Teaching & Learning
The Reynolds School District Teaching & Learning Department provides support and services that ensure all students are engaged in relevant, meaningful, and rigorous learning. Our focus on equitable practices, standards-based curriculum, and student-centered classroom environments is designed to close the achievement gap and align to the district’s mission to ensure that each and every child is prepared for a world yet to be imagined.
We design curriculum and instruction that ensures best practices and are aligned with the four core beliefs of the Reynolds School District:
- We believe that all students, families, and staff deserve a safe and secure learning environment. We commit to providing physical and emotional safety across the Reynolds community.
- We believe that equitable practices allow everyone within the Reynolds community to thrive. We commit to using equity as a foundation in all decision-making processes in order to eliminate inequities.
- We believe that high-quality first-time instruction will eliminate the achievement gap. We commit to setting high expectations and providing intentional professional development to instructional leaders.
- We believe that the heart of a high-performing organization is its people. We commit to becoming an inclusive and positive organizational culture.
Meeting the learning needs of a diverse group of students requires a variety of programs, tools, and instructional approaches. Reynolds School District offers many programs and systems to support the academic, social-emotional, and physical needs of individual students.
Our Department
April Olson Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning 
April has worked in education for 28 years as a classroom teacher, TOSA, assistant principal, principal, and district director. She has extensive experience in program planning, budget management, and data-based decision making. She is passionate about early literacy and that all students should read on grade level by third grade. In her role as Directory of Elementary Teaching & Learning for Reynolds School District, April oversees federal programs, including Title I, state grants and programs, including the Student Success Act and Early Literacy Initiative, Talented and Gifted, early learning and support for elementary curriculum, instruction, and innovation.
Donna Servignat Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning 
Donna has worked in education for 23 years as a classroom teacher, activities director, coach, assistant principal, principal, and district director. She has a strong background in developing relevant and rigorous secondary programming grounded in equity and through strong relationships with students, families, and partnerships. In her role as Directory of Secondary Teaching & Learning for Reynolds School District, Donna oversees District AVID, College & Career Readiness, Career Technical Education, Work-Based Learning, Career-Connected Learning, and support for secondary curriculum, instruction, and innovation.
dservignat@rsd7.net
(503) 661-7200 x3716
Christie Rivera Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator
I have been intimately involved with Reynolds School District for the past 20+ years in a variety of different roles including teacher, specialist, and administrator, but most recently as one of RSD's Instructional Coaches. I have had the opportunity to learn from many of my colleagues who have played a huge role in shaping my career and who have invested in growing my understanding of the learning trajectories specifically pertaining to literacy. My greatest strengths include collaborative leadership, strategic planning, empowering educators to develop their leadership and instructional skills, planning and structuring literacy-based interventions, coordination and leadership in community and pedagogical programs, and identification/implementation of organizational programs. I seek to bring evidence-based practices into classrooms by working with and supporting both teachers and administrators with the goal of increasing student achievement, improving student academic outcomes, and building teacher capacity. As a Reynolds alum, I have a deep desire to grow our students so that they have the necessary skills that they need to be successful individuals contributing to the future of our world.
Office 503-661-7200 #3406
Shane Pluchos
AVID TOSA
In my current role as AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) TOSA and Co-District Director for AVID, I support teachers and secondary schools with the implementation of AVID strategies and methodologies. In my years as an educator, I have found AVID and its WICOR strategies to be the most proven, effective approach to yield college and career-ready students I have ever encountered. I have worked in the Reynolds School District for 23 years, 22 of which have been as a middle school social studies and AVID teacher. I received my Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Western Oregon State College with a focus in social studies. In 2008 I earned my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University. When not working I enjoy spending time camping and hiking while exploring Oregon with my two children. I was born and raised in East Multnomah County which I still call home.
Anastasia Conlin
Secondary Language Arts TOSA
With over 20 years in education, I have served as a high school Language Arts teacher, a department head, a Middle College instructor, a student advocate, and now as a TOSA working with the Language Arts department at Reynolds High School. I have extensive experience working in alternative education environments and a passion for reaching underserved student populations by forming strong relationships and creating relevant learning experiences that honor diversity and challenge all students to broaden their horizons. I am excited to bring my expertise in scaffolding, differentiation, and culturally relevant curricula to the Reynolds School District and am thrilled to be a part of Teaching and Learning team.
Nicole Brandes
K-12 Math TOSA
Nicole Brandes has taught in the Reynolds School District for 23 years holding various teaching and leadership roles at Reynolds Middle School, HB Lee Middle School, and Sweetbriar Elementary School. Her passion for math education led her to pursue additional experiences including math instructional coaching and completion of the Math Instructional Leadership program at PSU. She is honored to continue to serve the Reynolds community as K-12 Math TOSA.
Jenna Montgomery
Secondary Language Arts TOSA
Jenna Montgomery has taught in the Reynolds School District since 2019, serving as a high school Language Arts instructor and teacher leader in various capacities. She has a strong background in utilizing and training teachers in instructional technology, and in using 21st century strategies to support multilingual learners. Jenna is passionate about working with and supporting teachers with the goal of raising student achievement. She is excited to have the opportunity to serve RSD in her role as a secondary Language Arts TOSA.
