Afton Hill
West Point,VA
Summary
Professional seeking a leadership position at the secondary level within a public school setting. Offering almost 20 years of experience in education, with a strong background in K-12 general education and special education instruction, expertise in American Sign Language and elementary instruction, Deaf Education, monitoring building-wide attendance, and cohort progress towards graduation. Proven experience with building with rapport with students, providing mentoring and academic counseling, ensuring students remain on track for graduation. Known for strong collaboration skills, adaptability, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and professionalism.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Graduation Coach
WJCC Public Schools
Williamsburg, VA
08.2018 - Current
- Develops individualized graduation plans to support student achievement and progress towards on-time graduation.
- .Collaborates with division GED coordinators to help student who need an alternative plan towards graduation.
- Leads the Cohort Committee by collaborating monthly with teachers, school counselors, administrative team, interventionists, and curriculum leaders to identify at-risk students and implement intervention strategies to support on-time graduation.
- Monitored student progress through a credit recovery platform, providing timely feedback and opportunities for support with a teacher of record to earn credits toward graduation.
- Leads the Attendance Team by collaborating with the Attendance Specialist, school registrar, attendance associate, school counselors, interventionist, and school social worker to break down barriers, encourage routine and on-time attendance, complete home visits, confer on referrals to the WJCC Multi-Disciplinary Team, and complete court petitions for truancy.
- Increased high school graduation rate from 95% to 98%.
- Decreased chronic absenteeism from 30% in 2023 to 9% in 2025.
Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Richmond Public Schools
Richmond, VA
08.2014 - Current
- Implemented differentiated instructional strategies to address specific learning needs within the classroom for 15 students with varying levels of hearing loss for 12 Deaf/Hard of Hearing in a PreK-12th grade setting in 5 buildings.
- Established positive relationships with students and parents, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for learning.
- Developed and implemented annual IEPs for students in PreK-secondary school settings as an itinerant teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing.
- Completed student observations, and composed and presented reports for Child Find meetings across the division.
- Collaborated with colleagues in the general education setting, resource setting, and private placement settings to support curriculum access and direct instruction, improving Deaf/Hard of Hearing student engagement.
American Sign Language Teacher & Third Grade Teacher
Williamsburg James City County Public Schools
Williamsburg
08.2005 - 08.2014
- Mentored two new teachers on effective instructional strategies for teaching ASL, effective classroom management, and lesson planning. Expanded enrollment that required an additional part-time ASL teacher.
- Promoted a safe and welcoming classroom environment where all students felt comfortable to achieve academic and emotional success through second language acquisition.
- Organized field trips to Deaf cultural events, to promote awareness and access to the Deaf Community, while exposing students to authentic use of ASL to foster cultural understanding at least twice a semester.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques, catering to individual learning styles and abilities of diverse students.
- Coordinated with administration, special education, support staff, department and grade level colleagues to develop course curriculum and plan lessons to support student engagement and success.
- Analyzed student progress and performance data through regular assessments to inform instructional decisions and adjusting instructional methods as needed for improved learning outcomes in alignment with division and state standards.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices to enhance teaching effectiveness.
Education
Educational Leadership Endorsement - Administration & Supervision
Longwood University
Farmville, VA08-2017
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
Averett University
Danville, VA04-2012
Associate of Applied Science - American Sign Language & English Interpretation
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, VA08-2010
Bachelor of Science - Special Education: Deaf Education & Elementary Education Major
Vanderbilt University, Peabody College
Nashville, TN05-2005
High School Diploma -
Miss Porter’s School
Farmington, CT06-2001
Skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Curriculum planning
- Academic advising
- Attendance monitoring
Related Experience
- Summer School Administrative Intern, Summer 2017
- Open High School Administrative Intern, 2016-2017
- J.B. Fisher Elementary School, Compliance Coordinator Support
- Warhill High School, Curriculum Leader, 2012-2014
- J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, ASL & IE Advisory Committee Member, 2006-2012
Timeline
High School Graduation Coach
WJCC Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Richmond Public Schools
08.2014 - Current
American Sign Language Teacher & Third Grade Teacher
Williamsburg James City County Public Schools
08.2005 - 08.2014
Educational Leadership Endorsement - Administration & Supervision
Longwood University
Master of Science - Curriculum & Instruction
Averett University
Associate of Applied Science - American Sign Language & English Interpretation
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Bachelor of Science - Special Education: Deaf Education & Elementary Education Major
Vanderbilt University, Peabody College
High School Diploma -
Miss Porter’s School