Barbara Freixas
Coral Gables,FL
Summary
Dedicated educator with 17 years of experience teaching ELA in high school grades 9th - 12th, specializing in curriculum development, instructional design, and educational leadership. Recent Master's degree graduate in Instructional Design and Technology from the American College of Education. Committed to enhancing student learning outcomes and contributing to the advancement of the education field through innovative teaching methodologies and collaborative teamwork.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Department Chair
MDCPS
01.2015 - Current
- Successfully served as Department Chair for the past 9 years, leading collaborative efforts to improve curriculum alignment and instructional practices
- Contributed to the development and implementation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP), focusing on student achievement and school-wide initiatives.
- Oversaw hiring processes, selecting top-tier candidates to join the department''s talented team of educators.
- Observed, coached and mentored department staff.
- Planned and executed professional development sessions for department faculty and staff.
- Mentored junior faculty members to develop their pedagogical skills and career trajectories in academia.
Teacher
MDCPS
08.2007 - Current
- Instructed 9th – 12th grade ELA for 17 years, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment
- Implemented Cambridge curriculum since 2014, integrating advanced teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs
- Continuously engaged in professional development to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes
- Currently teach night school, catering to the educational needs of non-traditional students.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- 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.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Participated in parent teacher conference to discuss developments of students and increase support.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Developed and administered tests for students to measure academic proficiency and understanding.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
Education
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology -
American College of Education
06.2024
Bachelor of Arts in English -
Florida International University
06.2006
Associate in Arts -
Miami Dade Community College
06.2004
High School Diploma -
Coral Gables Senior High School
06.1996
Skills
- Proficient in curriculum development, instructional design, and educational technology integration
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote)
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, fostering positive relationships with students, colleagues, and stakeholders
- Teaching Excellence
- Diversity Advocacy
- Collaborative decision-making
- Performance Assessment
- Course Scheduling
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Faculty Leadership
- Relationship and Team Building
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Leadership and People Development
- Approachable leader
- Effective Communicator and Public Speaker
- Goal Setting
- Strategic Planning
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the year 2020 - 2021
- Teacher of the year 2022 - 2023
Activities
- Actively engaged in professional development to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes.
- Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE), providing staff training sessions and workshops to promote digital literacy and technology integration.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Department Chair
MDCPS
01.2015 - Current
Teacher
MDCPS
08.2007 - Current
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology -
American College of Education
Bachelor of Arts in English -
Florida International University
Associate in Arts -
Miami Dade Community College
High School Diploma -
Coral Gables Senior High School
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