LEADERSHIP OBJECTIVE

To create and sustain a safe and secure environment where students, educators, parents, and community stakeholders work in partnership to support high quality student learning opportunities that advance achievement and provide a positive learning environment for students to develop into responsible, respectful, productive citizens, and lifelong learners.

EDUCATION

• Doctor of Education: Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning
  • Walden University, Conferred: Oct. 2013
• Certificate: Principal, K-12
  • University of Alaska-Anchorage, Conferred: May 2010
• Master of Science: Educational Leadership
  • Walden University, Conferred: Feb. 2009
• National Board Certification: Middle Childhood, Generalist
• Awarded 2005; Renewed 2015
• Bachelor of Science: Early Childhood and Elementary Education, K-8
  • Wilmington College, Delaware; Conferred May 1993, minor – reading

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

My fourteen years of leadership experiences have provided me a solid foundation to develop and sustain a high quality educational program that supports student learning, achievement and builds community.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, 2007 – present

• District Leadership: Teacher in Charge – Colony Middle School, Cottonwood Elementary, Larson Elementary, Pioneer Peak Elementary, Sutton Elementary
• District Leadership: Curriculum Council / MAP committee & school leader / SARC committee & school leader / RTI committee & school leader / district professional development facilitator / National Board teacher mentor / ECET2 team
• School Leadership: PPE leadership team / SBA test site coordinator / professional development presenter / UAA host teacher / PBIS team / PPE CERT Team / Promethean site trainer

National Education Association, 2019 – present

• Leadership:  I wrote two grants totaling $705,000 to build a sustainable mentorship program for new and early career educators in the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District.  As the grant administrator, I oversee grant operations while working with a team of educators to develop educator capacity and program sustainability coordinating professional development for mentors and mentees, partnering with our local Education Support Professionals, community organizations and buisnesses to support district staff and students in social justice training and programs, and provide outreach support to other NEA locals in Alaska and nationwide by sharing resources.

University of Alaska, 2016 – present

• Leadership: Adjunct Faculty: College of Education; I mentor and provide coursework for undergrad students pursuing an education degree.

National University, 2009 – 2013

• Leadership: Core Adjunct Faculty: School of Education Master of Arts in Teaching degree, specializing in teacher leadership and national board certification; I provide course instruction and mentorship for teachers nationwide to become teacher leaders.

Alaska State Writing Consortium, 2006 – present

• Leadership: As a teacher leader & consultant, I plan and implement teacher state writing institutes and provide professional development within Alaska, district, and school regions.

National Board Certification Teacher Mentor, 2005 – present

• Leadership: I spear headed national board certification teacher interest/process/support for MSBSD teachers. I provide mentorship for Alaska teachers and teachers nationwide.

Anchorage School District, 2000 – 2007

• District Leadership: Science and social studies pilot/demonstration teacher / Social studies curriculum council & K–8 writing team
• School Leadership: Student Council advisor / Battle of Books coach / Cheerleading coach / Spelling bee coordinator / Academic tutor for at risk students / Technology committee & grant writing team / Title I Leadership team / Literacy committee & In-services presenter / APU host teacher

“Dr. Durbin’s grounding in administrative standards, and pedagogical theory and practice, is solid, evidenced by her handling of a variety of issues as an administrative substitute. She is well prepared to lead a school, inspire, and implement the vision for the learning community which she serves.”

~ Daniel Molina, Director, Student Support Services

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I have extensive professional development in K-8 curriculum, instruction, and leadership. This knowledge and experience provides a solid foundation for the elementary and middle school curriculum. The items listed are topical and course content learning and application extends wide and deep. Based upon my classroom experiences and leadership opportunities, I can provide exemplary leadership in all areas.

• Classroom Management
• Curriculum Design & Instruction
• K-8 Social Studies
• K-8 Language Arts
• K-8 Science
• K-8 Mathematics
• English Learner Instructional Strategies
• Teacher Clarity
• Response to Intervention
• Guided Language Acquisition Design
• Sheltered Instruction Operation Protocol
• Measures of Academic Progress
• STEM/STEAM
• Mentoring & Communication
• Student-Centered Learning
• Cooperative Learning Structures
• Multiple Intelligences
• Positive Behavior Interventions
• Team Building
• Building Community Partnerships
• Instructional Technology
• Mobile Technology Instruction
• Promethean Trainer
• Blended Learning
• Project Based Learning
• Leadership Skills / Collaboration
• Conflict Resolution
• Service Learning
• Direct Instruction
• Writing Workshop
• Assessment Data Driven Instruction
• Reflective Instruction
• Action Research
• Data Driven Instruction
• Data Analysis
• Differentiated Instruction
• Standards Aligned Instruction/Assessment
• Spalding Literacy
• Love & Logic

“Dr. Durbin has the instructional leadership background that our district is looking for, as we transform the delivery of our service to focus on quality instruction and learning at all levels. It is my strong opinion that the most effective principals have also been the most effective teachers.”

~ Mary McMahon, Principal, Colony Middle School

PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS

Durbin, A. (2013). K-8 teachers using mobile technology as a student-centered instructional tool. Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest LLC.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Sacred Heart Church: Adult education program facilitator, 3 years
• Sacred Heart Church: Young adults confirmation program facilitator, 1 year
• Wasilla Youth Baseball: Board of Directors, Secretary, 1 year
• Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts, committee chairperson/den leader, 12 years
• Holy Cross Church: Youth catechism teacher, 5 years

“As a result of her dynamic leadership skills, Dr. Durbin continues to make a positive impact on education. This is evidenced through her positive personality, infectious enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and constant desire to always do her best. She is truly an educational leader for today’s schools.”

~ Ronarae Adams, Director and Lead Faculty, National University

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