Allison Cottingham
Dallas
Summary
Results-driven education leader with over 20 years of experience in K–5 literacy instruction, coaching, and professional development. Demonstrated expertise in the Science of Reading, LETRS® implementation, and evidence-informed literacy practices aligned to state and federal mandates. Skilled in designing and facilitating impactful professional development for educators and leaders, both virtually and in person, with a proven ability to transfer learning into instructional practice. Strong background in data analysis, assessment alignment, and collaborative planning with district and school leadership to improve student literacy outcomes. Recognized for modeling effective coaching, building educator capacity, and strategically guiding systemic early literacy initiatives to drive measurable growth.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading & Math Intervention Specialist
Sherwood Elementary School - Gaston County Schools
08.2025 - Current
- Deliver targeted small-group and one-on-one interventions in reading and math for students performing below grade level.
- Implement evidence-based instructional strategies aligned to state standards and the Science of Reading.
- Progress monitor student growth using formative and benchmark assessments.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to align interventions with core instruction.
- Analyze student data to adjust instructional approaches and intervention plans.
- Support implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI).
- Provide instructional resources and model strategies for teachers to support struggling learners.
- Improve overall classroom performance by providing targeted support for struggling students in various subjects.
- Enhanced student outcomes by implementing evidence-based intervention strategies and techniques.
- School Testing Coordinator
- Coordinate and oversee all state and district-mandated assessments (e.g., EOG, benchmarks, screeners).
- Train and support staff on standardized testing procedures and security protocols.
- Develop and manage the testing schedule to minimize instructional disruption.
- Ensure compliance with state testing policies, accommodations, and secure test material handling.
- Collaborate with administration and teachers to ensure students receive proper accommodations per IEP/504 plans.
- Mentor
K-5 ELA Academic Facilitator
Gaston County Schools
07.2020 - 06.2025
- Provided School Based Instructional Coaching for content teachers and teachers.
- Provide model lessons for classroom teachers using best practices while delivering whole class lessons and small group instruction.
- Write Unit Guides and Unit Plans for ELA curriculum.
- Collaborated with school principals, content teachers, and teachers to make data-driven instructional decisions.
- Led District Professional Development
- Led/Supported School Based and District PLC Meetings
- Phonics Curriculum Planning and Lesson Writing
- District Lead for NC ELI providing professional development for data collection and entry in the platform. Monitored data collection to reach 95% or higher.
- District Co-Lead for Standards-Based Grading Implementation Project
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- LETRS Volume 1 & 2 Professional Development Facilitator.
- Participation in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and research.
- Selected as a writer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction English Language Arts Standards Writing Revision Team in July of 2024.
Teacher
Gaston County Schools
08.2016 - 06.2020
- Kindergarten & 3rd Grade Teacher
- New Teacher Mentor
- Grade Level Chair
- Cooperating Teacher
- Data-Driven Instructional Decisions
- Led/participated in Weekly PLC Meetings
- Participated in Virtual Instruction
- Responsible for planning instruction for instructional assistants to deliver to small groups in reading and math
- Designed and delivered professional development
- MTSS Team Member, a committee of practitioners who worked with classroom teachers to provide strategies and ideas for intervention in academics and/or behaviors
- Engaged parents or guardians by connecting via phone, e-mail, or in person
- Delivered engaging lesson plans, inspiring learners to explore topics outside of the classroom.
- Implemented curriculum consistent with the unique learning needs of students
- Identified student needs and collaborated with staff members to assess and solve challenges
- Member of the Leader In Me School Committee
Teacher
Gaston County Schools
08.2005 - 07.2016
- Kindergarten & 3rd Grade Teacher
- Mentor
- Grade Level Chair
- Data-Driven Instructional Decisions
- Participated in Weekly PLC Meetings
- Responsible for planning instruction for instructional assistants to deliver to small groups in reading and math
- MTSS Team Member, a committee of practitioners who worked with classroom teachers to provide strategies and ideas for intervention in academics and/or behaviors
- Engaged parents or guardians by connecting via phone or e-mail
- Delivered engaging lesson plans, inspiring learners to explore topics outside of class time
- Implemented curriculum consistent with the unique learning needs of students
- Identified student needs and collaborated with staff members to assess and solve challenges
Education
Master of Education - Elementary Education
Gardner Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC07.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05.2005
Skills
- Mastery of K–5 LETRS® Volume I & II
- Skilled facilitator of adult professional learning, both virtual and in-person
- Expertise in evidence-informed literacy practices aligned to the Science of Reading
- Experience coaching and mentoring teachers to improve instructional outcomes
- Strong knowledge of federal/state literacy policies
- Data-driven decision-maker with expertise in reading assessment analysis and application
Certification
- North Carolina: Teaching Certification, Elementary K-6
- LETRS Volume I & II Mastery Certificate
- LETRS Volume I & II Local Facilitator Certification
- LETRS Early Childhood Certificate
- Reading Research to Classroom Practice
- Foundations of Math
Timeline
Reading & Math Intervention Specialist
Sherwood Elementary School - Gaston County Schools
08.2025 - Current
K-5 ELA Academic Facilitator
Gaston County Schools
07.2020 - 06.2025
Teacher
Gaston County Schools
08.2016 - 06.2020
Teacher
Gaston County Schools
08.2005 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master of Education - Elementary Education
Gardner Webb University
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