Andrea Usherwood
Teacher
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Professional educator with strong focus on high standards and achieving results. Expertise in curriculum development, classroom management, and student engagement. Known for team collaboration and flexibility, adapting to changing needs and ensuring consistent reliability. Skilled in fostering positive learning environment and promoting critical thinking.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
High School English/Drama Teacher
Taos Municipal Schools
01.1999 - 06.2021
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of literature and writing skills.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and effective communication among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a supportive learning environment and share best practices.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to refine instructional strategies and improve teaching effectiveness.
- Implemented instructional technologies to enhance student participation and engagement in lessons.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Evaluated student work fairly and consistently, offering detailed feedback to guide future improvement efforts.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing consistent expectations and consequences for all students.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Assisted in development of extracurricular activities and special events.
- Facilitated collaborative projects to enhance students' teamwork and communication skills.
- Organized annual school theater productions, managing logistics and student participation.
High School English Teacher
Questa Independent School District
08.1996 - 12.1998
- Assisted in grading assignments, providing constructive feedback to support student improvement.
- Promoted critical thinking skills by challenging students to analyze literary texts and express their interpretations in written assignments.
- Fostered a love of literature among students by introducing engaging texts from diverse genres, authors, time periods, and cultures.
- Assisted in development of extracurricular activities and special events.
High School English/Speech Teacher
Sterling Municipal School District
08.1986 - 12.1993
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance communication skills in diverse learners.
- Improved students'' language skills by incorporating engaging activities and materials into daily lessons.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment where students felt comfortable expressing themselves and participating in class discussions.
- Mentored new Speech Teachers as they transitioned into their roles, offering guidance on best practices and sharing effective teaching strategies for success in the classroom.
- Established positive relationships with parents, maintaining regular communication to discuss student progress, concerns, and goals.
- Managed assigned extracurricular activities and sponsored outside activities approved by school principal to foster social growth of students.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district and school requirements.
Education
Master's in Education -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2008
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Theater Arts/Speech/English/Education
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL12-1981
Skills
- Lesson plan development
- Classroom management
- Curriculum design
- Critical thinking facilitation
- Instructional technology implementation
- Differentiated instruction
- Parent-teacher communication
- Public speaking
- Empathy and patience
- Professional development participation
- Extracurricular activity coordination
Timeline
High School English/Drama Teacher
Taos Municipal Schools
01.1999 - 06.2021
High School English Teacher
Questa Independent School District
08.1996 - 12.1998
High School English/Speech Teacher
Sterling Municipal School District
08.1986 - 12.1993
Master's in Education -
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Theater Arts/Speech/English/Education
Illinois Wesleyan University