Ann Quarles Poisson
Raleigh
Summary
Strategic educator and instructional leader with over 16 years of experience enhancing student and teacher outcomes. Proven track record in leading large-scale professional development initiatives and implementing data-driven decision-making processes. Expertise in program design and fostering collaborative systems to support teaching and learning in diverse, high-need environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Teacher
Powell Center for Play & Ingenuity Magnet Elementary
Raleigh
03.2020 - Current
- Design and facilitate advanced learning experiences for students in grades 2–5; collaborate with teachers to expand access to rigorous instruction; and lead schoolwide improvement efforts.
- Develop engaging lesson plans to foster creativity and critical thinking.
- Facilitate hands-on activities that promote play-based learning experiences.
- Collaborate with colleagues to enhance curriculum and teaching strategies.
- Lead School Improvement Team processes, including quarterly data reviews and progress monitoring.
- Manage AIG identification processes, including assessments, data analysis, and family communication.
- Mentor and coach beginning teachers, with a focus on instructional planning and differentiation.
- Coach Science Olympiad teams; one team placed 2nd and another 7th in district competitions.
Preschool Teacher
Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church Preschool
Raleigh
02.2018 - 02.2020
- Developed and taught engaging lessons for preschool age groups.
Fifth Grade Co-Teacher
Millbrook Magnet Elementary School
Raleigh
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Facilitated small group instruction to support diverse learning needs.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
Director, Teaching & Learning
Teach For America—Eastern North Carolina
Durham
07.2012 - 07.2016
- Led strategy, design, and implementation of teacher learning and development for first- and second-year educators across rural districts.
- Managed large-scale professional learning programs and cross-organizational initiatives to support teacher effectiveness and retention.
- Designed and launched a regional initiative on teaching diverse learners in partnership with Oak Foundation and local experts.
- Led in‑person and virtual pre‑service training for 90 new teachers; designed multi-day learning experiences grounded in research-based instructional practices.
- Redesigned onboarding for 150+ new corps members to strengthen regional knowledge, connection, and readiness.
- Planned and executed the annual Teaching & Learning Summit for 300+ attendees.
- Coordinated and supported seven Professional Learning Communities serving 250+ teachers.
- Built partnerships with districts, universities, and state agencies to ensure teacher readiness and licensure compliance.
- Provided instructional coaching and classroom-based support to elementary teachers.
Instructional Resource Teacher
Walnut Creek Elementary, Wake County Public Schools
Raleigh
06.2011 - 06.2012
- Provided schoolwide instructional leadership and professional development during the opening of a new K–5 school.
- Trained 30+ teachers in assessment systems, including implementation of mClass/Reading 3D.
- Delivered ongoing PD in literacy in collaboration with NCSU and district specialists.
- Supported leadership team with staffing, scheduling, curriculum management, and schoolwide systems.
- Taught reading intervention for at‑risk 3rd graders.
Learning Community Leader
Teach for America - Eastern North Carolina
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Designed and facilitated monthly PD for novice teachers in literacy and math.
Professional Learning Facilitator
Wake County Public Schools
Raleigh
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Facilitated research-driven professional development, enhancing curriculum design efforts
Fourth Grade Teacher
Powell GT Magnet Elementary, WCPSS
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Led instruction in core subjects and contributed to major school improvement initiatives.
- Consistently increased student achievement above state averages on EOG assessments.
- Used formative assessment to drive instructional decisions and targeted supports.
- Chaired Math Committee and implemented a balanced math program that contributed to exiting Title I School Improvement status.
- Mentored student teachers and university interns.
Corps Member Advisor
Teach for America Summer Institute
Atlanta
06.2008 - 07.2008
- Provided intensive training, coaching, and feedback to pre-service teachers.
- Guided corps members through program orientation and integration processes.
- Monitored corps members' progress and offered constructive feedback regularly.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University Of Texas At Austin
Austin
08.2004 - 05.2006
- Facilitated growth of pre-service teachers via detailed observations, tailored feedback, and Cognitive Coaching.
Teacher
C.E. Barrick Elementary, Houston ISD
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Taught grades 2, 3, and 5 in an urban bilingual Title I school.
- Implemented cooperative learning structures to improve student outcomes.
- Adapted reading instruction for bilingual students transitioning from Spanish to English.
Education
Academically/Intellectually Gifted Licensure Program - Education
Duke University
Durham, NC08-2019
M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX, USA05-2006
B.A. - Music & History
UNC–Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC, USA05-2001
Skills
- Program & project management
- Professional development design & facilitation
- Instructional coaching & educator development
- Equity-focused instruction & support for diverse learners
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data-informed decision-making
Certification
- NC K–6 Elementary Education
- AIG Certification
- National Board Certified Teacher (Middle Childhood/Generalist)
Honors And Awards
- Wake County Teacher of the Year (2008–2009)
- Finalist, North Carolina North Central Regional Teacher of the Year (2009)
- Powell Elementary Teacher of the Year (2008)
- Barrick Elementary Teacher of the Year (2003)
Other Relevant Experience
- Presenter & Consultant, WCPSS Math Department, 2008-2011, Delivered research-based PD, supported curriculum development, and contributed to district assessment tools.
- Learning Community Leader, Teach For America, 2008-2011, Designed and facilitated monthly PD for novice teachers in literacy and math.
- Corps Member Advisor, TFA Atlanta Institute, 2008, Provided intensive training, coaching, and feedback to pre-service teachers.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, UT Austin, 2004-2006, Supported pre-service teachers through observations, feedback, and Cognitive Coaching.
Timeline
Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Teacher
Powell Center for Play & Ingenuity Magnet Elementary
03.2020 - Current
Preschool Teacher
Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church Preschool
02.2018 - 02.2020
Fifth Grade Co-Teacher
Millbrook Magnet Elementary School
08.2016 - 06.2017
Director, Teaching & Learning
Teach For America—Eastern North Carolina
07.2012 - 07.2016
Instructional Resource Teacher
Walnut Creek Elementary, Wake County Public Schools
06.2011 - 06.2012
Learning Community Leader
Teach for America - Eastern North Carolina
08.2008 - 06.2011
Professional Learning Facilitator
Wake County Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2011
Corps Member Advisor
Teach for America Summer Institute
06.2008 - 07.2008
Fourth Grade Teacher
Powell GT Magnet Elementary, WCPSS
01.2006 - 01.2011
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University Of Texas At Austin
08.2004 - 05.2006
Teacher
C.E. Barrick Elementary, Houston ISD
01.2001 - 01.2004
Academically/Intellectually Gifted Licensure Program - Education
Duke University
M.Ed. - Curriculum & Instruction
University of Texas At Austin
B.A. - Music & History
UNC–Chapel Hill