Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Hi, I’m

CARLA BEST

Baldwin,USA

Summary

Highly organized and dependable candidate with a proven ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive attitude. Demonstrated success in assuming additional responsibilities to ensure the achievement of team goals.

Overview

24
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

The Academy Charter School

Director of Instruction - Literacy Department (grades 6-8)
2018.01 - Current (6 years & 8 months)

Job overview

  • Facilitated collaboration and knowledge-sharing among faculty members in professional learning communities.
  • Enhanced teacher retention rates by implementing impactful professional development programs and providing continuous support.
  • Fostered a positive school culture through consistent communication with staff, students, and parents.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making practices to inform instruction, leading to measurable improvements in student outcomes.
  • Provided regular feedback on instructional practices, supporting teachers growth as professionals.
  • Played an integral role in hiring highly qualified teachers who contributed significantly to overall student success rates.
  • Boosted student performance by designing targeted intervention strategies for struggling learners.
  • Streamlined instructional processes for improved efficiency by regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures.
  • Championed the integration of technology into teaching practices, promoting digital literacy across all subjects.
  • Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
  • Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
  • Scheduled educational activities, faculty lectures and departmental events to drive mission and values of institution.

The Academy Charter School

Coordinator of Instruction (grades 6-8)
2015.01 - 2018.01 (3 years)

Job overview

  • Conducted lesson observations and provided specific feedback to enhance teaching methods
  • Implemented coaching strategies to enhance instructional practices in the classroom
  • Facilitated the development of inclusive and engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs and aligned with student interests.
  • Engaged in collaborative problem-solving with teachers, utilizing data-driven decision-making approaches to address classroom challenges.
  • Oversaw and assisted in implementing school-wide assessment mock state exams, unit assessments, and finals
  • Developed and implemented approaches to amplify student drive, participation, and readiness for scholastic accomplishment.
  • Reviewed and advised on lesson plans to enhance instructional material quality
  • Partnered with educators in collaborative sessions to devise Actionable Plans for optimizing classroom instruction
  • Worked closely with key stakeholders to establish tailored interventions for students at risk
  • Created custom development strategies for low-performing teachers and monitored their growth as they worked towards established targets
  • Examined instructional needs of faculty members and provided suggestions for comprehensive professional development within the school
  • Conducted interviews and observed demonstration lessons to assess the teaching abilities of aspiring educators.

The Bronx Charter School of the Arts

Upper-Grade Supervisor
2014.01 - 2015.01 (1 year)

Job overview

  • Contributed significantly to the ongoing improvement of state assessment scores in ELA, Math, and Science.
  • Managed all aspects of walk-throughs, mid/end-of-year reviews, and formal teacher assessments.
  • Conducted one-on-one meetings with teachers to develop effective instructional strategies and enrich lesson content
  • Provided ELA small group instruction support to teachers in grades 3-5
  • Designed and evaluated school-based mock state assessments
  • Provided assistance to educators in addressing and resolving behavioral management challenges
  • Monitored lesson plans on a weekly basis to ensure adherence to state standards and alignment with curriculum maps.
  • Provided coaching to teachers and demonstrated effective lesson plans in the areas of Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Offered constructive feedback on implementation strategies.
  • Partnered closely with the Executive Director to analyze teacher needs, plan customized professional development initiatives, and implement data-based strategies for maximizing student achievement
  • Provided guidance and support to new teachers for seamless assimilation into the school's challenging curriculum
  • Facilitated collaborative literacy curriculum planning sessions and study groups for teacher professional development
  • Managed the planning and execution of literacy coaching sessions to equip teachers and essential stakeholders with valuable professional skills
  • Participated in various workshops, including those organized by Columbia Teacher's College and Heinemann, to acquire new teaching techniques for practical application

The Bronx Charter School of the Arts

Literacy Coach
2013.01 - 2014.01 (1 year)

Job overview

  • Conducted professional development workshops on effective literacy strategies for colleagues, enhancing overall instructional quality.
  • Served as a mentor to new educators, sharing expertise in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques.
  • Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.
  • Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
  • Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
  • Facilitated book clubs that fostered a sense of community among students while building critical reading skills.
  • Analyzed student assessment data, providing insights for tailored instruction and support.
  • Evaluated instructional materials and resources to ensure alignment with district goals and state standards for English Language Arts education.
  • Partnered with parents to reinforce at-home literacy activities, strengthening the connection between school and home environments.
  • Trained educators on best practices in literacy instruction, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Organized school-wide events such as read-a-thons and author visits, promoting a passion for literature within the school community.
  • Assessed student learning needs and provided relevant instruction to close knowledge gaps.
  • Implemented guided reading groups to provide differentiated instruction based on individual skill levels and learning goals.
  • Introduced diverse literature selections into the curriculum, encouraging cultural awareness and empathy among students.

The Academy Charter School

Third Grade Teacher
2010.01 - 2013.01 (3 years)

Job overview

  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
  • Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
  • Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by implementing effective classroom management strategies and maintaining consistent expectations.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices, resulting in a more cohesive instructional approach across grade level teams.
  • Integrated social-emotional learning strategies into daily lessons, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence among students.
  • Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
  • Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
  • Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
  • Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.

The Academy Charter School

Second Grade Teacher
2009.01 - 2010.01 (1 year)

Job overview

  • Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
  • Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum successfully.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.

Byram Hills School District

Fourth Grade Teacher
2007.01 - 2009.01 (2 years)

Job overview

  • Utilized assessment data to enhance instruction and support strategies based on student progress.
  • Developed lesson plans following district standards, effectively meeting requirements and equipping students for standardized tests.
  • Utilized various instructional strategies to cater to the unique requirements of individual students, promoting academic development for learners of all aptitude levels.
  • Utilized different teaching methods to accommodate a range of learning styles and meet classroom requirements.
  • Built strong relationships with parents through consistent communication, creating a positive learning environment.
  • Boosted student engagement by creating dynamic learning experiences, integrating hands-on projects aligned with real-life scenarios.
  • Streamlined classroom management techniques, optimizing student's concentration and academic performance.
  • Reviewed Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students with parents.
  • Dedicated summer months to continuous professional development, maintaining certification and expanding skills.
  • Modified instruction to accommodate diverse educational requirements and enhance student engagement.
  • Instructed students through a variety of engaging lessons aimed at improving their proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

1-800-Flowers

Recruiter Part-Time
2008.06 - 2008.09 (3 months)

Job overview

  • Conducted phone interviews to assess applicants relevant knowledge, skills, experience and aptitudes.
  • Conducted reference checks, background screening and other pre-employment checks to verify information on applicant's resume.
  • Coordinated schedules to arrange management interviews with applicants.
  • Managed high-volume requisitions in a timely manner to meet client staffing needs efficiently.
  • Created engaging job postings that accurately reflected position requirements while showcasing company culture.
  • Streamlined communication between candidates and hiring managers, leading to higher satisfaction on both sides.
  • Organized job fair events that attracted diverse talent pools, increasing the company''s reach within local communities.
  • Increased candidate satisfaction with personalized communication throughout recruitment cycle.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
  • Organized and attended job fairs and networking events, increasing visibility and candidate pipeline.

Mount Vernon School District

First Grade Teacher
2004.01 - 2007.01 (3 years)

Job overview

  • Developed and implemented tailored instructional strategies to address individual learning styles, resulting in notable academic progress for each student.
  • Analyzed student data and adjusted instructional methods to cater to their specific learning needs.
  • Utilized formative assessments to monitor student progress and modified instruction for optimal growth.
  • Established strong relationships with parents by effectively communicating their child's academic progress and social-emotional development.
  • Attended professional development courses and in-service trainings to stay updated on school and district policies, as well as the latest trends in education.
  • Administered tests to assess student progress and evaluated results.
  • Instructed students in diverse areas such as math, science, technology, and history.
  • Provided consistent progress updates and evaluated students' performance through grading.
  • Customized lessons to cater to students' distinct learning styles and adapt to their individual capabilities.

Starbucks Coffee Company

Recruiting Analyst
2005.10 - 2006.05 (7 months)

Job overview

  • Implemented innovative recruiting tactics such as social media outreach and referral programs, expanding the candidate pool.
  • Conducted thorough interviews to assess candidate qualifications, presenting only top-tier talent to clients for consideration.
  • Managed a diverse pipeline of candidates, increasing the percentage of successful placements within hard-to-fill roles.
  • Enhanced employer branding through consistent communication with candidates, promoting company culture and values.
  • Coordinated career fairs and networking events, effectively promoting company brand and attracting potential candidates.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on industry trends and best practices for effective recruiting strategies.
  • Conducted phone interviews to assess applicants relevant knowledge, skills, experience and aptitudes.
  • Coordinated schedules to arrange management interviews with applicants.
  • Studied job descriptions and qualifications to determine applicant requirements.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Generalist
2000.05 - 2005.09 (5 years & 4 months)

Job overview

  • Handled new-hire orientation and basic recruiting tasks for best-in-class talent identification.
  • Implemented and supervised orientation procedures for new hires.
  • Conducted career fairs, screened resumes and interviewed applicants to build candidate pipelines and enhance company culture.
  • Actively participated in recruitment drives and job fairs representing company's values and vision while attracting qualified candidates.
  • Developed and implemented onboarding and orientation programs for new employees.
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Provided guidance to managers and employees on talent management, payroll, FMLA and benefits.

Education

Fordham University , New York, NY

MST from Childhood
08.2006

University Overview

GPA: 3.9

University At Buffalo , Buffalo, NY

BA from Communication
05.2000

University Overview

GPA: 3.5

Skills

  • SMART Board
  • Microsoft Office
  • Teacher Training
  • Assessment Strategies
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Teamwork and Collaboration

Certification

  • New York State Professional Certification grades 1-6, 09/10
  • New York State Literacy certification, pending

Accomplishments

  • Fordham University, Intern Fellowship Award, Full scholarship, 2005-2006
  • Fordham University, Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society, 2006

Timeline

Director of Instruction - Literacy Department (grades 6-8)

The Academy Charter School
2018.01 - Current (6 years & 8 months)

Coordinator of Instruction (grades 6-8)

The Academy Charter School
2015.01 - 2018.01 (3 years)

Upper-Grade Supervisor

The Bronx Charter School of the Arts
2014.01 - 2015.01 (1 year)

Literacy Coach

The Bronx Charter School of the Arts
2013.01 - 2014.01 (1 year)

Third Grade Teacher

The Academy Charter School
2010.01 - 2013.01 (3 years)

Second Grade Teacher

The Academy Charter School
2009.01 - 2010.01 (1 year)

Recruiter Part-Time

1-800-Flowers
2008.06 - 2008.09 (3 months)

Fourth Grade Teacher

Byram Hills School District
2007.01 - 2009.01 (2 years)

Recruiting Analyst

Starbucks Coffee Company
2005.10 - 2006.05 (7 months)

First Grade Teacher

Mount Vernon School District
2004.01 - 2007.01 (3 years)

Generalist

Polo Ralph Lauren
2000.05 - 2005.09 (5 years & 4 months)

Fordham University

MST from Childhood

University At Buffalo

BA from Communication
  • New York State Professional Certification grades 1-6, 09/10
  • New York State Literacy certification, pending
CARLA BEST