Meet Taj Coleman
As an experienced educator, I place emphasis on relationship building. I find it especially important to create a genuine connection with students — I believe it's the key to academic success and social-emotional wellness. I've had the privilege of working with children from different cultural upbringings and students with various learning differences including ADHD and dyslexia. As a result, I've developed a communication style that allows students to confide in me because they feel comfortable and safe in my presence. I am passionate about my students. I encourage success with every encounter.
I believe every student can achieve success when they feel genuinely seen and supported. My approach is relationship-centred — I build trust first, then we tackle the challenges together. I communicate in a tactful, warm manner that helps students feel safe enough to open up. Once that connection exists, real growth follows.
Education
Mental Health Counseling Certificate
Lamar University
Jan 2024 – Sep 2024
Master of Science — School Counseling
Angelo State University
Aug 2019 – May 2021
Bachelor of Science — Exercise Science
University of Texas at Arlington
Aug 2013 – May 2017
Career Experience
High School Counselor
American International School Abu Dhabi
- Counselling services for grades 9–12 covering academic, social, and emotional wellbeing
- Grade 12 university application support — transcripts, school reports, letters of recommendation
- Classroom guidance on social-emotional learning and post-secondary education
- IB Curriculum and American Diploma support
- SAT Coordinator for the school
- Coordination with international university recruiters across grades 9–12
- Individual and group crisis-intervention counselling
- School-wide wellbeing events: World Kindness Day, Celebrate Life Day
Middle School Counselor
Lewisville Independent School District
- Guided grades 6–8 students in developing individualised academic plans
- Led bi-weekly girls' group targeting social skills, self-esteem, and conflict resolution
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation using established student rapport
- After-school counselling for students aged 5–17
- Partnered with elementary counselors to prepare students for middle school transition
- Utilised data to monitor progress and recommend solutions for key counselling objectives
Special Education Case Manager
Fort Worth Independent School District
- Developed 20+ Individualised Education Programs (IEPs) for special-needs students
- Collaborated with general education teachers on differentiated instruction and accommodations
- Provided IEP progress reports every 6 weeks to monitor annual goals
- Conducted in-service training for staff on identifying learning disabilities
- Cultivated positive parent relationships to encourage involvement in student growth
Specialties & Skills
Through years of working in diverse schools across Texas and Abu Dhabi, I've built deep expertise across academic, social-emotional, and special needs counselling.
My Counselling Approach
I believe every student can achieve success when they feel genuinely seen and supported. My approach is relationship-centred — I build trust first, then we tackle the challenges together.
Core Skills
- Communication: Oral, written, cross-cultural and tactful
- Instructional Design: 3+ years designing curriculum for diverse learners
- Data Analysis: 5+ years using data to improve counselling outcomes
- Teamwork & Problem Solving: Collaborative planning with educators and administrators
Professional Memberships
- Abu Dhabi School Counselor Network
- Council of International Schools
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a free 20-minute consultation and discover how personalised counselling can change your student's journey.
Free consultation · No commitment · Sessions available in all time zones