Amber Scullion
Summary
Student-centered international educator and school leader with more than 10 years of experience supporting student well-being, behavior, belonging, and academic success in culturally and linguistically diverse school communities. Former Dean of Primary and recent Education Specialist graduate with a specialization in social-emotional learning. Experienced in pastoral care, school culture, restorative and relationship-based practices, family communication, teacher coaching, and support for multilingual learners. Graduate research focused on culturally responsive SEL and the use of translanguaging to help multilingual students express emotions, build confidence, participate fully, and develop a stronger sense of belonging. Committed to creating inclusive, supportive school environments where every student feels known, valued, and able to thrive.
Work History
Primary School Teacher
1 Year 1 Month- Designed engaging lesson plans to foster student interest and participation.
- Implemented diverse instructional strategies to accommodate various learning styles.
- Developed assessment tools to evaluate student progress and understanding effectively.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum alignment and teaching methodologies.
- Spearheaded initiatives promoting inclusivity and emotional well-being in the classroom environment.
- Maintained positive and professional classroom environment throughout school year.
- Designed daily lesson plans customized to student needs.
- Promoted inclusive learning environments by adapting instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners, including English language learners.
DEAN OF PRIMARY
2 Years 11 Months- Works closely with division head and teachers to provide personalized behavioral, academic, and pastoral support for more than 200 students
- This includes but is not limited to communication with parents, support teachers in parent and student communication, managing and tracking discipline records, and support parents and teachers with students' overall well-being
- In addition, spearheads middle school advisory program with alignment to BASIS Chengdu PANDAS Values, and incorporating whole school monthly PANDAS Value theme.
- Advocated for student needs, leading to development of comprehensive support services and resources.
- Enhanced student life and campus culture with introduction of new student organizations and extracurricular activities.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING COMMITTEE
2 Years 11 Months- Designed and implemented Social Emotional Learning curriculum whole school
- Supports and strengthens social emotional experiences of more than 200 students, teachers, parents, and community at BASIS Nanjing through professional developments and trainings for teachers, planning and delivering lessons to students, and delivering informational sessions to parents.
PRIMARY SUBJECT EXPERT TEACHER
2 Years 11 Months- Prepared subject specific lessons in Humanities for first and second grade students
- Provided interactive and differentiated learning environment to meet needs of each student, including English Language Learners
- Collaborated with Learning Expert Teacher, as well as other grade level teachers to provide better support and lessons for students, that are cross-curricular, and student focused.
THIRD GRADE MATH TEACHER
11 Months- Responsible for creating and implementing rigorous, standards-aligned lessons and assessments with end goal of students performing at or above grade-level
- Maintained culture of high academic and behavioral standards in classroom
- Communicated regularly with scholars, families, and colleagues to maintain collaborative learning environment
- Continuously utilized feedback to make changes in instructional practices and overall performance.
FIRST GRADE TEACHER
1 Year 6 Months- Selected from approximately 40,000 applicants nationwide to join national teacher corps of leaders who commit to teach in public schools
- Participated in intensive training program to develop skills and knowledge needed to achieve significant gains in student achievement
- Taught in summer school program run by Teach for America for students in Memphis public schools under supervision of faculty of experienced teachers
- Engaged in comprehensive program of professional development including seminars, discussion groups, workshops, and content/professional learning communities specific to license areas.
ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN
7 Months- Provided academic support to Collegiate School of Memphis by means of conducting daily homework checking process and substituting for absent teachers
- Provided administrative support such as assisting with daily attendance, running front desk communicating with families and community, assisting with setup and execution of school events, scheduling parent/teacher conferences, etc.
Youth Specialist
2 Months- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Managed a caseload of students employed at several different locations around Memphis by acting as a liaison between student participants, business partners and the MPloy program. Picked up timesheets from participants’ worksites, ensured timesheets were signed by both the participants and the worksite supervisor, and input the student’s worked hours into the Oracle system. Performed site visits to check on the welfare of students and the satisfaction of worksite supervisors, communicated via email and phone calls with the students on program updates, event locations and other information as needed.
Youth Anti-Violence Coordinator
1 Year- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Executive Division of the City of Memphis in the Office of Youth Services, assuming the role of Youth Anti-Violence Coordinator. Collaborated with a Youth Violence Prevention team comprising members from programs dedicated to youth violence prevention and intervention, along with youth impacted by violence. Responsibilities included facilitating coordination among various entities within the City, County, and private organizations to identify synergies and inefficiencies, fostering collaboration for collective impact. Additionally, contributed to establishing an evidence-based framework for these initiatives.
Education
Education Specialist - Social Emotional Learning
Completed an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree with a focus on social-emotional learning, culturally responsive practice, and support for multilingual learners. Graduate research examined how translanguaging, home-language resources, visual supports, and flexible participation methods can make SEL instruction more accessible and inclusive in international classrooms. The program strengthened expertise in educational research, evidence-based intervention design, equity, student well-being, and the implementation and evaluation of school-based support practices.
Masters of Education - Social Emotional Learning
Completed a Master of Education at Christian Brothers University with graduate study focused on student development, inclusive classroom practice, and the relationship between social-emotional well-being and academic success. My capstone examined the value of social-emotional learning in classrooms serving students and families from low-income backgrounds. As part of the research, I designed and conducted a survey of teachers, administrators, school counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals to gather their perspectives on SEL and its influence on student behavior, engagement, well-being, and academic performance. The program strengthened my skills in educational research, data collection, program evaluation, and the development of equitable, student-centered support practices.
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Philosophy And Religious Studies
- Member of Alpha Delta Pi
- Member of Alpha Phi Omega, UM College Corps, and Student ActivitiesAssociation