Barbara Volk-Tunnell
Iola
Summary
I am an energetic and compassionate teacher with a passion for fostering a positive learning environment for my students. I am experienced with curriculum development, ensuring educational content meets all necessary standards and engaging students. I am committed to inspiring students and fostering academic growth. I also engage my students in competitions and other activities where they can put the skills that they have learned in class into practice. I believe that all students can learn if they are provided the tools needed to be successful such as a caring and involved teacher, resources, time and in some cases accomodations.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Administrative Assistant
Benz School of Floral Design
08.2017 - Current
- Facilitated meetings with CEV (High School Curriculum Company) about the Benz Certification that is offered by us to High School floral students
- Colaborated with Director, Bill McKinley to update the current contract with CEV
- Assisted in implementing and organizing Floral Library
- Enhanced communication between High School Agriculture Teachers and the Benz School by creating a periodic newsletter about upcoming classes, sharing floral tips to use in the classroom etc...
- Organized and updated Benz Art pieces as well as recorded any new items that were added to the collection. Also, filling out paperwork when items are borrowed. Assisted in the display of specific art pieces twice a year
- Processed incoming flowers from wholesales
- Created floral arrangements for events on campus as well as helping to set them up and strike when they were completed
- Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships and documenting conversations.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for the Benz School.
- Improved document organization with thorough file maintenance, archiving outdated records as necessary for efficient retrieval when needed.
- Streamlined invoice processing procedures to ensure timely payment of vendors while minimizing errors in financial records.
- Developed filing system for historical documents, preserving important company records and improving access to information.
Agriscience Teacher
Bryan High School
08.2006 - 07.2017
- I have taught classes such as Principles of Ag., Wildlife, Floral Design, Horticulture, Small Animal Mgt. to name a few.
- As an FFA advisor I have trained Floriculture, Nursery/Landscape and Dairy Cattle Judging Teams
- I have had the opportunity to be a guest speaker for many organizations such as The Master Gardner Program, the Agri-Food Masters Program, and the Agriculture Teacher’s Conference
- Developed engaging lesson plans to facilitate student learning and comprehension.
- I have also been able to serve as District President of the Guadalupe District as well as Area VII Treasurer
- I hold certifications in Special Education as well as Art
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating diverse teaching methods.
- Several years ago I was fortunate enough to have been able to obtain my Master Floral Certification which has helped me to better prepare my Floral students for their careers
- Some of my Floral II students participated in the Houston Livestock Show Horticulture Contests this year and two earned cash prizes and belt buckles
- Assessed student progress to tailor instruction and meet educational goals.
- I have established the BHS Floral Club at school where BISD employees can join and received flowers throughout the year
- This program has taught my Floral Design students to work to meet deadlines and create quality work
- Organized extracurricular activities to enrich student learning experiences.
- Integrated technology into lessons for interactive and engaging learning experiences.
- Promoted collaborative learning by facilitating group projects and discussions.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
Special Education Teacher
Somerset High School
08.2005 - 05.2006
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Agriculture Science Teacher
Navarro High School
08.1999 - 05.2005
- Conducted classes in Ag. 101/102, Floral Design, Landscaping, Horticulture
- Utilized various assessment methods to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional techniques accordingly.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain an orderly and focused learning atmosphere.
- Enhanced student understanding of agriculture science concepts by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications.
- Assisted administration with curriculum development initiatives, ensuring alignment with state standards for agricultural education programs.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on emerging trends and best practices in agricultural education.
- Developed strong connections with local agribusinesses, providing students access to industry professionals for guest lectures and internship opportunities.
- Advised student clubs and organizations related to agriculture sciences, providing mentorship and guidance for future career paths.
- Led field trips and extracurricular activities related to agriculture science, exposing students to practical experiences in the field.
- Maintained student academic records, grades and performances.
- Monitored school laboratory, greenhouse, and feed center used for supervised agricultural experiences.
- Prepared lessons to reflect accommodations for individual student differences.
Life Management Skills Teacher
Smithson Valley Middle School
08.1997 - 05.1999
- Conducted classes which taught students skills pertinent to everyday living such as: problem solving, decision making, relationships, food and nutrition and clothing care.
- Employed variety of teaching strategies and instructional techniques to meet different aptitudes and interests of students.
- Encouraged active learning by creating lessons and projects to engage problem-solving and creative abilities.
- Maintained regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students with homework and assignments.
- Established and maintained standards of student behavior to provide productive, orderly classroom environment.
Horticulture Teacher
Clifton Career Development Center
08.1996 - 05.1997
- Taught Horticulture skills to special education students that would prepare them for a job in the Horticulture field.
- Skills emphasized were: safety, propagation, transplanting, pruning, watering, fertilizing and customer service.
- 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.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
Agriculture Science Teacher
Kenedy High School
08.1993 - 05.1996
- Conducted classes in Ag. 101/102, Floral Design, Horticulture, Landscaping, Animal/Plant Production, Home Maintenance and Improvement
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain an orderly and focused learning atmosphere.
- Enhanced student understanding of agriculture science concepts by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on emerging trends and best practices in agricultural education.
- Developed strong connections with local agribusinesses, providing students access to industry professionals for guest lectures and internship opportunities.
- Advised student clubs and organizations related to agriculture sciences, providing mentorship and guidance for future career paths.
- Led field trips and extracurricular activities related to agriculture science, exposing students to practical experiences in the field.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture Production And Management
Southwest Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas08-1992
Skills
- Classroom management
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Motivating students
- Student engagement
- Behavior management
- Positive role model and mentor
- Differentiated instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- Curriculum implementation
- Technology integration
- Cultural sensitivity
Certification
- Agriculture
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Special Education
- Art
Professional Activities
- Guadalupe District, District President
- Area VII, Treasurer
- District FFA Advisor
- Horticulture Chairman for the Comal County Fair
- Texas Agri-Food Master Volunteer and Guest Speaker
- Member of the Vocational Agriculture Teacher's Association
- Member of the Texas State Floral Association
Personal Information
Place of Birth: San Marcos, TX
Awards
- Honorary Chapter FFA Degree
- Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree
- Vocational Agriculture Teacher's Association of Texas Teacher's Television Award
- Selected to be a National Teacher Ambassador for FFA
- Texas A&M, Dept. of Horticulture, Award of Excellence for Technical Staff Support
Timeline
Administrative Assistant
Benz School of Floral Design
08.2017 - Current
Agriscience Teacher
Bryan High School
08.2006 - 07.2017
Special Education Teacher
Somerset High School
08.2005 - 05.2006
Agriculture Science Teacher
Navarro High School
08.1999 - 05.2005
Life Management Skills Teacher
Smithson Valley Middle School
08.1997 - 05.1999
Horticulture Teacher
Clifton Career Development Center
08.1996 - 05.1997
Agriculture Science Teacher
Kenedy High School
08.1993 - 05.1996
- Agriculture
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Special Education
- Art
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture Production And Management
Southwest Texas State University
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