Clara Montgomery
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE — MASTER OF EDUCATION IN CURRICULUM &
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Background:
Secondary English Educator &
Curriculum Lead
Email:
clara.montgomery@ed-
future.org
Location:
Chicago,
IL
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & PEDAGOGICAL VISION
Education is the primary engine of social equity, personal empowerment, and critical civic
engagement. Over six years as a secondary English Language Arts teacher and department lead in
diverse urban public school settings, I have witnessed how responsive, student-centered curricula can
transform learning outcomes for students from historically underserved backgrounds. Pursuing a
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Educational Leadership is the essential next step in my
journey to design evidence-based, inclusive instructional frameworks and drive systemic reform in
K-12 education policy.
II. TEACHING LEADERSHIP & CLASSROOM IMPACT
In my role at Oakridge Academic High School, I led the redesign of 9th-12th grade literacy pathways,
integrated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and mentored early-career educators in
data-driven instruction.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE
PEDAGOGICAL LEADERSHIP & EXECUTION
MEASURABLE STUDENT
IMPACT
Differentiated Literacy
Initiative
Implemented multi-tiered literacy interventions for
English Language Learners (ELL).
+32% Reading Proficiency
EdTech Integration &
UDL
Pioneered blended learning models and accessible digital
media curricula.
100% Student
Engagement
District Mentorship
Program
Coached 12 novice teachers on trauma-informed discipline
and culturally responsive pedagogy.
95% Teacher Retention
Applied Research Inquiry:
Designing culturally sustaining, AI-augmented literacy frameworks that adapt to
diverse learning styles while closing the achievement gap for neurodivergent students in urban public
schools.
III. ACADEMIC ALIGNMENT & PROGRAM FOCUS
Your institution’s School of Education is renowned for combining rigorous learning analytics with a
deep commitment to educational equity and social justice. I am eager to contribute to the Center for
Clara Montgomery | Statement of Purpose
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