ARNINYIA THOMAS
Woodbridge,NJ
Summary
Dynamic elementary educator and emerging instructional leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to enhancing student achievement, supporting grade-level teams, and delivering standards-aligned instruction in urban charter school settings. Proven track record in coordinating instructional planning, implementing schoolwide programs, and leveraging classroom data to drive improvements in student learning outcomes. Skilled in mentoring colleagues, fostering family engagement, and creating structured, student-centered learning environments. Holds a Master's in Educational Leadership, demonstrating strong readiness for roles in instructional leadership, school administration, or elementary teaching.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Afterschool Program Coordinator
Gray Charter School
Newark, NJ
09.2025 - Current
- Spearheads schoolwide K–8 enrichment program supporting 150+ students through academic clubs and engagement activities.
- Coordinates instructor placement, club assignments, enrollment processes, attendance tracking, scheduling, and operations.
- Collaborated with administrators to expand 10+ enrichment offerings, increasing student participation opportunities.
- Managed parent communication for 50+ students, improving enrollment accuracy and family engagement.
- Introduced supervision procedures strengthening student accountability and improving program organization.
- Facilitated staff meetings for 10+ instructors to strengthen program coordination and student engagement.
- Tracked attendance and behavior trends to identify opportunities improving student participation and engagement.
- Strengthens relationships with families, educators, and leadership through organized outreach and communication.
Lead 4th Grade Teacher / Grade-Level Instructional Lead
Gray Charter School
Newark, NJ
09.2023 - Current
- Delivered differentiated fourth-grade instruction improving literacy, mathematics performance, and classroom engagement for 25+ students.
- Led weekly grade-level planning meetings strengthening instructional consistency, curriculum alignment, and intervention planning.
- Used classroom assessment data to guide interventions and support measurable student academic growth.
- Mentored grade-level teachers through collaborative planning, classroom guidance, and instructional support.
5th Grade Teacher
Capitol Collegiate Academy
Sacramento, CA
09.2021 - 06.2023
- Designed standards-based lessons improving academic performance across multiple subject areas.
- Established structured classroom routines promoting positive behavior and consistent student engagement.
- Analyzed student progress data to identify learning gaps and strengthen intervention planning.
- Maintained regular parent communication supporting student progress, classroom expectations, and behavior improvement.
Lead 4th Grade Teacher
Gray Charter School
Newark, NJ
09.2016 - 06.2021
- Designed classroom instruction integrating guided reading, writing workshops, differentiated learning practices, and grade-level curriculum expectations.
- Adapted instruction for varied learning needs, improving classroom participation and student confidence.
- Introduced collaborative learning activities strengthening peer interaction, participation, and critical thinking skills.
- Evaluated student progress using assessments and classroom observations to strengthen instructional effectiveness.
Lead Teacher – Grade 4 ELA
BelovED Community Charter School
Newark, NJ
09.2014 - 06.2016
- Led grade-level instructional planning improving curriculum consistency and teacher collaboration.
- Reviewed lesson plans to strengthen instructional quality, curriculum alignment, and classroom readiness.
- Provided classroom feedback helping teachers strengthen instruction and student engagement.
- Collaborated with administrators regarding grade-level priorities, student progress, and instructional improvement initiatives.
Lead 4th Grade Teacher
Gray Charter School
Newark, NJ
09.2009 - 06.2014
- Delivered fourth-grade curriculum supporting literacy instruction, differentiated learning approaches, classroom engagement, and student development.
- Created instructional activities strengthening academic understanding, participation levels, educational confidence, and student-centered learning.
- Reinforced academic progress through individualized assistance, guided instruction, differentiated strategies, and targeted classroom interventions.
- Assessed classroom performance using grading tools, observational methods, academic records, measurable learning benchmarks.
Full-Time Substitute Teacher
Gray Charter School
Newark, NJ
09.2005 - 06.2008
- Managed classroom responsibilities across grades 3, 4, and 6 ensuring instructional continuity and organized learning environments.
- Supervised classroom behavior while maintaining productive routines, academic expectations, and daily structure.
- Executed teacher lesson plans adapting instructional delivery according to classroom needs, student engagement, and participation.
Education
Master of Educational Leadership -
William Paterson University
Wayne, NJ11-2025
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - undefined
Lincoln University
Oxford, PA05-2005
High School - undefined
Edison High School
Edison, NJ06-2001
Skills
- Teaching and learning facilitation
- Program administration
- Educational program development
- Data-informed strategy development
- Academic performance evaluation
- Team leadership
- Effective classroom instruction
- Training program facilitation
- School operations management
- Family involvement strategy
- Behavioral intervention strategies
- Strategic assessment planning
- Education policy adherence
- Collaborative teamwork
- Educational coaching
- Strategic school planning
- Curriculum development
- Enrollment management
- Student data management
- Team leadership
- Parent communication strategies
Certification
- California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential March 2021
- New Jersey Standard Certificate – Elementary School Teacher (Grades K–5) October 2009
- New Jersey Supervisor Standard Certificate Pending
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Teaching philosophy centers on creating inclusive, structured, and engaging learning environments that support academic growth and individual student needs. Instruction is guided by high expectations, data- informed practices, and consistent collaboration to foster meaningful student success and lifelong learning.
HONORS
Dr. Betty Shabazz Endowment, Merit Award – Lincoln University, GPA Scholarship – Lincoln University
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Afterschool Program Coordinator
Gray Charter School
09.2025 - Current
Lead 4th Grade Teacher / Grade-Level Instructional Lead
Gray Charter School
09.2023 - Current
5th Grade Teacher
Capitol Collegiate Academy
09.2021 - 06.2023
Lead 4th Grade Teacher
Gray Charter School
09.2016 - 06.2021
Lead Teacher – Grade 4 ELA
BelovED Community Charter School
09.2014 - 06.2016
Lead 4th Grade Teacher
Gray Charter School
09.2009 - 06.2014
Full-Time Substitute Teacher
Gray Charter School
09.2005 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - undefined
Lincoln University
High School - undefined
Edison High School
Master of Educational Leadership -
William Paterson University