• Fostered an inclusive classroom environment that supported academic and social-emotional growth.
• Utilized restorative practices and SEL strategies to build relationships and classroom community.

Technology Teacher at KIPP New Jersey: Newark Community Prep (2021-07 – 2023-06)

Developed and implemented an engaging technology curriculum for classes of up to 30 students, focusing on digital literacy skills, coding and responsible internet use.

• Developed and implemented an engaging technology curriculum for classes of up to 30 students, focusing on digital literacy skills, coding and responsible internet use.
• Integrated project-based learning to enhance student engagement and real-world technology application.
• Collaborated with other departments to incorporate technology into cross-curricular projects.
• Maintained meticulous records and data tracking systems for 150+ scholars, ensuring accurate grade documentation and progress monitoring to support student success and inform instructional decisions.
• Taught students foundational skills in basic programming (Scratch, Python), and typing proficiency.

Paraprofessional Educator at Orange Board of Education (2012-09 – 2021-06)

Worked with individuals to provide educational, behavioral and emotional support.

• Worked with individuals to provide educational, behavioral and emotional support.
• Delivered both one-to-one and group daily hands-on academic support in all subjects, ensuring they received the assistance needed to excel academically.
• Maintained effective communication with families on a weekly basis to discuss students' academic performance and socio-emotional development, as well as to provide important program updates and resources to support student success.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Management and Technology – Farmingdale College