1. Tara E. Walter
2028 Hayward Avenue
Pennsburg, PA 18073
(484)553-4670 (cell)
Email: tara.peterson@comcast.net (home)
Objective:
To work in a challenging and dynamic environment, coordinate and supervise the effective operation of the
school district, and to work closely with the community, staff, and administration.
Education:
Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA
BA Psychology, May 2001
PA Certification: Elementary Education Certification, December 2001
GPA: 3.79/4.00 scale (Education); 3.35/4.00 (Overall)
Master’s of Education with a specialty in ESOL from University of Turabo and Penn State
GPA: 4.00/4.00 scale
Currently hold Instructional II certificate for Elementary Education
Currently hold certificate for Mid-Level English Grades 7-9
Currently hold certificate for Family and Consumer Science (Grades K-12)
Currently hold certificate for ESL (Grades K-12)
Certificate obtained for Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction at Lehigh University
(Summer 2009)
GPA: 4.00/4.00 scale
Certificate obtained for Principal from California University of Pennsylvania Summer 2012)
GPA: 4.00/4.00 scale
Professional Experience:
Professional Employee
Southern Lehigh Middle School (7th
and 8th
grade – Family and Consumer Science teacher),
Center Valley, PA (July 2014 – Present)
Southern Lehigh Middle School (7th
and 8th
grade – DESIGN 21 teacher), Center Valley,
PA (August 2009 – July 2014)
-Mentor for Mandarin Chinese language teacher from China through partnership with
Confucius Institute (From 2010 -- Present)
-Teacher Leader (Discovery Education)
-Worked collaboratively with other colleagues to design and participate in global projects
(Magpi and CILC)
-Designed and created project-based learning activities in the classroom
-Encouraged students to use 21st
century skills/Web 2.0 tools to enhance learning
-Participated on School Mentoring Committee (LINC) – (2013 – Present)
-Led a teacher academy on using Glogster to update their teacher webpages
-Participated on Scheduling Committee (2014 – Present)
-Participated on PSSA Prep Committee (2012 – Present)
-Participated on District Technology Council (2012 – Present)
-Managed and co-supervised Studio 22 (Morning Broadcasting Show)
-Designed and created curriculum for course in Summer 2009
-Attended Rubric Design with Jay McTighe (Using Rubrics to Evaluate and Improve Student
Performance) Workshop (April 2011)
-Instructed teachers at SLSD Technology Fair (Videoconferencing and Green Screening)
April 2010 & May 2011
Hopewell Elementary School (2nd
grade), Center Valley, PA (August 2005-August 2009)
-Developed a balanced literacy program

2. -Developed guided reading units and center instruction
-Organized, planned, and implemented daily lessons; responsible for planning and student
assessment
-Conducted Action Research in the area of writing for the Lehigh Valley Writing Project
-Differentiated instruction for students of varying levels
-Worked with focus group in the realm of writing
Curriculum and Instruction Intern
Lehigh University (August 2008 – June 2009)
-Designed 2nd
grade writing curriculum based on research by Lucy Calkins’ research
-Led a focus group for 2nd
grade teacher supporting the implementation of the new writing
program
-Led the Strategic Teacher Academy
-Designed and helped to implement professional development learning activities for teachers
-Attended Lehigh Study Council
-Authored 2nd
grade Social Studies curriculum
-Revised 1st
grade Social Studies curriculum
-Participated in the interview process on an administrative level for an ESOL position
-Participated in the writing of 21st
century skills curriculum writing
-Presented how to interpret PSSA results and the importance of 21st
century skills at a PTA
meeting
Principal Intern
California University of Pennsylvania (January 2011 -- August 2012)
-Participated in the interview process on an administrative level (Primary and Secondary)
-Differentiation of our Teacher Induction Program
-Worked on Building Data Plan-Organized professional development opportunities for teachers-
Supervised teachers using Charlotte Danielson’s domains
-Participated on the Strategic Plan Committee
-Created a vision of a partnership relating to student achievement based on analyzing data-Created
a school improvement project/plan (Inquiry-Based Learning/Teaching in the Middle School
Science Classroom)
-Participated in the interview process
Child Custody Evaluator – Northampton County
Department of Human Services Children, Youth, and Families Division (May 2006-July
2010)
-Conducted home interviews with and without children present (2 visits)
-Created a report about the evaluation
Salaried Substitute
Jefferson Elementary School (Grade 4), Allentown, PA (September 2004-August 2005)
-Developed a Rigby balanced literacy program
-Developed Guided Reading units
-Organized, planned, and implemented daily lessons; responsible for planning and student
assessment
-Implemented a new discipline approach for our school on a committee
-Individualized teaching strategies for various learning styles; including ESOL students
-Worked in school system with standards driven curriculum
-Integrated technology into math, social studies, and science lessons
Temporary Professional Employee
Jefferson Elementary School (Grade 2), Allentown, PA (September 2003-June 2004)
Jefferson Elementary School (Grade 1), Allentown, PA (January 2003-June 2003)
-Completed Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
Long-Term Substitute
Jefferson Elementary School (Grade 1), Allentown, PA (January 2002-January 2003)
-Attended a conference on Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Strategies (January 2003)

3. Related Experience:
Keystone STAR Educator/Summit – Kutztown (July 2014)
MAGPI Fellows Program (2009-2010)
PETE&C Presenter (February 2015)
PETE& C Presenter (February 2014)
PETE & C Conference Attendee (February 2010 & February 2011)
PETE& C Student Technology Showcase (February 2011-2015)
PAECT Student Technology Showcase in Harrisburg (May 2011, 2013, 2014, & 2015)
CLIU Computer Fair Judge (Middle School Level)
FCCLA Judge (March 2014 & 2015)
Pennsylvania State Computer Fair Judge – Middle School Competition (May 2014)
Teacher of National Youth Writing Project through Penn State University
Academic Achievements/ Activities:
Member of the National Writing Project
Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA)
National Education Association (NEA)
Graduated Cum Laude
Dean’s List
Alpha Chi Omega
Studied Abroad: University College Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
Received grant for Master’s program for ESOL from University of Turabo
Instructional II certificate in Elementary Education
Skills:
Computer proficiency: MS Works, MS Word, MS Excel, Internet, PowerPoint, Keynote,
Pages, I-Movie, Garageband, videoconferencing, I-Photo, Prezi
Limited Spanish- speaking, writing, and reading