Karen Witcher
Knoxville
Summary
Educational leader with expertise in staff evaluation, public relations, and enrollment strategies. Managed a $1.5 million budget while overseeing daily operations for programs serving 300 to 600 students. Focused on enhancing communication among parents, staff, and the school board. Experienced in compliance management, curriculum development, and budget administration, ensuring a safe environment and meeting enrollment targets.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Director
Cedar Springs Weekday School
Knoxville
09.2015 - Current
- Ensured school compliance with state licensing requirements and federal laws.
- During my tenure, I was responsible for 40 to 60 employees, serving 300 to 600 students.
- Interviewed, recruited, evaluated, and retained an appropriate number of trained teachers, assistants, and substitutes.
- Oversaw day-to-day programs, including full-time and part-time preschool, kindergarten, school-age care, and summer camp.
- Communicated with parents on all relevant aspects of the school, including orientations, screenings, conferences, counseling referrals, and parent-teacher partnerships.
- Worked with teachers and parents concerning any problems in a diplomatic manner.
- Oversaw staff, parent handbooks, and evaluations of personnel.
- Responsible for a $1.5 million budget, payroll, forecasting, and personnel administration.
- Oversight of all public relations efforts to ensure capacity enrollment.
- Met with the school board regularly for budgeting, scholarships, staffing updates, and enrollment status.
- Implemented health and safety protocols to maintain a clean facility for children.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children.
Associate Director
Cedar Springs Weekday School
Knoxville
11.2013 - Current
- Assisted the director with licensing, mentoring, coordinating, evaluation of staff, curriculum updates, and resolved student discipline concerns while working with staff and families.
- Provided budgeting support to maintain a budget within approval limits, and was responsible for purchasing.
- Oversaw the admissions and registration process.
- Oversaw staff placements, reallocation of staff, and scheduling annually.
- Supervised age-appropriate practices, ensuring compliance with all Tennessee Learning Standards.
- Responsible for training new personnel and ensuring classroom safety compliance.
- Oversaw the curriculum and seasonal activities.
- Coordinated staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN08-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama08-1985
Skills
- Compliance management
- Curriculum development
- Budget administration
- Staff evaluation
- Public relations
- Enrollment strategies
Certification
Georgia Professional Teaching License (2006) P-5
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director
Cedar Springs Weekday School
09.2015 - Current
Associate Director
Cedar Springs Weekday School
11.2013 - Current
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations
Auburn University