Maria Montano
Covina
Summary
Experienced educational leader and scholar-practitioner with a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and over 20 years of progressive experience in student services, counseling, and instructional leadership. Demonstrated expertise in advancing student success, retention, and well-being across diverse populations, including first-generation, at-promise, foster, and multilingual learners. Skilled in developing and implementing equitable, data-informed systems that support academic persistence and holistic student development. Seeking to contribute to a higher education institution in a leadership role dedicated to student success, retention, and comprehensive support at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal of Student Educational Services / Curriculum and Instruction
Rosemead High School | Arroyo High School | Mountain View High School
08.2017 - Current
- Provide executive leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs and student support systems serving diverse student populations, including English learners, students with disabilities, foster youth, and at-promise students
- Lead equity-centered initiatives focused on improving student outcomes, academic achievement, and postsecondary readiness
- Oversee curriculum development, instructional practices, and professional learning to ensure alignment with standards and student needs
- Utilize data-driven decision-making to monitor student progress, evaluate programs, and implement targeted interventions
- Coordinate accreditation (WASC) processes, ensuring continuous school improvement and institutional accountability
- Supervise, evaluate, and support certificated and classified staff, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented professional culture
- Direct school operations, including safety planning, emergency response, and compliance with district and state policies
Adjunct Instructor, Graduate Program (School Counseling)
Concordia University Irvine
10.2016 - Current
- Deliver graduate-level instruction in counseling and student support services aligned with Pupil Personnel Services standards
- Facilitate the development of future school counselors through mentorship, applied learning, and reflective practice
- Design and implement a curriculum that integrates theory, research, and real-world application
- Assess student learning outcomes and provide feedback to support professional growth and readiness
Assistant Principal, Student Support Services
Rosemead High School
08.2012 - 08.2017
- Directed comprehensive student support systems, including counseling, attendance, discipline, health services, and college/career readiness programs
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement, attendance, and academic success
- Led school-wide initiatives promoting college awareness, financial aid literacy, and postsecondary access
- Collaborated with families and community stakeholders to ensure equitable access to resources and services
- Oversaw state, district, and local assessment coordination and compliance
Child Welfare and Attendance Coordinator
Arroyo High School
08.2007 - 08.2012
- Managed programs supporting student attendance, engagement, and overall well-being
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (counselors, psychologists, law enforcement, health agencies) to address student needs
- Conducted home visits, conferences, and interventions to support at-risk students and families
- Represented the school in SARB and truancy court proceedings
- Coordinated alternative education pathways and support services for diverse learners
Comprehensive Student Support Coordinator
Arroyo High School
02.2005 - 08.2007
- Provided targeted interventions for students experiencing academic, behavioral, and attendance challenges
- Coordinated the Coordination of Services Team (COST) meetings and multi-tiered support systems
- Developed programs promoting social-emotional learning, resilience, and student engagement
- Partnered with community agencies to expand support services
- Served on advisory committees, grant writing teams, and prepared annual reports for the State audit and refunding
- Participated in school and district-level compliance review teams
Research and Curriculum Office Coordinator
El Monte Union High School District
02.2004 - 02.2005
- Prepared and analyzed reports for the Board of Trustees, including assessment data and program evaluations
- Managed district-wide assessment logistics and data distribution
- Supported curriculum development, WASC reporting, and compliance processes
- Maintained student records, transcripts, and legal documentation
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Concordia University Irvine
05-2026
Master of Arts - Counseling
Point Loma Nazarene University
06-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development with an Emphasis in English
Azusa Pacific University
05-2007
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Rio Hondo Community College
05-2000
Skills
- Skilled in reading and writing Spanish
- Program assessment and planning
- Facilitation of team development
- Analytical reporting skills
- Instructional leadership
- Staff development and coaching
Certification
- Administrative Service Credential; Point Loma Nazarene University - March 23, 2011
- School Child Welfare and Attendance Credential; California State University Dominguez Hills - August 1, 2009
- School Counseling Pupil Personnel Services Credential; Point Loma Nazarene University - October 1, 2008
- CBEST Passed February 2007
Timeline
Assistant Principal of Student Educational Services / Curriculum and Instruction
Rosemead High School | Arroyo High School | Mountain View High School
08.2017 - Current
Adjunct Instructor, Graduate Program (School Counseling)
Concordia University Irvine
10.2016 - Current
Assistant Principal, Student Support Services
Rosemead High School
08.2012 - 08.2017
Child Welfare and Attendance Coordinator
Arroyo High School
08.2007 - 08.2012
Comprehensive Student Support Coordinator
Arroyo High School
02.2005 - 08.2007
Research and Curriculum Office Coordinator
El Monte Union High School District
02.2004 - 02.2005
Master of Arts - Counseling
Point Loma Nazarene University
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development with an Emphasis in English
Azusa Pacific University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Rio Hondo Community College
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Concordia University Irvine