Dynamic and results-driven social studies educator with over three years of leadership experience, recognized for cultivating a culture of critical thinking that consistently surpasses state standards. Passionate about fostering student engagement through innovative, non-traditional teaching methods, and eager to bring this transformative approach to a larger scale as an instructional coach or curriculum director.
Hi, I’m
Ajah Smith
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Overview
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Charles R Drew High SchoolRiverdale, GA
High School History Teacher
08.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- Participated in school district meetings and parent-teacher conferences to give insight into student progress and curriculum plans.
- Taught World History to 35- 40 students in one classroom setting.
- Provided advice and guidance to students needing morale-boosting and academic advising.
- Prepared various classroom activities and assessment methods to promote retention of study materials.
- Delivered prepared lesson plans using instructional materials and tools.
- Communicated clear learning objectives to students on each unique chapter.
- Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
Dubois Integrity Academy
Social Studies Middle School Department Chair
08.2024 - 05.2025
Job overview
- Scheduled and led department meetings on a monthly basis, implementing an organized approach with detailed agendas and electronic or hard copy sign-in sheets.
- Provided professional development to the department
- Effectively communicated relevant information to the department
- Analyzed departmental data to identify key trends and insights
- Developed plans to enhance and expedite department functions.
- Assisted in the development of departmental lesson plans.
- Engaged in supplementary sessions aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills specific to the department
- Collaborate with the instructional coach for the subject area.
- Observe teachers within the department once a semester and provide feedback.
- Sponsor content-related contests and competitions. (- C-SPAN Student Cam)
- Advocated for resources necessary to support teaching excellence within the department.
- Mentored junior faculty members in their professional development initiatives.
Dubois Integrity Academy
Grade Level Chair (8th Grade)
08.2024 - 05.2025
Job overview
- Spearheaded grade-level initiatives, including curriculum alignment and student assessment strategies, to improve overall academic performance.
- Facilitated communication between administration and teaching staff to ensure cohesive educational planning.
- Make sure the team is aware of all grade-level students' flags, accommodations, and interventions.
- Created an environment that fostered collaboration among staff members.
- Keep an agenda and sign-in sheet. (Electronic and physical binder).
- Worked closely with guidance counselors to ensure students were receiving appropriate support services.
- Organized grade-level meetings to discuss instructional strategies and school initiatives.
Dubois Integrity AcademyRiverdale, GA
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
08.2023 - 05.2025
Job overview
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that foster critical thinking, resulting in student performance surpassing state standards
- Advanced through leadership roles over the past three years, actively shaping curriculum and mentoring colleagues
- Consistently creating a student-centered classroom that challenges traditional education models, sparking curiosity and engagement in ancient and complex topics
- Led initiatives to integrate equity in the classroom, ensuring inclusive learning experiences for all students
- Pioneered new teaching strategies that have increased student involvement, prompting students to seek more information on historical subjects
- Collaborated with fellow educators and administrators to develop a comprehensive and innovative social studies curriculum for middle school students.
Dubois Integrity AcademyRiverdale, GA
Elementary School Science & Social Studies Teacher
08.2022 - 05.2023
Job overview
- Taught Science and Social Studies subjects.
- Reinforcing positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Developed positive rapport with students of various and diverse backgrounds.
- Maintained a positive and professional classroom environment throughout the school year.
- Collaborated with other teachers on interdisciplinary projects that integrated social studies into other subject areas.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
Step Afrika!Washington, DC
Teaching Artist
08.2019 - 06.2021
Job overview
- Serving as an ambassador for DC's culture.
- Performed rehearsed routines at primary schools, colleges, corporate events and festivals.
- Conducted and led multiple residences within the DMV area covering D.C, Maryland and Virginia.
- Implemented nationwide student engagement programs through workshops, masterclasses, and performances while working for a national touring company.
- International teaching residence in Slovenia and Poland (June 2022).
- International teaching residence in Bolivia (September 2022).
- Executed Arts Education programming benefiting 16,000 students across the US.
Education
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA
Master of Arts in Teaching from Middle Level Education (Social Studies)
2023.08 - Current (2 education.years_Label & 3 education.months_Label)
University Overview
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL
Bachelor of Science in History
08.2014 - 05.2019
University Overview
Skills
- Curriculum design and implementation
- Instructional coaching and teacher mentoring
- Student-centered and inquiry-based learning
- Data-driven instructional strategies
- Classroom equity and inclusion
- Leadership and team collaboration
- Professional development facilitation
- Differentiated Instruction
- Student Engagement
- Classroom Management
Certification
Georgia Teaching Certification in Social Studies (Middle & Secondary Grades)
Educational Philosophy
Educational Philosophy
Education has always been a powerful tool for shaping the future, and my journey as an educator is rooted in this belief. My philosophy of education centers around fostering enthusiasm and commitment to personal academic growth among students. This commitment is particularly important in a world where many individuals face obstacles in acquiring academic proficiency necessary to compete in our global society.
Professional Development & Presentations
Professional Development & Presentations
- The DBQ Project 2024 National Summit (Chicago, IL)
- September 2024 Department Meeting - What is my job?
- Hosted a professional development with the Social Studies department on the Gradual Release Strategy.
- Dubois Integrity Academy Family Symposium - PBIS & House Model
- Presented to family members the behavioral intervention system that the school uses and introduced the new House Model.
- August 2024 Department Meeting - The Power in Planning
- Hosted a professional development with the Social Studies department on how to effectively scope and sequence content/ curriculum.
- 2024-2025 School Year Pre- Planning - You Are a Superhero
- Hosted a professional development with the leaders of the school about the new expectations and vision for the school year.
- Lent Festival (Maribor, Slovenia) - No Justice, No Peace
- Presented a short film and sat on a panel discussion about the Black Lives Matter movement and it's impact on the world.
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
- Led students to outperform the state of Georgia in social studies on the Georgia Milestone Assessment System. (2023- 2024 School year)
- Advanced through leadership roles in recognition of innovative teaching methods and strong student outcomes.
- Engaged students in deep, critical thinking, particularly in historical subjects, resulting in increased student-driven inquiry.
- International teaching residence in Slovenia and Poland (June 2022).
- International teaching residence in Bolivia (September 2022).
- Served over 16,000 students nationwide in Arts EducatIon programming.
Leadership Experience
Leadership Experience
- Grade Level Chair (8th Grade), Dubois Integrity Academy, (2024-2025 School year)
- Social Studies Middle School Department Chair, Dubois Integrity Academy, (2024-2025 School year)
- Black History Month Chair (February 2024)
Organizations
Organizations
- National Education Association (NEA)
- Georgia Association of Educators (GAE)
Timeline
High School History Teacher
Charles R Drew High School
08.2025 - Current
Social Studies Middle School Department Chair
Dubois Integrity Academy
08.2024 - 05.2025
Grade Level Chair (8th Grade)
Dubois Integrity Academy
08.2024 - 05.2025
Georgia State University
Master of Arts in Teaching from Middle Level Education (Social Studies)
2023.08 - Current (2 education.years_Label & 3 education.months_Label)
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Dubois Integrity Academy
08.2023 - 05.2025
Elementary School Science & Social Studies Teacher
Dubois Integrity Academy
08.2022 - 05.2023
Teaching Artist
Step Afrika!
08.2019 - 06.2021
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Bachelor of Science in History
08.2014 - 05.2019