Jody M. Lazo
Bloomington
Summary
Experienced educational leader with over 25 years of progressive responsibility in instructional leadership, program coordination, staff development, and organizational transformation in diverse settings. Proven ability to design and implement high-impact training programs, lead cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making. Adept at building collaborative partnerships, managing performance metrics, and aligning initiatives with strategic goals. Strong background in arts integration, curriculum development, and coaching for instructional excellence.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Arts Integration Magnet Coordinator & Instructional Specialist
Minneapolis Public Schools – Bethune Arts Elementary School
01.2014 - Current
- Directed the strategic transition of a traditional school into an Arts Magnet, aligning programming with Turnaround Arts and district-wide goals.
- Led professional development initiatives, coaching, and instructional support for arts specialists and general education staff, ensuring integration of arts-based pedagogy.
- Designed and administered assessment systems, analyzed data, and implemented instructional adjustments to improve student outcomes.
- Managed internal coaching for Minnesota Reading Corps, supervising tutors and ensuring program fidelity and measurable literacy gains.
- Collaborated with leadership on schoolwide operations including scheduling, survey coordination, and academic programming, contributing to organizational performance and staff engagement.
- Facilitated leadership development and succession planning through mentoring and team-building initiatives.
Reading Collaboration Teacher
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Delivered targeted reading interventions in collaboration with classroom teachers, resulting in measurable student growth.
- Led schoolwide climate initiatives to improve behavior expectations and student engagement.
Department of Education – Hawaii (Various Schools)
01.2000 - 01.2013
- Served in multiple instructional and leadership roles including Principal, Grade-Level Chair, and Supervising Teacher.
- Developed and implemented standards-aligned curriculum, pacing guides, and assessments across multiple grade levels.
- Led school improvement efforts, managed budgets, and built community partnerships to support student success.
- Provided individualized instruction and support for students with diverse learning needs, including Title I tutoring and life skills training.
Education
M.S. - Leadership in Academic Administration
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota03.2014
M.S. - Special Education
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota12.2012
B. A. - Elementary Education and Psychology
University of St. Thomas
St. Paul, Minnesota05.2000
Skills
- Strategic Program Development
- Instructional Leadership & Coaching
- Performance Metrics & Data Analysis
- Staff Training & Professional Development
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Arts Integration & Curriculum Design
- Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Budget Oversight & Resource Allocation
Certification
- State of Hawaii Teaching License #YYA1371: K-6 Elementary, 03/09-03/14
- State of Minnesota Teaching License Tier 4 Folder #385943: K-6 Elementary, 10/00-10/05, 06/13-06/18, 06/18-06/24, 06/24-06/29
- State of MN K-12 Administrator License: 11/24 – 06/26
Timeline
Arts Integration Magnet Coordinator & Instructional Specialist
Minneapolis Public Schools – Bethune Arts Elementary School
01.2014 - Current
Reading Collaboration Teacher
01.2013 - 01.2014
Department of Education – Hawaii (Various Schools)
01.2000 - 01.2013
M.S. - Special Education
Capella University
B. A. - Elementary Education and Psychology
University of St. Thomas
M.S. - Leadership in Academic Administration
Capella University
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