I am a dedicated educator and scholar-practitioner with an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and a strong track record as a school counselor, program coordinator, and mentor. I strive to leverage rigorous methods and collaborative leadership to advance student achievement, equity, and social impact within education and community organizations. I aim to maximize my leadership, coaching, counseling, and organizational development skills in roles that influence policy, practice, and community well-being, while driving social change and ensuring underserved communities receive equitable resources. I have experience coordinating testing, MTSS, college readiness programs, and community partnerships, and I am committed to fostering inclusive educational environments that support every learner’s potential.

Paula Beard

I am a dedicated educator and scholar-practitioner with an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and a strong track record as a school counselor, program coordinator, and mentor. I strive to leverage rigorous methods and collaborative leadership to advance student achievement, equity, and social impact within education and community organizations. I aim to maximize my leadership, coaching, counseling, and organizational development skills in roles that influence policy, practice, and community well-being, while driving social change and ensuring underserved communities receive equitable resources. I have experience coordinating testing, MTSS, college readiness programs, and community partnerships, and I am committed to fostering inclusive educational environments that support every learner’s potential.

Available to hire

I am a dedicated educator and scholar-practitioner with an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and a strong track record as a school counselor, program coordinator, and mentor. I strive to leverage rigorous methods and collaborative leadership to advance student achievement, equity, and social impact within education and community organizations.

I aim to maximize my leadership, coaching, counseling, and organizational development skills in roles that influence policy, practice, and community well-being, while driving social change and ensuring underserved communities receive equitable resources. I have experience coordinating testing, MTSS, college readiness programs, and community partnerships, and I am committed to fostering inclusive educational environments that support every learner’s potential.

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Work Experience

Certified School Counselor (Department Chair) at Pinellas County Schools, Middle & High School – St. Petersburg, FL
January 1, 2017 - Present
Provided individual and group counseling; facilitated parent-teacher conferences; participated in CST and MTSS teams; coordinated placement decisions for appropriate student supports; assisted with test coordination for FCAT, FSA, BEST, EOCs, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and ASVAB; fostered positive relationships with students, staff, and families; contributed to equity initiatives and school-wide programs; supported leadership activities including department chair duties and program oversight.
Retention Specialist (school-based) at St. Petersburg College
August 1, 2022 - Present
Administered FCLE – Florida Civics Leadership Exam and PERT testing; supported testing services events and projects; served as CROP Retention Specialist at Gibbs High School, mentoring and guiding students through college and career development activities (college tours, scholarship workshops, test prep).
Event Staff (on call) at IMG Academy
December 1, 2015 - Present
Supported local, national, and international tournaments in setup/takedown and game operations; handled ticketing systems; provided scoring for basketball, soccer and 7x7 football; contributed to video/graphics during games; maintained excellent customer relations with students/players, parents, coaches, referees, and staff.
Certified School Counselor/Behavior Specialist at Sarasota County Schools, Emma E. Booker Elementary School
August 1, 2005 - January 1, 2017
Provided individual counseling, classroom guidance, and small groups; facilitated MTSS (RTI); coordinated school-wide programs such as awards and career days; conducted disciplinary referrals and supportive chat forms; performed assessments for behavioral, academic, and emotional concerns; assisted with district testing and parent/teacher consultations; contributed to school-wide initiatives and equity efforts.
Behavior Coach, Group Leader at Sarasota Family YMCA
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
Transitional Living Program and After School; supervised youth, guided social skills development, crisis intervention, and served as a positive role model.

Education

Doctor of Education at National Louis University
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Master of Arts: Counseling at Webster University
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology with Minor in Sociology at University of Central Florida
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026

Qualifications

Guidance and Counseling PreK-12th Certification
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Exceptional Student Education K-12th Certification
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
PreK/Primary Education Certification
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Zeta Organizational Leadership Certification
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Professional Services