Writing and publishing books
Anna Mitchell
Educator
Summary
Dedicated Teacher offering 38 years of experience in education. Resourceful and passionate educator with adaptable and approachable style. Expertise includes project based learning, mastery learning, curriculum building, and strong relationships. Committed to creating dymanic learning environments for all students.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
1
1
State Teaching Certification or License - Kansas Department of E
1
1
Certificate
Work History
8th Grade Advanced English Language Arts Teacher
Andover USD 385
08.2014 - Current
- Created, prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics for the advanced sections of ELA for 8th graders at AMS.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules, and language skills.
- Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments, and standardized tests.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Created a project based learning unit for all 8th grade students to present their career interests, pathways, high school classes and activities, college comparisons, and smart goals to their parents as a part of the middle to high school transition.
- Created a project to bring grandparents or caring adults to school to discuss culture, slang, cars, clothing styles from the adults era to fully comprehend and analyze The Outsiders.
- Led the ELA department at the building and district level to align standards and share best practices.
- Sponsored cheerleaders one season when one of the sponsors could not fulfill her duty.
- Taught various history enrichment courses during Saturday Academy at the district level.
- Planned and hosted the Spelling Bee each year.
4th Grade Classroom Teacher
Andover USD 385
08.2008 - 05.2014
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Contributed to the development of annual curriculum maps, ensuring alignment with state standards and grade-level objectives.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.
- Enhanced classroom dynamics by creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students to thrive.
- Mentored new teachers within the school district, sharing expertise and offering guidance throughout their first year of teaching.
- Developed students' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
- Designed and administered an after school program for struggling students to master skills and build confidence.
5th Grade Teacher
Abilene USD 435
08.2003 - 05.2008
- Cultivated critical thinking skills among students by challenging them with complex problem-solving tasks and thought-provoking discussions.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods, including visual aids, group activities, and hands-on experiences.
- Encouraged parental involvement in student learning through regular communication and parent-teacher conferences.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, modifying instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Led the 5th grade team of teachers. Planned together to build curriculum to meet all student needs.
- Traveled to Manzanar, CA after winning a nation wide contest to learn about the Japanese American Internment during WW2. Worked with The National Park Rangers and The Baseball Hall of Fame to host a webinar for students across the United States to learn about this time in history.
- Planned and carried out field trips for the entire 5th grade team to teach each text structure and develop a deeper understanding of nonfiction text with a hands-on approach.
- Started a walking club for students to get fresh air and exercise while establishing relationships with teachers and peers.
- Coached volleyball at the high school level.
Journalism Teacher
USD 435
08.2000 - 05.2004
- Mentored students in their pursuit of internships and job opportunities within the journalism field.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of multimedia presentations and guest speakers from the journalism industry.
- Adapted lesson plans according to individual student needs, providing additional support where necessary while still maintaining high expectations for all learners.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations for behavior, encouraging open dialogue among peers, and celebrating achievements both large and small.
- Assisted students to produce and distribute a monthly newspaper for students, staff, and parents.
- Assisted students to produce and distribute a yearly yearbook for students, staff, and community.
- Organized and carried out a yearly campaign for Cowboy Joe, which included daily assemblies, yearbook commercials, a community bonfire, and a dance to promote the sale of yearbooks.
- Coached freshman volleyball.
- Taught a reading class for Freshman struggling to read with great success; many of those students went on to earn college degrees.
4th Grade Teacher
USD 418
08.1996 - 08.2000
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
- Increased student participation with interactive learning tools and diverse teaching methods.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Collaborated to create a problem-solving process and a school wide behavior program. Presented both at the district and regional level.
- Coached volleyball at the high school level.
4th Grade Classroom Teacher
USD 476
08.1994 - 05.1996
- Supported the inclusion of special education students in the general education classroom through effective accommodations and modifications.
- Served on school-wide committees focused on improving school culture, resulting in increased overall satisfaction among staff members, parents, and students alike.
- Collaborated with grade-level team members to develop cross-curricular units that reinforced key concepts across subject areas.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for curriculum development and classroom management techniques.
- Planned and hosted Read-A-Thons for the entire elementary school to foster a love of reading for all students.
- Planned and hosted a pre-school buddy program for 4th graders to build relationships and host pre-school students in reading, art, and festive activities throughout the year.
- Planned several field trips each year to reward mastery of content in various school subjects.
- Coached the junior high scholar's bowl team. Hosted meets each year.
- Coached volleyball and track for South Gray Junior High.
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
USD 457
08.1992 - 05.1994
- Planned and implemented integrated Social Studies lessons to meet Common Core Curriculum Standards.
- Assisted struggling students with one-on-one tutoring sessions, boosting their confidence and overall academic performance.
- Taught social studies content and skills to students using curriculum designated by school district and created and used specialized learning subsets.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units of study that connected social studies content with other subject areas such as language arts or science.
5th and 6th Grade Classroom Teacher
USD 457
08.1988 - 05.1992
- Collaborated with parents, administrators and counselors to develop improvement plans for struggling students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
- Boosted student confidence through consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
- Collaborated with administration and staff to redesign the schedule for longer language arts and math periods to be longer. Learning Independently for Tomorrow was implemented to give students more time to learn the two core subjects and a more hands on approach to science and social studies.
Education
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Kansas State University
Manhattan 05.2001 -
Skills
Curriculum implementation
undefinedAccomplishments
- Collaborated with team of four in the development of High School Times.
- Collaborated with team of four in the development of the Generations Project.
- Commended for exemplary teaching and service to students.
- Written and published two books: A Light in the Shadow and Surviving the Holocaust.
- Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee for the Elementary Level for Andover 2013
- Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee for the Secondary Level for Andover 2018
- Andover High School Life Impact Award 2021
- Andover High School Life Impact Award 2022
- Andover High School Life Impact Award 2023
- Kansas Master Teacher of the Year Nominee 2025
Interests
Hiking
Reading
Certification
State Teaching Certification or License - Kansas Department of Education.
Timeline
8th Grade Advanced English Language Arts Teacher
Andover USD 385
08.2014 - Current
4th Grade Classroom Teacher
Andover USD 385
08.2008 - 05.2014
5th Grade Teacher
Abilene USD 435
08.2003 - 05.2008
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Baker University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Kansas State University
05.2001 -
Journalism Teacher
USD 435
08.2000 - 05.2004
4th Grade Teacher
USD 418
08.1996 - 08.2000
4th Grade Classroom Teacher
USD 476
08.1994 - 05.1996
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
USD 457
08.1992 - 05.1994
5th and 6th Grade Classroom Teacher
USD 457
08.1988 - 05.1992
State Teaching Certification or License - Kansas Department of Education.
05-1988
Similar Profiles
Alexis ShawAlexis Shaw
Substitute Teacher at USD 385 Andover Public SchoolsSubstitute Teacher at USD 385 Andover Public Schools
Megan CatesMegan Cates
Substitute Teacher at USD 385 Andover Public SchoolsSubstitute Teacher at USD 385 Andover Public Schools
MELISSA HOOFERMELISSA HOOFER
Kindergarten Teacher in Virtual/blending Setting at USD 385 – Andover eCademyKindergarten Teacher in Virtual/blending Setting at USD 385 – Andover eCademy
Simone S. RoweSimone S. Rowe
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher & Grade Team Lead at MASTERY Charter Schools8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher & Grade Team Lead at MASTERY Charter Schools
Patricia BernhardtPatricia Bernhardt
8th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher at Washington Township Board of Education8th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher at Washington Township Board of Education