Dedicated Teacher offering 25 years of experience in education. Resourceful and passionate educator with adaptable and approachable style. Committed to creating effective learning environments for students.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Honors English 10, English 9, and Creative Writing
Spanish Fort High School
01.2021 - Current
Utilize Schoology and PowerSchool
Enhanced students'' reading comprehension by implementing diverse literary materials and engaging discussions.
Designed innovative lesson plans incorporating various writing styles and techniques for effective learning outcomes.
Managed student progress, providing timely feedback on assignments to promote continuous improvement in their writing skills.
Improved students'' writing skills through personalized feedback, constructive criticism, and tailored exercises.
Developed a collaborative classroom environment to foster peer review processes and teamwork on creative projects.
Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum units that connected creative writing with other subjects like history, science, or art.
Nurtured a safe and supportive classroom atmosphere where each student felt comfortable sharing their unique voice and ideas during critiques or presentations.
Prepared students for college-level writing expectations by exposing them to advanced concepts while reinforcing foundational skills throughout high school coursework.
Led classroom discussions to encourage students to analyze literature critically.
Developed online resources to supplement traditional course materials.
Facilitated group discussions to explore works of literature.
Participated in professional development activities to stay current with literature trends.
7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts (PreAP and Regular) and 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Reading Labs
Saraland Middle School
01.2016 - 01.2021
Implement iReady results into daily classroom instruction
Developed innovative teaching strategies for effectively addressing different learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and improved test scores.
Enhanced students'' reading comprehension skills by incorporating diverse literary genres and multimedia resources.
Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that integrated language arts with social studies, science, and math curricula.
Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering open communication among students.
Provided individualized support to struggling students through targeted interventions and progress monitoring, leading to significant improvements in their performance.
Utilized various assessment tools to regularly evaluate student progress and adjust instructional methods accordingly for optimal results.
Mentored newly hired teachers on effective instructional strategies and classroom management techniques, contributing to the overall success of the school''s language arts program.
Planned engaging field trips and guest speaker events aligned with curriculum goals to supplement classroom instruction and enrich students'' learning experiences.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and continually refine teaching methods for maximum effectiveness.
Presented at teacher professional development workshops on increasing student engagement.
Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques through a book study, "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey.
Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
Implemented differentiated instruction to meet needs of diverse learners.
Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
Integrated Smartboard and other instructional technologies into classroom.
Established positive rapport with all students and parents through home calls, emails and Parent Teacher Club.
7th and 8th Grade PreAP Language Arts and Gifted Specialist
Bernice Causey Middle School
01.2004 - 01.2016
Participated in district curriculum writing 2010-2013
Enhanced student learning by incorporating differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual needs.
Boosted student engagement through the implementation of interactive, hands-on activities and projects.
Collaborated with colleagues to develop a comprehensive curriculum for gifted students across various subjects.
Improved critical thinking skills among students by introducing problem-solving activities and challenges in lessons.
Established a positive classroom environment that fostered creativity, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity.
Provided ongoing feedback and support to parents regarding the progress of their gifted children.
Mentored fellow teachers on effective strategies for working with gifted students, resulting in increased staff expertise.
Emphasized the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills throughout all aspects of instruction.
Served as an advocate for gifted education within the school community, raising awareness about the importance of specialized instruction for these learners.
Conducted professional development workshops focused on best practices in gifted education for fellow educators at regional conferences or in-service days.
Collaborated with colleagues to design and maintain curriculum through the district.
Teacher
Palmer Pillans Middle School
2000 - 2004
Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Participated in parent teacher conference to discuss developments of students and increase support.
Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
4th Grade Teacher
Clark Magnet School
1999 - 2000
Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
Communicated effectively with parents regarding their child''s academic growth and areas for improvement.
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 with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
Education
National Board Certified Teacher - ELA-Early Adolescence
01.2021
Master of Arts - Education of Gifted And Talented
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
05.2006
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Mobile
Mobile, AL
05.1999
Skills
Innovative lesson planning
Curriculum design experience
Collaborative Teamwork
Project-based learning
Active listening abilities
Student Motivation Strategies
Online Teaching Capabilities
Assessment and Evaluation
Exceptional communication
Individualized Learning Plans
Organization and Planning
Curriculum Development
Individualized Instruction
Classroom Management
Effective Communication
Organizational Skills
Multitasking
Critical Thinking
Analytical Skills
Multitasking Abilities
Decision-Making
Team Collaboration
Adaptability and Flexibility
Time Management
Professionalism
Attention to Detail
Presentations
2019 “Humdrum to Happy: Improving Student Engagement" SARIC
2015 "Unpacking the Standards" Causey Middle School Faculty Professional Development
2005 "Gifted and Talented Child" Causey Middle School Faculty Professional Development
Additional Information
2013 Teacher of the Year Causey Middle School
2020-2022 Mentored National Board Certified Teacher Candidates
Mentored student teachers throughout career
References
Dr. Shannon Smith, Assistant Principal, Spanish Fort High School, (251) 680-2493, sssmith@bcbe.org
Mrs. Donna Hughes, Saraland Board of Education, (615) 397-9667, dhughes@saralandboe.org
Ame Clements, Baker High School, (251) 654-4643, alclements@mcpss.com
Dr. Justin McNellage, Assistant Principal, Spanish Fort High School, (251) 442-7989, jmcnellage@bcbe.org
Holly Poole, Teacher, Spanish Fort High School, (251) 533-1308, hpoole@bcbe.org
Timeline
Honors English 10, English 9, and Creative Writing
Spanish Fort High School
01.2021 - Current
7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts (PreAP and Regular) and 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Reading Labs
Saraland Middle School
01.2016 - 01.2021
7th and 8th Grade PreAP Language Arts and Gifted Specialist
Bernice Causey Middle School
01.2004 - 01.2016
Teacher
Palmer Pillans Middle School
2000 - 2004
4th Grade Teacher
Clark Magnet School
1999 - 2000
National Board Certified Teacher - ELA-Early Adolescence
Master of Arts - Education of Gifted And Talented
University of South Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Mobile
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