Teaching & Learning

The Teaching & Learning Department oversees leadership development and continuous improvement related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, comprehensive school improvement planning, and educational programming services. Special Services, Student Services, and Early Learning, as well as K-12 principals and assistant principals are also under the supervision of this department. The overall goal of the Academics Strategic Focus Area is to develop and enhance quality educational/instructional programs to improve overall and individual student academic performance. The goal champion for the Academics Strategic Focus area is Dr. Alicia Casey, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning.

  
Teaching & Learning Team
Team Member Primary Responsibilities
Alicia Wilson PhotoDr. Alicia Casey
Executive Director, Teaching & Learning
816-858-5420 x. 2117

Email
  • Oversight of Teaching & Learning System
  • Professional Development
  • K-12 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • State Assessments
Aaron Duff PhotoDr. Aaron Duff

Director, Secondary Education
816-858-5420 x. 2113
Email
  • Secondary Curriculum
  • Secondary Assessment
  • Dual Credit Course Compliance
  • End of Course Exams (EOCs)
  • Tier 2 Math and Tier 2 Reading
  • Online Learning
  • Library Media Services
  • Project Lead The Way
  • International Exchange Students

Jennifer McClureDr. Jennifer McClure
Director, Elementary Education
816-858-5420 x. 2114
Email 
  • Elementary Programming
  • Elementary Assessment
  • Curriculum Writing and Resources
  • Instructional Framework
  • Instructional Technology Integration           
  • Acceleration and Retention of Students
Emily BrownEmily Brown
Director, Special Services & Early Learning
816-858-5420 x. 2201
Email
  • Principal of Great Beginnings
  • Special Education Programming and Compliance
  • Student Success Teams
  • Tier 3 Programming
  • English Language Learners
  • LEAP (Gifted) Programming
  • Parents as Teachers
Dr. Chad SayreDr. Chad Sayre
Director, Student Services
816-858-5420 x. 2206
Email
  • Student Safety/Crisis Response
  • Bullying Prevention Coordinator
  • Health  Services
  • School Social Workers
  • Title IX Coordinator
  • Residency
  • Homeless Liaison
  • Foster Care
  • Long-Term Hearing Officer
  • Treasure Chest Coordinator
Dr. Hawar KhalandiDr. Hawar Khalandi
Director, College and Career Readiness
816-858-5420
Email
  • Real-world learning opportunities
  • Expand opportunities for students to earn Market Value Assets (MVAs)
  • Improve College and Career Readiness
  • Help design a guaranteed and viable curriculum by ensuring its alignment to standards and proficiency scales

  • Support counselors
Kelli WoodsKelli Woods
Executive Administrative Assistant
816-858-5420 x. 2129
Email
  • Support Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
  • Team coordination and task assistance
  • Calendar Management
  • Resource procurement and processing
  • Assists district staff with instructional technology logins
Susie MurphySusie Murphy
Executive Administrative Assistant
816-858-5420 x.2121
Email		  
Glenda ChristensenGlenda Hudson
Executive Administrative Assistant
816-858-5420 x. 2200
Email		  
  • Support Director of Elementary and Secondary Education  
  • Team coordination and task assistance
  • Calendar Management
  • Resource procurement and processing
  • Field Trip Logistics