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Courtney Brown, Learning Specialist
Courtney Brown, Learning Specialist
by Dr. Jeremy Sullivan
While new to Springfield Public Schools and the Learning Development department in 2020, Courtney Brown brings almost a decade of expertise and experience in education to her new role as a learning specialist. Previously, Courtney served as an English instructor with Forsyth, Branson, and The Summit Prep. Courtney also possesses first-hand knowledge of how teachers can utilize technology to enhance and transform teaching and learning in the classroom. A lifelong learner herself, Courtney holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Secondary English Education and is currently working on her specialist degree in Teacher Leadership at Missouri State University.
When asked how Courtney honors the Learning Development department’s mission to build capacity in all, there was no shortage of responses. Dr. Lisa Anderson, assistant principal at Glendale High School, explained, “In a short amount of time, she engrained herself in the culture of GHS while supporting our teachers in a variety of ways. From one-on-one meetings, virtual support, helping lead PLC trainings and conference block/after school Canvas support help, Courtney works hard each day to meet the needs of our staff!” This sentiment was also echoed by Josh Groves, principal at Glendale High School: “I am so thankful that she landed at Glendale and for her support in moving the district and our site learning forward for our staff. Courtney never ceases to amaze me with her resourcefulness and her consistent can-do attitude. I am thankful to have her as a Falcon!”
In an interesting twist of fate, Courtney is currently supporting an early career teacher with whom she previously worked at a different district. Cora Johnson, FACS department chair at Glendale, shared, “Courtney and I both taught in the same building in our previous district and from the moment I met her she inspired me to be a better teacher with her passion and infectious smile. Now that she serves as our building learning specialist and my contact for the STEP UP program, I have found her to be professional, extremely helpful, and always willing to find the answers and resources to do my job well in the craziness of the 20-21 school year.”
The 2020-2021 school year has brought new challenges never experienced before. Dr. Justin Herrell, principal at Westport Middle School, explained, “Courtney has been outstanding at not only responding to needs as they arise and are shared with her, but has been extremely proactive working to find support and shortcuts to make (teachers’) day to day more efficient.” This fluidity and focus on growth aligns with words expressed by Krista Pinner, science teacher at Glendale. She writes, “Courtney has a great way of helping re-frame and extending thought processes to engage each individual’s best skills. She seeks honest feedback and adjusts based on that feedback. She has been invaluable to help process through difficult situations in the current pandemic setting.”
In the words of Cora Johnson, “I could not have asked for a better learning specialist to help our entire Glendale staff adjust to our new teaching reality and provide us with resources to do our job better than before!”
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