Amber Burleson
Visalia,CA
Summary
Experienced educator specializing in Drama and Social Studies, known for fostering a positive classroom environment and promoting teamwork. Proven ability to mentor aspiring actors and collaborate with colleagues to design impactful curriculum and interdisciplinary projects.
Experienced with curriculum development, ensuring educational content meets all necessary standards and engages students. Utilizes range of teaching methods to address different learning styles, promoting well-rounded understanding of subjects. Strong understanding of classroom management techniques to maintain productive and respectful learning environment.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher: Drama
Visalia Unified School District
Visalia, CA
08.2015 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state and national curriculum standards.
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction.
- Encouraged students to perform well and learn from failure.
- Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating improvisation techniques and role-playing activities in lessons.
- Instructed students on the history of theater, exploring key periods, playwrights, and performance styles from around the world.
- Mentored aspiring actors, providing guidance on audition preparation and acting techniques for various roles.
- Promoted teamwork among cast members during group projects ensuring smooth execution both onstage and behind the scenes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design curriculum for both vertical and multi-site articulation.
- Led theatrical productions, overseeing casting, rehearsals, and performance execution to enhance student confidence.
- Mentored aspiring actors, providing constructive feedback to enhance their performance skills and stage presence.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged open expression and collaboration among diverse student groups.
- Collaborated with directors from other school sites to create an end of the year showcase to honor the performers and performances at each school.
Teacher: Social Studies
Visalia Unified School District
Visalia, CA
08.2002 - 06.2016
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered positive classroom environment encouraging student participation and collaboration.
- Assessed student performance to identify learning gaps and adapt instruction accordingly.
- Integrated technology tools to enhance learning experiences and improve student engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects promoting critical thinking skills.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child's educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
S3 Grant Coordinator
Visalia Unified School District
Visalia, CA
06.2011 - 05.2013
- Developed training materials and workshops for staff and students.
- Managed post-award services and oversaw state and federal grant awards for compliance with uniform guidance and grant-specific requirements.
- Established and maintained electronic files for grant-funded projects for tracking and reporting.
- Assisted in the development of new initiatives by identifying potential funding sources that align with organizational goals and objectives, helping expand program offerings over time.
- Implemented school-wide systems for safety including anti-bullying curriculum.
- Collaborated with TOSAs and administration to design and implement a school-wide RtI system.
- Coordinated and led workshops for students, staff, teachers, and administration designed to increase the voice of all stakeholders and create a more welcoming school site.
- Attended conferences, trainings, and workshops to learn the latest programs available to increase school safety and support.
TOSA: Instructional Strategies and Engagement
Visalia Unified School District
Visalia, CA
06.2007 - 06.2009
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects promoting skill integration.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management strategies and curriculum execution.
- Led professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching methodologies and best practices.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Led professional development workshops for peers on effective classroom management techniques.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Cheerleading Advisor and Coach
Visalia Unified School District
Visalia, CA
07.2002 - 05.2006
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance team performance and skill development.
- Coordinated and scheduled practices, ensuring optimal use of time and resources for athlete engagement.
- Cultivated a positive team culture focused on discipline, respect, and teamwork among athletes.
- Managed budget allocations for uniforms and equipment, optimizing expenditures while meeting program needs.
- Implemented injury prevention strategies by incorporating proper stretching techniques and strength conditioning exercises into practice sessions.
- Facilitated team bonding activities that promoted unity among squad members during practices, games, and other events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - History
Whittier College
Whittier, CATeaching Credential - Social Science With Theater Supplemental
Fresno State
Fresno, CACLAD Certification -
University of San Diego
San Diego, CASkills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Student engagement
- Parent-teacher communication
- Professional collaboration
- Budgeting
- Directing
- Stagecraft and Design
Timeline
Teacher: Drama
Visalia Unified School District
08.2015 - Current
S3 Grant Coordinator
Visalia Unified School District
06.2011 - 05.2013
TOSA: Instructional Strategies and Engagement
Visalia Unified School District
06.2007 - 06.2009
Teacher: Social Studies
Visalia Unified School District
08.2002 - 06.2016
Cheerleading Advisor and Coach
Visalia Unified School District
07.2002 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Science - History
Whittier College
Teaching Credential - Social Science With Theater Supplemental
Fresno State
CLAD Certification -
University of San Diego