1. Kellie G. Abbott
418 Fourth Ave Mobile: (724) 902-9121
New Kensington, PA 15068 abbottkg@gmail.com
Student-focused, data driven, servant leaderwith 16 years of progressive experience in urban and
suburban districts and a track record of solid performance in a variety of challenging, turnaround
assignments. Successful in using a collaborative approach to access key decision makers, network
effectively and create synergistic relationships.Strengths include:
Experienced coach and mentor who leverages strong communication skills to articulate and
develop buy-in to achieve shared goals
Detail-oriented leader with proven skill in managing large volumes of information and
facilitating multiple tasks in deadline-driven environment
Proven ability to quickly build rapport, establish trust and train and motivate people of all ages
Education
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Doctor of Education student, School Leadership, July 2009 - present
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Master of Education, Administration and Policy Studies, August 2008
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Bachelor of Arts Degree, English, May 1995
Professional Qualifications / Certifications
Secondary School Principal
Secondary English (Instructional II)
Professional Development Experiences
October 2010 Single Gender Education Conference
January 2009 International Center for Leadership in Education Symposium: Improving
Student Performance-From Successful Practices to Action Plans
October 2008 Summit for Courageous Conversations
June 2005 Harvard University’s The Principal’s Center: Focus on Accountability
June 2003 Schools that Learn with Peter Senge
Employment History
July 2008-Present Principal, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pittsburgh, PA
February 2002-June 2008 Principal, New Kensington Arnold School District, New Kensington, PA
August 2000-January 2002 Assistant Principal, New Kensington Arnold School District, New
Kensington, PA
August 1995-July 2000 Secondary English Teacher, Seneca Valley School District, Harmony, PA
2. Areas of Expertise
Raising Student Achievement
2002-2008:Improved Valley High School’s test scores on the Pennsylvania System of School
Assessment, over 30% in Reading, Mathematics and Writing.
2006: Eliminated achievement gap (black/white and SES/non) on Pennsylvania System of
School Assessment Writing Exam. Valley High School students scored 94% Proficient or
Advanced.
Instructional Leadership
2008-2009: Served as Lead Principal for Pittsburgh’s principal development program. Responsible
for all day-to-day operations of the program:
o Designed and implementedcoursework for residents and mentor principals including
District modules and University modules for graduate credit from Duquesne University.
o Coached seven PELA Residents (emerging principals)providing ongoing written and
verbal feedback
o Engaged, secured and coordinated the instruction of numerous presenters and ongoing
consultants
Facilitated a three-week Leadership Development Institute for forty teachers starting a new 6-12
school.
Managed the selection of and unwrapping of Power Standards, the creation of common
assessments and facilitated the analysis of evaluation results from common assessments to
differentiate instruction for eight departments in grades 6-12.
Strategic Leadership
Coordinated our school’s intensive Middle States Accreditation, which resulted in the Association
using our work product as an exemplar for other high schools.
Initiated a three-day retreat with faculty focusing on building team norms, creating a vision for our
new school and designing strategic work plans for how we would embrace our new goals.
Operational Leadership
Implemented a project management protocol that encompassed project timelines and coordinated
the efforts of the design team.
Administered the District’s application and implementation of the Accountability Block Grant and
Educational Assistance programs, totaling $600,000 and involving all seven buildings in the
District.