Aimée Wiles-Banion
Mandarin,FL
Summary
Elementary Art Instructor with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to foster positive learning environment conducive to success for all students. Expert in the art field paired with enthusiastic, hardworking teacher dedicated to growing the artist within all children.
Seeking art position for Fall 2024 as my current position at Freedom Crossing has been surplussed.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
ELEMENTARY ART INSTRUCTOR
St. Johns County School District
02.2022 - Current
- FCA’s “Rookie Teacher of the Year 2023-24” teaching 2-D and 3-D elementary art to 1400 students in 74 classes with positive learning motivation
- Excel at creating engaging and pertinent visual lessons that delight our students while informing our learners of the significance and relevance to them across various subjects including history, math and science
- My diverse art units consistently earn “innovating” scores from our administration and encompass each grade's Florida state and district standards
- Deeply passionate about teaching and connecting with our students through our "Capturing Kids' Hearts" and PBIS programs to nurture their art growth, interest and expression
- I cultivate a safe and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel comfortable being themselves and expressing themselves through art
- Facilitate PLC workshops for professional development among colleagues, sharing best practices in art education
- Interested in offering an after-school art club, encouraging students to try new mediums, take on leadership roles and organize art show events for their peers
ESE PARAPROFESSIONAL
St. Johns County School District
08.2021 - 02.2022
- As a one-on-one ESE ParaEducator, I assisted a Kindergartener with academic and life skills, safety and mobility
- Promoted independence among ESE students by encouraging self-advocacy skills and fostering a sense of ownership over personal learning goals
- Supported teachers in managing classroom routines and maintaining consistent schedules while accommodating the unique needs of ESE students
- Implemented creative approaches to engage ESE students in hands-on learning experiences, increasing motivation and mastery of content
- Improved student understanding by implementing individualized education plans for my student with special needs
- Coordinated accommodations for testing situations, ensuring fair assessment opportunities for my student
ESE PARAPROFESSIONAL
St. Johns County School District
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Assisted in developing behavior management strategies for VPK students, fostering a positive learning environment for all
- Provided one-on-one support for a VPK student with disabilities, enabling him to reach his full potential in the classroom
- Collaborated with VPK teachers to adapt lesson plans and ensure accessibility for all learners, resulting in increased student engagement and success
- Supported diverse VPK learners by modifying instructional materials to suit various learning styles and abilities
- Supported VPK teachers in managing classroom routines and maintaining consistent schedules while accommodating the unique needs of ESE students
- Enhanced social skills development through peer interactions and group activities, promoting an inclusive classroom community
ESE PARAPROFESSIONAL
St. Johns County School District
02.2020 - 08.2020
- Supported diverse learners by modifying instructional materials to suit various learning styles and abilities
- Provided individualized reading, writing and math instruction to support student development
- Managed detailed records of student progress and attendance, providing valuable information for decision-making processes within the school system
- Implemented creative approaches to engage ESE students in hands-on learning experiences, increasing motivation and mastery of content
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas
ART GALLERY OWNER and ARTIST
High Tide Gallery LLC
04.2006 - 08.2019
- Sole-proprietor of this award-winning local artist gallery in St
- Augustine, FL
- Taught and coordinated art classes for both adults and children
- Responsible for promoting 40 artists in-store and online, managed all aspects of the business including selling over $100,000/year in art, event planning, installing art exhibits, tracking inventory, media coverage, advertising and newsletters
- TripAdvisor Top #3 Shopping in St. Augustine 2014-2019, “Best Art Gallery” in Best of St. Augustine awards
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients through high customer satisfaction, resulting in repeat business and referrals
- Managed studio operations efficiently, organizing workspace layout while maintaining necessary supplies inventory levels
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOJOURNALIST
Gannett Corporation
01.1993 - 12.2005
- Award-winning full-time staff photojournalist at the first New York State daily color newspaper to become 100% digital in 1997
- Received industry recognition through various photography awards, highlighting commitment to excellence in photojournalism
- Balanced multiple assignments simultaneously while prioritizing tasks effectively to meet all deadlines without compromising quality
- Served as a mentor to junior photographers on staff, providing guidance on technical skills and best practices in photojournalism ethics
- Enhanced team collaboration by proactively sharing resources, contacts, and ideas with colleagues to support the development of compelling visual stories
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Fine Arts
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Gainesville, Florida05.1992
Skills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Engaging presentation style
- Understanding of learning styles
- Expertise in subject matter
- Ability to motivate students
- Class Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Interpersonal relationship building
- Technology Integration
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Innovative lesson planning
- Positive Learning Environment
FDOE Certification Number
1465101
Awards
- ROOKIE TEACHER OF THE YEAR Freedom Crossing Academy 2023-24
- TripAdvisor Top #3 in St. Augustine Shopping – High Tide Gallery LLC 2014-2019
- Best Art Gallery St. Augustine Winner or Runner Up 2007-2012
- Favorite Art Gallery Winner – St. Augustine Record Newspaper
- First Place Winning Photographs – National Press Photographers Association
References
- GINA FONSECA, Principal at Freedom Crossing Academy, Gina.Fonseca@stjohns.k12.fl.us, 904.547.4230
- MONIQUE KEATON, Principal at Otis Mason Elementary, Monique.Keaton@stjohns.k12.fl.us, 904.547.8440
- MELISSA LIME, Vice Principal at Freedom Crossing Academy, Melissa.Lime@stjohns.k12.fl.us, 904.547.4230
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
German
Elementary
Chinese (Mandarin)
Elementary
Spanish
Elementary
French
Elementary
Timeline
ELEMENTARY ART INSTRUCTOR
St. Johns County School District
02.2022 - Current
ESE PARAPROFESSIONAL
St. Johns County School District
08.2021 - 02.2022
ESE PARAPROFESSIONAL
St. Johns County School District
08.2020 - 08.2021
ESE PARAPROFESSIONAL
St. Johns County School District
02.2020 - 08.2020
ART GALLERY OWNER and ARTIST
High Tide Gallery LLC
04.2006 - 08.2019
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOJOURNALIST
Gannett Corporation
01.1993 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Fine Arts
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
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