A natural leader and accomplished educator, Paula Geller brings over 40 years of experience in teaching, administration and coaching to her role as a Coach for the Institute for Excellence in Education. Paula’s steadfast commitment to fostering a positive learning environment with an emphasis on growth shines through in her approach to sharing knowledge, wisdom and best practices.
Paula joined the Institute in 2012, and quickly became a go-to Coach for educators and districts in need of leadership training and guidance. Paula’s energy and passion for growing and equipping educators and leaders is evident through her success in helping others build and maintain Professional Learning Communities where students can learn, thrive and achieve success. Prior to joining the Institute, Paula dedicated 15 years to serving as the Principal at Central Middle School in Midland, MI. Among her greatest achievements in this role was shifting the school structure from a top-down management style and ineffective disciplinary approach to utilizing a teacher leadership team, where over a 60% reduction in suspensions was realized. Before becoming a principal, Paula enjoyed 15 years of teaching experience in both rural and urban settings, where day-in and day-out she made a difference firsthand in the lives of each student she encountered.
Paula’s coaching approach is one of collaboration — working side-by-side with principals, teachers and school improvement teams, as these individuals build the foundation for long-term success in the school environment. Understanding that attaining higher levels of student engagement and achievement is a process, Paula believes that the secret to having a lasting impact is one of empowering others and positioning them for sustainable success. By serving as a source and a resource, she has helped transform leaders through sharing her expertise in student engagement strategies, disciplinary literacy, curriculum design, developing assessments and cooperative learning.
A believer that advancing her own knowledge and skills can benefit others, Paula is certified in Adaptive Schools techniques and as a Cognitive Coach. Paula earned her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University, her Master of Education from the University of Houston and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Michigan University.
