Type Of Business:
Educational consulting company for school districts and schools
Expertise:
Literacy instruction; Student assessment data
Major Product/SVS:
Customized educational services, including professional development, coaching and mentoring of teachers, curriculum and instruction, tutoring services for students, and workshops for parents
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling; Running; Golf
Education Degrees:
Master of Education, Concentration in Reading, Cabrini College (1994); Bachelor of Science in Education, Concentration in Elementary Education, West Chester University (1989)
Place of Birth:
Norristown
Industry:
Educational Consulting
State/Country of Origin:
PA/USA
Children's Names:
Kali, Corey
Date of Distinction:
6/7/2011
Work History:
Penn Literacy Network Facilitator, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (2000-Present); Literacy Coach, Personalized Lesson Plans (2010-Present); Adjunct Professor, Cabrini College, Radnor, PA (2008-2011); Professional Development Coach, Catapult Learning (2010-2011); Staff Developer, Wissahickon High School, Ambler, PA (2007-2010); Literacy and PSSA Coach, Hancock Elementary School, Norristown, PA (2005-2007); Elementary Teacher Consultant, Colonial School District, Plymouth Meeting, PA (1998-2003); Fourth-Grade Teacher, Colonial School District, Plymouth Meeting, PA (1992-1998)
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Ms. Gill is distinguished from her peers by the breadth of her experience with literacy instruction. She has worked with students and teachers from kindergarten through 12th grade, giving her a unique ability to fill in the gaps and piece together the necessary elements to achieve the required end result. Ms. Gill is able to see the “big picture” within schools and districts, and, more importantly, knows what needs to be done to achieve her clients' goals. Being able to work with the same business every step of the way provides schools with consistency and allows them to work more effectively.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Ms. Gill reflects that her entire career thus far has prepared her for the professional route she is taking. Every school she has worked with has always met or exceeded its desired outcomes. In one school, the proficiency level went from 43 percent to 83 percent within one year's time.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
Ms. Gill wants children to realize that there are no boundaries to what or who they can become, regardless of their socio-economic status or the neighborhood in which they reside. She envisions a world in which all children realize that they are in control of their own destiny, and that education is the key to success. Moreover, reading equals freedom, choices and options. Ms. Gill believes that empowering children to reach this level requires educators to provide children, each of whom learns differently, with the literacy strategies they need to understand the variety of texts they come in contact with daily. She hopes to reach children on a national scale, and is on a mission to help educators improve the value of their literacy instruction.
Expanded Biography:
Ms. Gill named her business "Personalized Lesson Plans" for a reason. "Personalized" means that the work she does with districts is individualized and tailored specifically to meet their needs and goals. "Lesson" indicates that the work she is doing has to have an immediate impact on classroom instruction. "Plans" are the key to keeping districts moving and growing; as businessman Stephen Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind . . . so the steps you take are always in the right direction.”
Number Of Years In Profession:
23
Number Of Years In Current Position:
3
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her focus, goal-setting, perseverance, and desire to be the best at whatever she does. In addition, Ms. Gill has created her own Six Sigma procedures for working with schools, which thus far have yielded excellent results.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after realizing the need for this kind of consulting in her area. She believes it is crucial for children to become competent readers, and wants to provide teachers with the instructional strategies they need to help students achieve success.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Gill has spent more than 20 years in the field of education and has worked as a classroom teacher, high school staff developer and literacy coach. She has demonstrated ability in working with student assessment data, and expertise in ensuring that literacy strategies are being used effectively. She is now the proprietor of Personalized Lesson Plans, which provides literacy coaching to schools and school districts. Ms. Gill works directly with educators to refine their instructional strategies. In addition, she published the well-received book, "Literacy Strategies & Instruction: Grades K-12," in 2009. She has also authored "Making Literacy Fun: Getting Students Involved in the Learning Process," which focuses on student involvement in the learning process and is scheduled for publication as an e-book in 2011. Ms. Gill's additional professional endeavors include serving as an adjunct professor for Cabrini College's reading specialist program and a facilitator for the Penn Literacy Network, which prepares leaders and practitioners, both locally and globally, to be educational leaders that foster high achievement for all learners.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Working with school districts that hire her services; Managing the districts' professional development; Aligning curricula and making changes as needed; Mentoring and coaching teachers in the classroom
Education Certifications:
Certified Reading Specialist
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Gill plans to bring her company to a national level.