Dynamic 4th/5th Grade Science Teacher; born, raised, and have lived all my life in Lafayette County. With a proven track record in curriculum development, classroom management, and technology integration. Committed to fostering engaging learning experiences that drive student success, as evidenced by top 5 in the state in 2019 and above state average, test scores for multiple years.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th/5th Grade-Science Teacher
Lafayette Elementary School
Mayo, FL
08.2008 - Current
Developed engaging science curriculum aligned with state standards.
Facilitated hands-on experiments to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
Managed classroom environment to promote respect and collaboration among students.
Implemented assessments to gauge student comprehension and adjust instruction accordingly.
Coordinated field trips to provide practical experiences related to science topics.
Collaborated with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and needs.
Integrated technology tools to enhance learning and engage students in science lessons.
Mentored new teachers by sharing best practices for effective science instruction.
Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and other relevant data.
Integrated technology into classroom instruction to enhance learning experiences.
Implemented strategies for differentiating instruction based on individual student needs.
Attended professional development workshops to stay abreast of current trends in education.
Facilitated hands-on activities to reinforce scientific concepts.
Instructed students on the use of laboratory equipment such as microscopes and beakers.
Adapted instructional materials for English Language Learners.
Conducted parent and teacher conferences regarding academic progress or behavioral issues.
Collaborated with other teachers to develop interdisciplinary projects that integrate science content.
Utilized formative assessment tools such as exit tickets and quizzes throughout lessons.
Coordinated after school tutoring sessions for struggling students.
Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments.
Incorporated inquiry-based teaching techniques to facilitate learning about scientific processes.
Encouraged critical thinking by posing questions and facilitating discussions among students.
Created lesson plans to address individual student needs based on assessment data.
Monitored student behavior during recess periods to ensure safety and positive interactions between classmates.
Provided instruction in 5th grade science topics including physical and life sciences, earth and space science, energy, force, motion, matter and the environment.
Established a positive learning environment by setting clear expectations for behavior and performance.
Developed rubrics for assessing student work in order to provide feedback on progress toward mastery of course objectives.
Advised parents on how they can best support their child's educational goals at home.
Provided differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
Monitored student performance, offering constructive feedback and additional aid to struggling students.
Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
Co-Owner Family Tobacco Farm During the Summer
Prine Farms
Mayo, FL
05.2007 - Current
While most other teachers get a "vacation" during the summer, I switch hats to a farmer. As soon as the last school bell rings in May, it's goodbye air conditioning and hello vitamin D. I have been very actively helping my husband operate our family tobacco farm for the last 15 years. We usually employee highschoolers over the age of 16, most of these I have taught in the past.In 2020, we were awarded the Farm Bureau - Farm of the Year for our county.
Managed daily operations of the farm and ensured efficient workflow.
Oversaw employee training and performance evaluations for team members.
Developed strategies for crop management and sustainable farming practices.
Ensured compliance with agricultural regulations and safety standards on the farm.
Managed day-to-day business operations including staffing, inventory management, budgeting, accounting, and payroll processing.
Established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Ensured that all safety protocols were followed at all times within the workplace.
Provided leadership and guidance to employees while fostering a collaborative environment.
Bank Teller
First Federal Bank
Mayo, FL
08.2005 - 07.2008
Processed customer transactions efficiently and accurately.
Assisted customers with account inquiries and banking services.
Managed cash drawer and balanced daily transactions.
Educated customers on bank products and services available.
Resolved customer complaints and provided timely solutions.
Maintained compliance with banking regulations and policies.
Developed strong relationships with customers through excellent service.
Handled large sums of money with accuracy while maintaining appropriate levels of security.
Performed cash handling duties including counting currency, coins and checks.
Provided exceptional customer service to customers by answering inquiries, resolving complaints and processing transactions in a timely manner.
Processed customer deposits and withdrawals accurately, balancing cash drawer daily.
Maintained confidentiality of bank records, transactions and customer information.
Cashed customer checks, verified identification and checked account balances in accordance with bank policy.
Served large number of customers during high volume shifts and remained composed and professional in stressful situations.
Balanced teller drawers regularly throughout the day according to established procedures.
Explained bank services, financial products and applicable fees to customers.
Verified customer signatures on documents and ensured accuracy of all paperwork before submitting for approval.
Entered transactions into computer and issued customer receipts.
Assisted customers with opening new accounts, ordering checks, and setting up online banking services.
Provided assistance to other tellers during peak business hours as needed.
Identified customer financial needs, goals and objectives and offered appropriate financial products to suit needs.
Responded and assisted customers with account inquiries and updates.
Adhered to strict guidelines regarding financial and customer data to avoid breaches and information misuse.
Ordered checks, placed stop payment orders and conducted additional special services for customers.
Researched customer inquires regarding their accounts using internal banking systems.
Met or exceeded sales goals by promoting bank products and services in customer interactions.
Identified suspicious activity on account holders' accounts and reported any discrepancies to the supervisor immediately.
Cross-sold bank products such as savings accounts and credit cards to existing clients.
Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions.
Built and maintained client relationships through quality, personalized interactions.
Maintained confidentiality of bank records and client information.
Delivered exceptional service to customers in person or over telephone.
Performed transactional, operational, and customer support tasks through knowledge of bank procedures and products.
Issued and redeemed money orders, cashier checks, traveler's checks and savings bonds.
Used a strong knowledge of banking products and services to confidently educate customers about features, benefits and pricing.
Counted drawers and reconciled remaining cash to accost for deposits and dispersals.
Trained employees on cash drawer operation.
Adhered to financial services security and audit procedures.
Directed specific questions to appropriate branch personnel.
Offered every customer exceptional service levels by remaining friendly and professional during every transaction.
Identified transaction errors when debits and credits did not balance.
Fulfilled diverse duties to provide customer service, operate money counters, balance and replenish ATMs, maintain accounts and open new accounts.
Counted currency, coins and checks received to prepare for deposit or shipment to branch banks or Federal Reserve Bank.
Received mortgage and other loan payments, verifying payment dates and amounts due.
Verified amounts and integrity of every check or funds transfer.
Promoted facility security by monitoring customer behaviors and following established protocols to protect individuals and assets.
Substitute Teacher
Lafayette County Schools
Mayo, FL
08.2003 - 08.2007
Managed classroom behavior and maintained a positive learning environment.
Supervised students during activities, ensuring safety and engagement.
Encouraged positive behavior among students through effective communication techniques.
Provided classroom instruction outlined in teacher's lesson plans.
Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at consistent level.
Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher.
Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
Implemented school policies and procedures in the classroom.
Engaged students in discussions to promote interest and drive learning.
Provided notes and reports on school day activities to primary teacher.
Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.
Remained up-to-date with emergency procedures to keep students and staff safe in emergency events.
Provided feedback on assignments or projects given by the regular teacher.
Utilized various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations.
Administered tests and assessments according to school guidelines.
Integrated technology into lessons whenever possible.
Implemented classroom rules to maintain order and discipline.
Implemented differentiated instruction strategies based on individual student needs.
Utilized educational technology to enhance learning experiences.
Managed classroom environments to ensure a safe and productive learning experience.
Collaborated with regular teachers to ensure continuity of instruction.
Maintained a safe learning environment by enforcing school rules and regulations.
Supervised students during recess, break times and dismissal periods to prevent injuries and fights.
Left notes for head teacher about notable students, events and problems.
Distributed worksheets and homework assignments from head teacher to assist with classroom operations.
Answered student questions about course concepts.
Assisted struggling students with classroom assignments with one-on-one tutoring.
Gym Manager
Mayo Fitness/Charles Morris
Mayo, FL
01.2004 - 03.2006
Trained and supervised staff to enhance member service quality.
Ensured cleanliness and safety standards throughout the facility.
Assisted members with equipment usage and fitness inquiries.
Monitored inventory levels for gym supplies and equipment maintenance.
Fostered a welcoming community atmosphere for all gym members.
Ensured the gym had all necessary equipment to maintain safety and efficiency standards.
Maintained a clean, organized environment throughout the facility at all times.
Handled daily administrative tasks including filing paperwork and responding to emails.
Conducted regular inspections of facilities to identify any potential hazards or maintenance needs.
Kept accurate records of member attendance, sales figures, and inventory levels.
Trained new staff members on proper use of exercise equipment and safety protocols.
Assisted with budgeting for new equipment purchases or staffing changes.
Collaborated with other departments within the organization on joint initiatives.
Implemented strategies for increasing customer retention rates through loyalty programs.
Answered questions regarding fitness equipment to gym patrons and offered information on wellness strategies.
Utilized well-honed decision-making skills to quickly and effectively find solutions to customer issues.
Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
Forecasted customer demand to set prices or credit terms for goods or services.
College Tutor
North Florida College
Madison, FL
08.2004 - 08.2005
Facilitated study groups to promote collaboration and peer learning among students.
Coordinated with faculty to align tutoring sessions with curriculum objectives and goals.
Mentored new tutors on effective teaching strategies and student engagement techniques.
Encouraged critical thinking skills amongst the students by incorporating problem solving into tutoring sessions.
Collaborated with professors on specific learning objectives and materials needed for each session.
Explained complex concepts in simpler terms that were easier for the student to understand.
Engaged students during lectures by asking relevant questions related to the topic being discussed.
Motivated struggling learners by providing positive reinforcement when they achieved success.
Helped students develop time management skills that enabled them to balance their academic workloads.
Identified areas of improvement for each student and developed strategies accordingly.
Encouraged cooperative learning amongst peers which allowed them to work together on challenging problems.
Provided guidance to students on how to effectively study for exams.
Tutored college level courses such as Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Assisted students with course material and assignments in a one-on-one setting.
Helped students review and understand previous lessons to make connection with new lesson.
Worked closely with students to help develop math and essay writing skills.
Designed comfortable tutoring environment conducive to learning.
Conducted one-on-one and group tutoring sessions to enhance understanding of subject material.
Developed personalized tutoring strategies to improve students' academic performance in subjects such as math, science, and English.
Guided students in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of curriculum changes and educational practices to provide current and effective tutoring.
Integrated technology into tutoring sessions to enhance learning experiences.
Implemented time management and organizational strategies to help students manage their study schedules.
Taught note-taking techniques and test strategies.
Attended training sessions, enhancing tutoring practices and techniques.
Explained tutoring services and booked tutoring appointments.
Nanny/Housekeeper
Kerwin & Cosette Bell
Mayo, FL
05.2003 - 07.2005
Supervised daily activities and playtime for children in a safe environment.
Prepared nutritious meals and snacks tailored to children's dietary needs.
Managed schedules for educational and recreational activities, ensuring engagement.
Assisted with homework and learning projects to support academic growth.
Coordinated communication with parents regarding children's progress and needs.
Organized playdates and outings to promote social skills among children.
Maintained a clean, organized, and child-friendly living space at all times.
Implemented routines to foster discipline and positive behavior in children.
Performed light housekeeping duties related to childcare such as laundry or meal preparation.
Created an atmosphere of trust between myself and both the family and the kids I cared for.
Transported children to school, extracurricular activities, and appointments when needed.
Assisted children with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and feeding.
Tended to children's general needs while providing supervision for safety in day-to-day activities.
Engaged children in age-appropriate activities to encourage intellectual and motor skills development.
Followed routines to foster stability and structure in children's lives during parental absences.
Maintained discipline in accordance with parents' instructions while being sensitive to each child’s individual needs.
Communicated regularly with families regarding daily events and any concerns that may arise.
Monitored indoor and outdoor playtime by guiding activities while watching for dangers.
Created nurturing, safe environments to promote emotional, social, and intellectual growth.
Monitored children's behavior, health and well-being as well as physical, emotional and mental development.
Read stories aloud to the children and engaged them in creative play activities.
Regulated children's schedules to balance rest, learning, and play.
Gave medication to children as directed by parents or guardians.
Minimized TV and mobile device time by engaging children with games and physical books.
Organized educational games and materials to encourage learning in a fun way.
Observed children during snack time to prevent choking.
Provided overnight care as needed, ensuring a safe and secure environment.
Taught life skills, including personal hygiene and organization.
Ensured physical and social well-being of each child.
Provided direct-care services for children of varying ages.
Engaged in after-school activities by assisting with sports practice and homework assignments.
Removed hazards and developed appropriate boundaries and rules to create safe environment for children.
Assigned age-appropriate chores to encourage self-confidence and responsibility.
Tutored children in multiple school subjects to boost educational performance.
Maintained cleanliness and organization of all living spaces.
Performed laundry duties, including washing, drying, and folding clothes.
Sanitized bathrooms and kitchens to ensure a hygienic environment.
Responded promptly to requests for additional cleaning or special tasks.
Implemented efficient cleaning techniques to enhance overall productivity.
Cleaned bathrooms, including toilets, tubs, showers and sinks.
Swept and mopped floors, vacuumed carpets and rugs, dusted furniture, wiped down surfaces.
Changed bed linens and towels, tidied up rooms.
Vacuumed floors and dusted furniture to maintain organized, professional appearance.
Used cleaning chemicals following proper guidelines.
Emptied trash receptacles throughout the property.
Moved beds, sofas and small furniture to wipe down baseboards and remove dust and dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaned building floors by sweeping, mopping and scrubbing.
Responded to requests from guests regarding housekeeping needs.
Reported any maintenance issues or damage to supervisors immediately.
Removed finger marks and smudges from doors, frames and glass partitions to enhance shine.
Emptied wastebaskets and disposed of soiled linens in guest rooms to reduce spread of germs and enhance freshness.
Inspected guest rooms after cleaning to ensure they were presentable.
Returned rooms to occupant-ready status to satisfy future guests.
Maintained a clean linen closet by folding sheets neatly on shelves.
Scrubbed kitchen appliances, countertops and fixtures.
Laundered sheets and removed stains to restore linens to pristine condition.
Organized closets with hangers for guests' clothing items.
Assisted in laundry services including washing, drying, and folding linens.
Maintained clean floors throughout property by sweeping, scrubbing and waxing.
Dusted and polished fixtures and cabinet hardware to maintain sparkling appearance.
Swept and damp-mopped private stairways and hallways.
Waxed and polished wood furnishings to restore faded appearance.
Cashier
Mayo Thriftway
Mayo, FL
10.2002 - 03.2003
Maintained clean and organized checkout areas for customer convenience.
Assisted customers with product inquiries and store navigation.
Handled cash, credit, and electronic payments securely.
Monitored inventory levels and reported restocking needs to management.
Operated cash register efficiently and accurately, processed payments by cash, check, credit card, gift card or automatic debit.
Accepted cash and credit card payments, issued receipts and provided change.
Collected payments and provided accurate change.
Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the store's products and services.
Performed other duties as assigned by management.
Stocked shelves with merchandise when needed.
Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
Maintained cleanliness of checkout area including countertops, registers, windowsills and floors.
Issued receipts, refunds, credits or change due to customers.
Answered customer questions and provided store information.
Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
Processed sales transactions to prevent long customer wait times.
Preserved appearance of store by arranging and replenishing displays and merchandise racks.
Assisted customers over the phone regarding store operations, product information and order placement.
Conducted price checks for special orders or discounts as requested by customers.
Verified that customers were of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.
Processed credit card, cash, and check payments, ensuring all transactions were accurate.
Counted money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure amounts were correct.
Resolved customer complaints professionally in accordance with company policy.
Maintained work area and kept cash drawer organized.
Built and maintained productive relationships with employees.
Maintained clean and orderly checkout areas by sanitizing register belts, emptying trash cans and organizing candy racks.
Offered customers carry-out service at completion of transaction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
St. Leo University
Madison, FL
05-2008
Associate of Arts -
North Florida College
Madison, FL
05-2005
High School Diploma -
Lafayette County Schools
Mayo, FL
05-2003
Skills
Above state average for the State Science Test for the years 2018-2022 and again in 2024, averaging 10 points or higher than state averages for those years
Curriculum development
Classroom management
Lesson planning
Science instruction
Technology integration
Student assessment
Affiliations
Assists with children's church at Brewer Lake Baptist Church
Chief Editor of Elementary School Yearbook for the past 3 years.
Married for 13 years and I have 3 children- all of whom I taught while they came through the elementary school.
After School teacher for 5 years.
Currently attending NEFEC- Science Connect Professional development- Lead by Tim Stevens.
Invited to participate in the literacy-micro credential research study for the University of Florida- Lastinger.
Accomplishments
Top 5 in the state- Science test scores in 2019
Awarded Best and Brightest Teacher with passing ACT score in 2017, received bonus from 2017-2019.
Received a highly effective rating 2015-2018 & 2021-2025 from 3 different principals.
Coordinator of the Little Miss LHS pageant for 8 years, beginning in 2009.
Lead Department Teacher
Salutatorian for graduating class of 2003
Highest GPA for Elementary Education college classes- Had to prepare a speech at graduation.
Trained in Clinical Ed- Have had several interns.
ESOL endorsed
Reading endorsed
Successfully completed- UF Lastinger- Math Matrix.
Serves as a mentor teacher- Have been a mentor to 2 new hires to the district. My most recent was last school year.