Professional Portfolio

Sierra Whyte

Education Policy Analyst & Strategic Planner

Classroom Lead Teacher

About Me

With a comprehensive background in education, data analysis, and nonprofit leadership, I am adept at creating transformative learning environments and achieving outstanding results. My experience in educational leadership, strategic planning, and policy implementation has equipped me to make a meaningful impact campus-wide. I have a strong foundation in research methods, data-driven instruction, and student-centered learning, which enables me to design and deliver effective educational programs that meet diverse learning needs.

Experience

2023 - PRESENT

Education Policy consultant

Freelance

Spearheaded innovative education policy initiatives for diverse clientele, leveraging expertise in research, analysis, and strategic planning to drive impactful change.
Developed and executed comprehensive policy recommendations, tailored to client objectives and regulatory landscapes, resulting in measurable improvements in education outcomes.
Established trusted partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, facilitating collaborative efforts to address complex policy challenges and drive systemic reform.
Produced insightful policy briefs that effectively communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences, influencing decision-makers and shaping public discourse.

2020 -

PRESENT

Elementary lead teacher

Houston independent school district

Conducted research and analysis on education policy issues, including school ESSER funding initiatives and refugee integration, and authored reports and recommendations for policymakers and education leaders.
Designed and implemented studies using qualitative and quantitative methods to test the effectiveness of campus-based initiatives.
Analyzed student data to identify academic strengths and weaknesses and designed individualized interventions to support struggling students.
Established and maintained positive relationships with parents, community members, and other stakeholders, resulting in increased parental involvement and support for school initiatives.
Utilized various technology platforms and tools, including learning management systems, student data systems, and video conferencing software, to support remote and hybrid learning environments.
Provided mentorship and guidance to new teachers, developing their instructional skills and building confidence.
Participated in campus leadership, with two years of experience as a Grade Level Chair, leading a team of eight educators in collaborating to meet deadlines and execute required functions, and one year of participation on the campus-wide Shared Decision Making Committee.

Strategic Planning study chair, membership evaluation

2024 - PRESENT

The Junior League Of houston

Spearheaded in-depth research and analysis as an integral member of the Strategic Planning Committee.
Manage the end-to-end process of annual placement evaluations, ensuring seamless collaboration with the League's Membership Council for efficient tracking and distribution to key League leaders.
Leverage proficiency in SurveyMonkey to optimize the administration of surveys, enhancing the overall efficiency of the Strategic Planning Committee.
Fostered transparent communication and accountability by delivering monthly progress reports to the Membership Council.
Strategically collaborate with the Membership Vice President and Strategic Planning Director to drive impactful decisions and initiatives during the pivotal Annual Planning Meeting, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

2023 - 2024

Strategic Planning researcher, communications

The junior League of houston

Conducted comprehensive research to support the League's Communications initiatives, contributing to informed decision-making to support a robust and uniform communications strategy.
Co-authored a study restructuring external and internal communications roles and practices to advance the League's mission.
Prepared detailed reports and drafted policy recommendations, providing critical insights into the League's communication efforts and leading data-driven improvements.
Participated in long-range planning, offering valuable input and expertise to address various Strategic Planning challenges and opportunities, ensuring alignment between communications strategies and overall organizational goals.
Appointed as a member of the Development Council, collaborating with key stakeholders to apply communications research to drive fundraising and development efforts, culminating in $800,000 in fundraising at the 2024 Charity Ball.

2022 - 2023

2019

Provisional member

The Junior League Of houston

Actively contributed as a Provisional Member during the 2022-2023 provisional year; Simultaneously served as a dedicated Texas Children's Hospital Health Resource Group Volunteer and a Tea Room Server.
Engaged passionately in the organization's mission, promoting voluntarism, developing women's potential, and driving positive community change through leadership.

Student Teacher

Alta loma school district

Applied collegiate knowledge of instructional theory, content and standards, and classroom management during a 13 week demonstrated teaching placement in First Grade.
Communicated high expectations to all learners, while differentiating to support the needs of groups such as English Language Learners, Students on IEP’s, below-level readers, and gifted and talented students.
Supported the confidence, happiness, and safety of all students in both my bond with each student, and in my thoughtful development of classroom environment.
Managed classroom behavior using the PBIS method to promote positivity and responsibility.