Who is Seven Hills' Director?
After a national search, Seven Hills is extremely fortunate to have found an outstanding, experienced Director. Margaret R. O’Brien has been the successful leader of a large K-8 charter school in Chicago that utilizes the Core Knowledge curriculum.
Previously, Margaret taught reading, math and science, and she is also familiar with Latin. In addition to being an attorney (graduating cum laude from the John Marshall Law School), Margaret has a B.S. in accounting from Marquette University. She also received her masters in Elementary Education along with administrative certification in Educational Leadership from De Paul University.
She has close family ties to the Twin Cities and is very familiar with the metro area. Margaret is energetic, personable and devoted to the success of Seven Hills. She will be responsive to parents and dedicated to the success of every child.
Margaret O'Brien Curriculum Vitae
Professional Summary:
Seven Hills Classical Academy Bloomington, MN (2006-Present)
Executive Director
Responsibilities include:
Any and all responsibilities associated with opening and operating a K-5th grade Classical Core Knowledge Charter School, including but not limited to:
- Any and all responsibilities associated with the effective and appropriate implementing the school’s mission and vision as articulated by its Board of Directors
- Hire, train and directly supervise teaching and non-teaching staff of 30; work collaboratively to fully actualize implementation of Core Knowledge curriculum: team teach, model, mentor, advise, assist and counsel
- Conduct periodic evaluations of teaching staff members focusing on instructional practices, methodologies, classroom environment, school community involvement and management techniques; conduct periodic reviews of all non-teaching staff members.
- Determine and ensure the implementation of (1) Core Knowledge curriculum, resource goals, objectives and needs, (2) best teaching practices, (3) content integration of subject areas, (4) assessment strategies and effectiveness, (5) compliance with state and district educational standards, (6) all school policies and procedures and (7) all administrative requirements; determine curricular resource needs and acquire same;
- Facilitate professional development opportunities for teaching staff
- Oversee parent and community involvement and communications, academic and budgetary concerns, facilities management, extracurricular and after school programming
- Work with a management/administrative team in furtherance of promoting the school’s mission, from the daily operations to the analysis of monthly assessment data identifying individualized academic enrichment and remediation strategies
- Facilitate ongoing and supportive communications between teachers, administrators, students and/or parents regarding academic and community concerns
Any and all responsibilities, reporting, budgeting, operational and financial, associated with maintaining a positive relationship with the Minnesota Department of Education
Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors in all matters, including but not limited to any and all responsibilities associated with fulfilling the school’s obligations under its approved charter and sponsor agreement
Chicago International Charter School Chicago, IL (2000-2006)
Director 2005-2006 (West Belden Campus-500 students; K-8)
Responsibilities include:
Directly supervise teaching and non-teaching staff of 60, including hiring, training and termination
Conduct periodic evaluations of teaching and non-teaching staff members.
Working collaboratively with a management/administrative team, facilitate the aggressive implementation of a Core Knowledge curriculum, including oversight of professionals and their development, setting resource goals and objectives, best teaching practices, assessment strategies and state/district compliance as well as the enforcement of school policies and procedures
Oversee parent and community involvement and promote effective and ongoing communications, academic and budgetary concerns, facilities management, extracurricular and after school programming
Monitor daily operations and facilitate ongoing and supportive communications between teachers, administrators, students and/or parents regarding academic and community concerns
Assistant Director/Upper Team Leader 2003-2005 (Bucktown Campus-600 students; K-8)
Responsibilities include:
Directly supervised and collaborated with teaching staff of 18 for the 5th through 8th grades: team taught, modeled best teaching practices, mentored, advised, assisted and counseled
Participated in the hiring and termination of staff
Conducted periodic evaluations of staff members
Monitored (1) the implementation of Core Knowledge curriculum at grade level and resource goals, objectives and needs, (2) teaching practices, (3) integration of subject areas, (4) assessment strategies and effectiveness, and (5) administrative requirements
Facilitated professional development opportunities for teaching staff
Organized class schedules, special events and activities: after school tutoring programs; 8th grade graduation and related activities; standardized testing schedules; Science Fair; Spelling Bee; academic honors assemblies; yearbook publication; high school application processes, etc.
Generated and analyzed monthly assessment data with administrative team to identify individualized academic enrichment and remediation strategies
Facilitated communications between teachers, administrators, students and/or parents regarding academic and disciplinary concerns
Saddle and Cycle Club and Day Camp Chicago, IL (1998-2003)
2003 Youth Services Coordinator (Summer Day Camp Director)
Year round youth programming for private club
- Developed, organized and maintained operations of 300-camper, nine-week summer day camp for 3-11 year olds
Recruited, hired, trained and supervised/managed staff of 2 assistant directors, 8 head counselors, and 45 assistant counselors - Coordinated every aspect of $575,000 annual budget
- Established and fostered extensive communications between staff, parents, club management and members
2001-2002 Summer Day Camp Director (see above)
2000-2001 Summer Day Camp Assistant Director
1998-1999 Head Counselor
Chicago International Charter School-Bucktown Campus Chicago, IL
Middle School Teacher: Mathematics, Reading, Science 2000-2003
2000-2001: 6th Grade Reading, Mathematics and Science
2001-2003: 5th Grade Reading and Mathematics
Engaged in the instruction of reading to above grade students and math and science (6th grade only) to all students; created daily lesson plans and located resources/materials to meet the differing needs of 30 student classrooms
Coordinated and collaborated with team members to fully integrate subject areas and concepts to be mastered across the Core Knowledge Curriculum being implemented in conjunction with the Illinois State Standards
Teaching strategies utilized: paideia (didactic, coaching and seminar); team teaching; student-centered learning centers; project based, portfolio and standardized assessment
Moderated extracurricular activities (2000-2003): yearbook committee; student council; chess club; middle school math tutoring