Candice Zaragoza
Summerfield,NC
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Phoenix Academy, specializing in curriculum design and data-driven assessment. Proven expertise in achieving and exceeding annual growth benchmarks, guiding new teachers, and fostering student engagement via innovative lesson planning. Adept at fostering collaborative environments and leading professional development initiatives to elevate teaching practices.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
AP Language and Composition, English 1 and 2
Phoenix Academy
High Point, North Carolina
08.2016 - Current
- Designed and selected curriculum for English 1, 2, and AP Language and Composition to ensure students are learning Common Core and College Board aligned standards in preparation for end of year assessments and college readiness.
- Mentor to new high school and middle school teachers.
- Participant in the National Heritage Academies Dean Preparatory Program.
- Implemented data-driven assessment tools to evaluate student progress effectively.
- MTSS team member responsible for determining potential educational supports and/or recommended educational screenings for at-risk students.
- Worked closely with exceptional children staff to differentiate learning within a highly diverse classroom environment.
- Collaborated with the middle and high school English departments to ensure vertical alignment and support new staff.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities on the School Improvement Team.
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Greensboro Academy and Phoenix Academy
Greensboro, USA
08.2014 - 06.2023
- Provided effective, creative, and systematic lesson plans that simplified Common Core objectives for students as they prepared for End of Grade testing.
- Implemented the Honors ELA structure at both schools.
- Integrated moral focus lessons with ELA curriculum to teach the whole child.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences to discuss student performance and growth.
- Led professional development workshops on effective teaching strategies and practices.
- Served on the Yearbook staff for two years.
Youth Missionary
Reality Youth Group, Every Nation Ministries
Durham, USA
08.2007 - 02.2014
- Developed and maintained ministry partnerships to generate monthly salary support.
- Created and executed curriculum for youth discipleship for Kings Park International Church.
- Served as the administrator for the youth ministry.
- Organized and executed community evangelistic outreaches.
- Mentored young women, 12-20 years old.
- Organized and executed domestic and international mission trips for youth and adults.
- Vocalist on the church's worship team.
Assistant Program Director
Youth Life Foundation of the Triangle
Durham, USA
01.2012 - 07.2012
- Planned educational activities and managed daily operations of after-school care program for K-12th grade students.
- Applied best practices implemented by Boys and Girls Club and similar organizations to design Youth Life Foundation curriculum.
- Managed team comprised of 20 volunteers.
- Created mentoring program, including recruiting and screening six mentors.
Medical Front Office Receptionist
Wake Orthopedics
Raleigh, North Carolina
02.2005 - 07.2007
- Greeted patients and visitors with professionalism and warmth.
- Managed appointment scheduling using electronic health record systems.
- Verified patient insurance information and collected necessary documentation.
- Answered phone calls and addressed inquiries regarding services and procedures.
- Coordinated communication between patients and healthcare providers efficiently.
- Maintained patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Assisted in training new staff on front office procedures and systems.
- Performed data entry accurately into the practice's EMR system as needed.
Education
Master of Arts in Teaching -
Salem College
Winston-Salem, NC01.2014
Master of Arts in Practical Theology -
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA01.2013
Master of Education -
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC01.2003
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Data-driven assessment
- Classroom management
- Professional development
- Team leadership
- Mentorship skills
- Instructional planning
- Student engagement
Additional Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching, 2014, Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC
- Master of Arts in Practical Theology, 2013, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
- Master of Education, 2013, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
- Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, 2003, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC
Accomplishments
Teacher of the Year, 2024-2025
Certification
NC Licensure for Middle and Secondary Grades English Language Arts
Timeline
AP Language and Composition, English 1 and 2
Phoenix Academy
08.2016 - Current
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Greensboro Academy and Phoenix Academy
08.2014 - 06.2023
Assistant Program Director
Youth Life Foundation of the Triangle
01.2012 - 07.2012
Youth Missionary
Reality Youth Group, Every Nation Ministries
08.2007 - 02.2014
Medical Front Office Receptionist
Wake Orthopedics
02.2005 - 07.2007
Master of Arts in Teaching -
Salem College
Master of Arts in Practical Theology -
Regent University
Master of Education -
Regent University
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Campbell University