Karen Murdock
Somerville
Summary
Seasoned Education Counselor with prior experience in providing career and academic guidance to students. Strengths include strong knowledge of various education systems, effective communication skills, and the ability to develop unique strategies tailored to individual student needs. Past work has resulted in improved student satisfaction rates and successful implementation of comprehensive counseling programs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Counselor
City of Somerville
09.2011 - 06.2024
- Collaborated with school staff and families to support student development.
- Maintained accurate records of student interactions including attendance data, assessment results, notes from meetings with parents and guardians.
- Attended professional development workshops related to counseling techniques and strategies.
- Identified areas where additional training or resources may be needed within the school environment.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions designed to reduce problem behaviors among adolescents.
- Provided individual and group counseling services to students.
- Participated in IEP team meetings for special education students.
- Provided consultation services to teachers, administrators and other stakeholders regarding best practices for working with diverse populations.
- Referred students to outside mental health professionals when appropriate.
- Participated in administrative duties such as scheduling appointments or managing intake paperwork.
- Monitored academic progress of assigned caseload of students.
- Created collaborative relationships with local organizations that provide support services for youth.
- Conducted assessments, interviews, and observations of student behavior.
- Organized college visits and career planning activities for high school students.
- Developed and implemented intervention plans for students with social-emotional needs.
- Facilitated classroom guidance lessons on topics such as self-esteem, peer pressure, bullying prevention, decision making, stress management, study skills.
- Assisted in the coordination of crisis response procedures in the event of a traumatic incident at the school site.
- Provided crisis intervention services during times of emergency or distress.
- Promoted positive behaviors among all members of the school community through modeling appropriate responses to challenging situations.
- Served as an advocate for underrepresented student populations by supporting equitable access to educational opportunities.
- Researched resources available to help meet the social-emotional needs of students.
- Engaged in ongoing dialogue with parents and guardians about their children's academic performance or social issues impacting learning.
- Worked collectively with education professionals to deliver in-school counseling support for identified students.
- Monitored students academic progress, mental health, and sociability through ongoing individual assessments.
- Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
- Established trusting relationship with students and parents to nurture confidence in school counseling process.
- Supported teachers and students during Individual Education Plan (IEP) development.
- Assessed students and proposed behavior management plans to alleviate academic and social problems.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational goals.
- Participated in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and developed intervention strategies for students with special needs.
- Incorporated feedback and coaching from administrative staff to standardize academic and social protocols.
- Monitored students' academic performance and progress, identifying those at risk of failing or dropping out.
- Identified at-risk students to provide support for successful academic experience and personal growth.
- Advised students on course selection, college application processes, and scholarship opportunities to support their academic and career goals.
- Counseled students regarding variety of social, educational and interpersonal issues.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay informed about best practices and emerging issues in school counseling.
- Developed bullying prevention programs and strategies to foster a safe and inclusive school climate.
- Coordinated with external agencies to refer students for additional support services, such as mental health counseling or tutoring.
- Advocated for students' needs and rights within the school system, working to remove barriers to their success.
- Consulted with families and staff to discuss strategies necessary for improved student social and academic performance.
- Provided crisis intervention services to students experiencing emotional, physical, or social distress.
- Facilitated conflict resolution and peer mediation sessions to promote a positive school environment.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student success and address behavioral and academic concerns.
- Facilitated transition planning for students moving from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and beyond.
- Maintained confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and communications with students and parents.
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to help students cope with personal and psychological issues.
- Identified cases of abuse, encouraging students or parents to seek assistance from mental health professionals.
- Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.
- Provided disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology and assistance accessing facilities.
- Observed students during classroom activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Advised students on course selection and academic pathways.
Redirect Teacher
City of Somerville
Somerville
09.2005 - 06.2011
- Enforced school rules and regulations in order to maintain an appropriate learning environment for all students.
- Supervised after school activities such as clubs or sports teams.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
- Monitored student behavior in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playgrounds.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain classroom discipline.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
- Monitored campus climate and co-curricular activities to ensure safety of students.
- Served as a resource for faculty, staff and students on university policies and procedures.
- Provided guidance on student discipline matters including investigations and hearings.
- Maintained records of disciplinary actions taken against individual students.
- Developed relationships with external organizations to create opportunities for students' professional growth.
- Coordinated crisis response planning with local law enforcement agencies.
- Conducted outreach efforts to welcome new students during orientation sessions.
- Developed and implemented programs to improve student retention, engagement, and success.
- Implemented measures designed to enhance school spirit among the student body.
- Enforced behavior management interventions to improve learning environment and increase academic success.
- Implemented and coordinated school spirit week, graduation, fall orientation and anti-bullying week.
- Executed and strategies to increase parental and community engagement within school.
- Maintained organized records to document student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes.
- Supported students' academic, health, social and financial needs by connecting students to resources on and off campus.
- Oversaw attendance trends and conducted parent conferences and home visits to guarantee student success.
- Established behavioral procedures to reinforce positive interactions between parents, students and faculty.
- Upheld commitment to educational excellence by promoting and establishing atmosphere of mutual respect and trust between students, faculty and parents.
- Collaborated with teachers to understand and improve classroom conditions.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions for clients.
- Provided crisis intervention services for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping skills that could be used during times of stress or difficulty.
- Coached clients on how to manage emotions effectively while also teaching them how to recognize warning signs of distress before it becomes overwhelming.
- Educated staff members about mental health issues affecting students so they can better respond appropriately to those needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients.
- Developed crisis intervention strategies for individuals facing difficult situations or events.
- Monitored clients' daily activities and responded appropriately when needed.
- Provided educational support by assisting students with their academic work as well as helping them develop problem solving skills.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, and other professionals.
- Facilitated communication between school personnel, parents and guardians, therapists, psychiatrists, and other professionals involved in the student's care.
- Established collaborative relationships with parents and guardians in order to provide effective care for their children.
- Created an environment that was safe, supportive, and conducive to learning for all students.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss case management issues and plan services for clients.
- Provided individual and group counseling to guide clients in areas of social and emotional needs.
- Helped clients find solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques.
- Acted as client advocate to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers, social workers, and educational professionals to coordinate client care.
- Obtained or maintained proper licensure or certification to meet state requirements.
- Advocated for clients' needs within their families, workplaces, and educational institutions.
- Designed and implemented prevention programs targeting substance abuse, bullying, and other social issues.
- Referred individuals to outside resources and services for additional support.
6th Grade Teacher
City of Somerville
Somerville
09.1996 - 06.2005
- Enforced school rules and regulations in order to maintain an appropriate learning environment for all students.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
- Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
- Developed lesson plans and materials to meet academic standards.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through project-based learning activities.
- Managed student data using various software programs such as PowerSchool.
- Created an environment conducive to learning through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Organized field trips to supplement curriculum objectives.
- Facilitated small group discussions during class time focusing on topics relevant to the course material.
- Incorporated hands-on activities into lessons when appropriate for enhanced engagement and understanding.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, and other pertinent information.
- Established effective communication with families regarding their child's academic achievement.
- Actively participated in faculty meetings, committees, and other school initiatives.
- Engaged parents in their child's education by encouraging them to attend parent-teacher conferences and other school events.
- Monitored student progress throughout the year and provided timely feedback on assignments.
- Counseled students on personal issues that may be affecting their academic performance.
- Integrated technology into daily lessons to enhance instruction.
- Instructed students in the fundamentals of math, science, social studies, reading and writing.
- Assessed student performance utilizing formative and summative assessments.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and academic progress.
- Attended professional development workshops related to new instructional methods or technologies.
- Encouraged creativity among students by allowing them freedom within assigned projects.
- Provided individualized instruction for struggling students to ensure they reach proficiency levels.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a productive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices and strategies for teaching 6th grade content areas.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Created and maintained orderly, well-managed and stimulating classroom environment.
- Graded tests and papers and uploaded grading information to district system.
- Managed consistent, learning-focused classroom environments by establishing and communicating clear objectives for students.
- Implemented relevant policies governing student conduct.
- Presented subject matter to students in easy-to-understand terms to maximize learning opportunities.
- Evaluated student academic and social growth and prepared progress reports on individual pupil improvement.
- Encouraged students to be understanding with others.
- Administered tests, quizzes and other assignments to gauge students' learning and knowledge of course materials.
- Evaluated students' academic performance, social development and behavior.
- Attended variety of professional development workshops centered on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation and engaging learning activities.
- Met with parents to share perspectives on child's strengths and weaknesses.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
- Determined lesson objectives and clearly communicated to students.
- Differentiated instruction for students with wide range of skill and interest levels.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Facilitated activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Compiled, administered and graded examinations and other assigned work.
- Used positive reinforcement method to redirect poor behavior.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Promoted safe and clean classroom environment conducive to individualized and small group needs.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
- Employed assessment tools and strategies to improve instruction methods.
Education
Master of Science - Elementary Education Mathematics
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA06-2009
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA05-1992
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Behavior management
- Student assessment
- Data management
- Academic guidance
- Conflict resolution
- Collaboration skills
- Effective communication
- Diversity awareness
- Professional development
- Empathy and patience
- Problem solving
- Wellness promotion
- Emotional intelligence
- Peer interaction
- Positive reinforcement
- Clear communication
- Assessment development
- Relationship building
- Educational technology
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Remote learning
- Data-driven instruction
- Cultural awareness
- Child development
- Goal setting
- Data collection and analysis
- Problem-solving
- Active listening
- Time management
- Online teaching
- Verbal and written communication
- Professionalism
- Attention to detail
- Behavior improvement
- Organizational skills
Certification
- Elementary Education 1-6
- Elementary Education Mathematics 1-6
Timeline
Education Counselor
City of Somerville
09.2011 - 06.2024
Redirect Teacher
City of Somerville
09.2005 - 06.2011
6th Grade Teacher
City of Somerville
09.1996 - 06.2005
Master of Science - Elementary Education Mathematics
Lesley University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Lesley University