Curriculum & Instruction

Curriculum & Instruction is responsible for programs and initiatives designed to improve instruction and student learning. Curriculum & Instruction is foundational work of the Teaching, Learning & Leadership department which is deeply committed to ensure student success leading to college and career readiness.

Technology in the Classroom

We are committed to offering student-centered learning environments by providing innovative classroom environments and leveraging digital tools. We believe this is powerful because:

  • It teaches and prepares students to be digital and media literate 
  • Technology can both help recover and accelerate student progress.
  • Students can continue their learning during class time, extended time, or outside the school day.
  • Technology can drive lessons or practice directly at each individual student's level.
  • Employing the correct tools in a strong instructional model can lead to better personalization, differentiation, and therefore student achievement.

Digital Tools

Contact

 

Meet Our Teaching, Learning & Leadership Team

Susanne Jerde
Chief Academic Officer

Cheryl Schindel
Executive Assistant

Bernard Koontz
Executive Director of Teaching Learning & Leadership - Language Learning, CTE, Secondary Initiatives, Secondary Success and College and Career Readiness, Arts, Health and Fitness

Jenniffer Reinig
Executive Director of Teaching Learning & Leadership - Special Education, PreK/Elementary Success, Social Emotional Learning, Highly Capable Programming

Rebekah Kim
Executive Director of Teaching Learning & Leadership - Data and Assessment, Personalized Learning and Differentiation 

Ben Gauyan
Instructional Leadership Executive Director - Cascade, CHOICE Academy, Evergreen, New Start, PSSC, Raisbeck Aviation, STEPS, Sylvester, VITAL, Waskowitz, WELS

Laurie Morrison
Instructional Leadership Executive Director - Beverly Park, Cedarhurst, Gregory Heights, Hazel Valley, Mount View, Seahurst, Shorewood, Southern Heights, White Center Heights, Valley View Early Learning. 

Deborah Rumbaugh
Instructional Leadership Executive Director - Big Picture, Chinook, Glacier, Highline, Mount Rainier, Pacific, Tyee

Pete Misner
Instructional Leadership Executive Director - Bow Lake, Des Moines, Hilltop, Madrona, Marvista, McMicken Heights, Midway, North Hill, Parkside

Kathy Emerick
Director of PreK & Elementary Success

Janet Blanford
Director of Secondary Success & College Readiness

Doug Judge
Director of Social-Emotional Learning

Julie Hunter
Director of Secondary Initiatives 

Chance Gower
Director of Career & Technical Education

Gaye Bungart
Co-Director of Special Education

Darren Spencer
Co-Director of Special Education

Kristin Percy Calaff
Director of Language Learning 

Colin Ryan
Director of Title I/LAP & ESSA

Deena Russo
Director of Professional Learning

teacher and student working

Our Promise

EVERY STUDENT in Highline Public Schools is known by NAME, STRENGTH and NEED, and graduates prepared for the future they choose.

Learn more about our Strategic Plan