Laura Hendrickson, Founder
I have worked for 25+ years in education as a site leader, a reading specialist and a district level administrator. My most recent position has been to support and develop K-8 literacy programs using The Science of Reading. We have screened and served students for dyslexia individually and in small groups. In addition, we have developed a model for larger group instruction for secondary students who need fundamental support in English.
Further, I led a middle school through the process of addressing California's school improvement initiatives identified by the California Department of Education aligned to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). We identified areas of improvement and worked to develop school leaders to implement needed changes in instructional practices.
Prior to this position, I was the proud Principal of Hilliard Comstock Middle School in Santa Rosa, California. I led a stellar group of teachers and staff. We collaborated on many initiatives from Literacy to Math to SEL to COVID online learning and re-entry in person. During this time we increased our enrollment by over 100 students and increased state scores to exit program improvement. Prior to this wonderful journey, I directed Literacy training and professional development for Santa Rosa City Schools as a coach, director and teacher.
I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive school culture where every student feels valued and supported. At Hilliard Comstock, we prioritized social-emotional learning and provided opportunities for students to develop strong relationships with each other and with adults on campus. We also prioritized academic rigor and provided students with a challenging curriculum that prepares them for high school and beyond. One of our biggest accomplishments at Hilliard Comstock was implementing a restorative justice program that significantly reduced the number of suspensions and expulsions. Instead of punitive measures, we focused on repairing harm and building relationships between students and staff. This program has been successful in creating a more positive and respectful school community.
I believe that leaders have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the world, but it’s not an easy journey. It’s a journey that requires vulnerability, authenticity, and a willingness to learn and grow. My role is to create a safe and supportive space for leaders to explore their own growth and development, while also providing practical tools and strategies to help them navigate the challenges they face. One thing that sets me apart as a leadership coach and consultant is my focus on mindfulness and emotional intelligence. I believe that leaders who are able to cultivate these skills are better equipped to navigate complex challenges, build strong relationships, and create positive change in their organizations and communities. Ultimately, my goal is to empower leaders to be their best selves, both personally and professionally. I believe that when leaders are able to lead from a place of authenticity and self-awareness, they have the potential to make a lasting impact in the world.
Further, I led a middle school through the process of addressing California's school improvement initiatives identified by the California Department of Education aligned to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). We identified areas of improvement and worked to develop school leaders to implement needed changes in instructional practices.
Prior to this position, I was the proud Principal of Hilliard Comstock Middle School in Santa Rosa, California. I led a stellar group of teachers and staff. We collaborated on many initiatives from Literacy to Math to SEL to COVID online learning and re-entry in person. During this time we increased our enrollment by over 100 students and increased state scores to exit program improvement. Prior to this wonderful journey, I directed Literacy training and professional development for Santa Rosa City Schools as a coach, director and teacher.
I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive school culture where every student feels valued and supported. At Hilliard Comstock, we prioritized social-emotional learning and provided opportunities for students to develop strong relationships with each other and with adults on campus. We also prioritized academic rigor and provided students with a challenging curriculum that prepares them for high school and beyond. One of our biggest accomplishments at Hilliard Comstock was implementing a restorative justice program that significantly reduced the number of suspensions and expulsions. Instead of punitive measures, we focused on repairing harm and building relationships between students and staff. This program has been successful in creating a more positive and respectful school community.
I believe that leaders have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the world, but it’s not an easy journey. It’s a journey that requires vulnerability, authenticity, and a willingness to learn and grow. My role is to create a safe and supportive space for leaders to explore their own growth and development, while also providing practical tools and strategies to help them navigate the challenges they face. One thing that sets me apart as a leadership coach and consultant is my focus on mindfulness and emotional intelligence. I believe that leaders who are able to cultivate these skills are better equipped to navigate complex challenges, build strong relationships, and create positive change in their organizations and communities. Ultimately, my goal is to empower leaders to be their best selves, both personally and professionally. I believe that when leaders are able to lead from a place of authenticity and self-awareness, they have the potential to make a lasting impact in the world.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
· ACSA Superintendents Academy
· M.A. - Sonoma State University: Reading and Language Arts Education, Sonoma State University
· B.A. English with Social Science Minor – SUNY at Buffalo, NY
CREDENTIALS
· Administrative Service Credential, Sonoma State University
· CLAD Credential, Sonoma State University
· Specialist Credential: Reading, Sonoma State University
· Single Subject: English, SUNY at Buffalo, NY
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
· District Administrator on Special Assignment, Santa Rosa City Schools
Training and supporting elementary special education teachers and principals who are implementing an Orton-Gillingham based literacy program that targets students with dyslexia. At the same time, I am implementing the same program as a pilot at one of the district’s middle schools with 7th grade special education students.
· UC Merced Extension: Contracted to develop course syllabi for in-person, online and asynchronous courses for Single Subject Methods for English Language Arts.
· Consultant & Principal: Redwood Educational Collaborative, Santa Rosa, CA, current position
Lead consultant for a nationally based collaborative focusing on literacy, leadership, multi-lingual learners and MTSS. We are currently contracted with Renaissance Learning to provide training for districts in the eduClimber software platform for MTSS.
· Principal, Hilliard Comstock Middle School, Santa Rosa, CA Current position (2011-present)
We have raised test scores and enrollment over the 12 years I have served as principal. During the last year of API, we scored a 9 out of 10 in the similar schools index! Enrollment increased by 140 students in the years since I’ve been Principal. True PLCs are in place allowing teachers to collaborate on engaging and rigorous instruction that supports standards-based education and social emotional practices. We provide college preparatory classes for students that connect to our high school and junior college. Elective wheels provide opportunity for students to explore their passions. Social emotional supports have become a part of the fabric of the school with Multi-Tiered Systems. We created summer “Jump Start” programs to acclimate students to middle school.
· Mentor, North Coast School of Education, Sonoma County Office of Education, 2017-present)
Mentor pre-service administrators in preparation for the CalAPA and PASC 1 requirements.
· Assistant Principal, Santa Rosa High School (2010-2011)
Santa Rosa High School is the largest high school in Santa Rosa with over 2000 students. I worked collaboratively to maintain a safe school and functioned as the lead administrator for student recognition and incentives, AVID coordinator, and EL coordinator.
· Principal, Summer School & Adult Education; 9th and 10th grade credit recovery students (multiple years)
By teaching students self-advocacy and by working closely with teachers, over 97% of our students were able to recover credits during my tenure. In addition, I was supported Lewis Adult students in GED and job skills.
· Coordinator/Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Santa Rosa City Schools, Curriculum & Instruction (2006-2010)
I directed and coordinated teacher leader groups and professional development, the Model Classroom Facilitator program, Strategic ELA classes and curriculum development; national K-12 trainer for Language!, Prentice Hall, SIOP and EDI; worked with GATE, Differentiated Instruction, Sheltered Instruction, classroom observation protocols, and college readiness curriculum such as the Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC); served as Literacy Coach supporting K-12 teachers.
· Consultant (multiple years)
I have worked with school districts in Reading and Writing and literacy across the curriculum. Developed "Freeing the Middle School Writer, using the Reading and Writing Workshop model; national trainer for the Language!; consultant for Pearson in developing the new Language Arts adoption; SB 472 Trainer, California Office of Education SIOP® Service Consultant, Teacher Education & Development Group, Pearson Learning, Renaissance Learing: EduClimber, STAR, Accelerated Reader
· Teacher and English Department Chair, Santa Rosa Middle School: (1998-2006) Teacher of English, Academic Literacy, Social Studies and Drama. English Department Chair, Reading Specialist. In this role I developed a grant for state funding for struggling readers and served as a reading specialist for Tier 2 students struggling with literacy.
· Adjunct Instructor, Sonoma State University, Education Department, Single Subject Credential Program, Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
Professional Activities and Organizations
· ACSA Region 4 Liaison for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Council
· Sonoma County ACSA President, 2018; Board member since 2014
· Leadership Series at Sonoma County Office of Education: 21st Century Schools, Professional Learning Communities, Response to Intervention
· Sonoma State University Advisory Board for Reading/Language Arts Education
· National Council of English Teachers (NCTE)
· California Association of Teachers of English (CATE)
· California Reading Association
· United Nations NGO Member -- Earth Charter Task Force
Honors and Awards
· California League of Middle Schools Outstanding Educator of the Year, 2004-2005
· Jack London Award for Program Innovation: Project Make, 2015
· CSBS Golden Bell Award for Project Make, 2015
Relevant Trainings
· CRSH Training (Culturally Responsive, Sustaining, Humanizing Institute)
· Museum of Tolerance: Anti-Bias Training for Educators
· California Teacher’s Association Unconscious Bias Training
· Developing Academic Language
· Various trainings to support English learners and students who struggle with literacy
· Blended Learning
· Differentiated Instruction
· ACSA Superintendents Academy
· M.A. - Sonoma State University: Reading and Language Arts Education, Sonoma State University
· B.A. English with Social Science Minor – SUNY at Buffalo, NY
CREDENTIALS
· Administrative Service Credential, Sonoma State University
· CLAD Credential, Sonoma State University
· Specialist Credential: Reading, Sonoma State University
· Single Subject: English, SUNY at Buffalo, NY
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
· District Administrator on Special Assignment, Santa Rosa City Schools
Training and supporting elementary special education teachers and principals who are implementing an Orton-Gillingham based literacy program that targets students with dyslexia. At the same time, I am implementing the same program as a pilot at one of the district’s middle schools with 7th grade special education students.
· UC Merced Extension: Contracted to develop course syllabi for in-person, online and asynchronous courses for Single Subject Methods for English Language Arts.
· Consultant & Principal: Redwood Educational Collaborative, Santa Rosa, CA, current position
Lead consultant for a nationally based collaborative focusing on literacy, leadership, multi-lingual learners and MTSS. We are currently contracted with Renaissance Learning to provide training for districts in the eduClimber software platform for MTSS.
· Principal, Hilliard Comstock Middle School, Santa Rosa, CA Current position (2011-present)
We have raised test scores and enrollment over the 12 years I have served as principal. During the last year of API, we scored a 9 out of 10 in the similar schools index! Enrollment increased by 140 students in the years since I’ve been Principal. True PLCs are in place allowing teachers to collaborate on engaging and rigorous instruction that supports standards-based education and social emotional practices. We provide college preparatory classes for students that connect to our high school and junior college. Elective wheels provide opportunity for students to explore their passions. Social emotional supports have become a part of the fabric of the school with Multi-Tiered Systems. We created summer “Jump Start” programs to acclimate students to middle school.
· Mentor, North Coast School of Education, Sonoma County Office of Education, 2017-present)
Mentor pre-service administrators in preparation for the CalAPA and PASC 1 requirements.
· Assistant Principal, Santa Rosa High School (2010-2011)
Santa Rosa High School is the largest high school in Santa Rosa with over 2000 students. I worked collaboratively to maintain a safe school and functioned as the lead administrator for student recognition and incentives, AVID coordinator, and EL coordinator.
· Principal, Summer School & Adult Education; 9th and 10th grade credit recovery students (multiple years)
By teaching students self-advocacy and by working closely with teachers, over 97% of our students were able to recover credits during my tenure. In addition, I was supported Lewis Adult students in GED and job skills.
· Coordinator/Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Santa Rosa City Schools, Curriculum & Instruction (2006-2010)
I directed and coordinated teacher leader groups and professional development, the Model Classroom Facilitator program, Strategic ELA classes and curriculum development; national K-12 trainer for Language!, Prentice Hall, SIOP and EDI; worked with GATE, Differentiated Instruction, Sheltered Instruction, classroom observation protocols, and college readiness curriculum such as the Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC); served as Literacy Coach supporting K-12 teachers.
· Consultant (multiple years)
I have worked with school districts in Reading and Writing and literacy across the curriculum. Developed "Freeing the Middle School Writer, using the Reading and Writing Workshop model; national trainer for the Language!; consultant for Pearson in developing the new Language Arts adoption; SB 472 Trainer, California Office of Education SIOP® Service Consultant, Teacher Education & Development Group, Pearson Learning, Renaissance Learing: EduClimber, STAR, Accelerated Reader
· Teacher and English Department Chair, Santa Rosa Middle School: (1998-2006) Teacher of English, Academic Literacy, Social Studies and Drama. English Department Chair, Reading Specialist. In this role I developed a grant for state funding for struggling readers and served as a reading specialist for Tier 2 students struggling with literacy.
· Adjunct Instructor, Sonoma State University, Education Department, Single Subject Credential Program, Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum
Professional Activities and Organizations
· ACSA Region 4 Liaison for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Council
· Sonoma County ACSA President, 2018; Board member since 2014
· Leadership Series at Sonoma County Office of Education: 21st Century Schools, Professional Learning Communities, Response to Intervention
· Sonoma State University Advisory Board for Reading/Language Arts Education
· National Council of English Teachers (NCTE)
· California Association of Teachers of English (CATE)
· California Reading Association
· United Nations NGO Member -- Earth Charter Task Force
Honors and Awards
· California League of Middle Schools Outstanding Educator of the Year, 2004-2005
· Jack London Award for Program Innovation: Project Make, 2015
· CSBS Golden Bell Award for Project Make, 2015
Relevant Trainings
· CRSH Training (Culturally Responsive, Sustaining, Humanizing Institute)
· Museum of Tolerance: Anti-Bias Training for Educators
· California Teacher’s Association Unconscious Bias Training
· Developing Academic Language
· Various trainings to support English learners and students who struggle with literacy
· Blended Learning
· Differentiated Instruction
