In the University of Mississippi's Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction, Harley Gonzales will lead research and program development efforts focused on enhancing literacy instruction, especially for young children. She will cultivate and enhance partnerships between schools and communities.
Biography
Harley Gonzales is a dynamic and driven instructional leader with a passion for coaching and building capacity in educators. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a strong motivation and enthusiasm for enhancing the capabilities of teachers. As an advocate for fostering a positive climate and culture, Harley upholds standards of excellence for herself and her team. She is skilled in building positive relationships, fostering collaboration, and serving as a dedicated leader. Harley firmly believes in the transformative impact a coach can have, irrespective of the challenges at hand.
Harley's expertise lies in promoting a sense of urgency in literacy achievement, inspiring high performance, and demonstrating a high degree of professionalism. She possesses a strong work ethic, self-direction, and reliability, and is capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Harley's high-quality interpersonal skills enable her to adapt to interacting with adults of various abilities and dispositions. She maintains persistence in the face of obstacles, advocates for positive change, embraces lifelong learning, and eagerly pursues professional growth.
Harley's instructional coaching experience includes serving as an Instructional Leadership Team Member, a Mentor for Novice Teachers, a District ELA Leadership Team Member, an Assigned Targeted School of Improvement (ATSI) School Coordinator, and an MTSS Core Team Member. She has also worked as a Digital Learning Coach for the Mississippi Department of Education, where she coordinated and facilitated professional development for K-8 teachers. In this role, Harley promoted a non-threatening, open, professional, and collaborative work relationship with district-level school personnel, school-based literacy coaches, principals, and teachers. She practiced Jim Knight's Coaching Cycle, providing weekly support to schools, developing resources, and effectively communicating agendas. Harley also utilized coaching logs to document student achievement and build teacher capacity.
Harley's leadership experience includes serving as an active member of the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) at North Pontotoc Upper Elementary, a mentor in the district-level mentor/mentee program, and an active member of the district's ELA Leadership Team. She worked with district leaders to develop a Reading Scaffolding/Vertical Alignment document and served as the Assigned Targeted School of Improvement School Coordinator. Harley's efforts led North Pontotoc Upper Elementary to exit ATSI Status in 2023.
Harley's teaching experience includes serving as a Lead ELA Teacher at North Pontotoc Upper Elementary, where she taught 5th and 6th grade ELA, reading, and writing intervention. She also served as a Grade Level Leader, PLC Leader, Content Leader, 5th Grade Science Teacher, District Level ELA and Science Virtual Teacher, MTSS Chair, and Mentor. In this role, Harley effectively integrated technology into the curriculum, ensuring that teachers were equipped with the skills and resources to enhance their instructional methods.
Harley's accomplishments include facilitating the Community Action Poverty Simulation Training, participating in the Aim Institute for Learning and Research's Pathways to Literacy Leadership program, and attending the NWEA/MDE MAAP Item Writing Workshop. She has also completed the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) program and attended the Mississippi Association of School Administrators' Innovative Leadership Summit. Harley has presented on various topics, including "Providing Access Through Accessibility," "Active Learning and Engagement," and "Supporting Responsible Digital Citizenship."
Overall, Harley Gonzales is a highly accomplished and dedicated instructional leader with a proven track record of success in coaching, teaching, and leadership. Her passion for education and promoting literacy achievement is evident in her work, and she continues to seek out opportunities for professional growth and development.