CICELY SMITH
Okolona,MS
Summary
Experienced secondary educator and school leader with more than twenty years of service in Mississippi public schools. My work has included classroom teaching, department leadership, and schoolwide planning, with a strong focus on supporting students with disabilities, strengthening instruction, and helping students connect learning to career opportunities. I’m known for building strong relationships, communicating clearly with families and staff, and staying steady and solutions-focused when challenges arise.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
English/ACT Prep Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
2025 - Current
- Develop and implement engaging lesson plans and modules covering all ACT sections (English, Math, Reading, Science).
- Teach specific test-taking strategies, time management, and critical thinking skills for standardized tests.
- Create or utilize practice tests, quizzes, and handouts to reinforce learning.
- Administer diagnostic assessments to identify student weaknesses and learning styles.
- Design or tailor instruction for diverse learners.
- Provide personalized feedback on practice essays and problem-solving approaches.
- Monitor student progress, track scores, and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, and counselors about academic growth.
English Teacher
Noxubee County School District
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Designed and implemented engaging, differentiated lessons to meet a wide range of learning needs
- Led ACT WorkKeys preparation and coordinated career exploration activities school-wide
- Participated in IEP meetings and collaborated with parents and support staff to support student learning goals
- Used classroom and assessment data to guide instruction and targeted student support
- Worked with colleagues on curriculum development and student assessment design
English Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
2019 - 2023
- Delivered rigorous, standards-aligned instruction that emphasized critical thinking, strong writing, and reading comprehension
- Administered ACT WorkKeys and led structured career exploration and workforce readiness activities
- Used instructional technology to support learning, monitor progress, and strengthen assessment practices
- Built strong, respectful rapport with students, parents, and staff to support a positive school climate
English Teacher
Louisville Municipal School District
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Provided whole-group and individualized instruction, including accommodations aligned with IEP goals
- Participated in curriculum and data teams to strengthen instruction and track student growth
- Increased student engagement through interactive lessons and effective use of digital tools
English Teacher / English Department Head
Oktibbeha County Schools
01.2005 - 2015
- Served as English Department Head, supporting curriculum planning and instructional consistency
- Chaired the Textbook Adoption Committee, facilitating collaborative review and selection of instructional materials
- Supervised the after-school academic program focused on remediation, enrichment, and student support
- Served on the School Leadership Team and School Improvement Team, contributing to planning and schoolwide improvement efforts
- Supported students with disabilities through accommodations, instructional planning, and collaboration with special education staff
Project ACCESS Coordinator
Golden Triangle Planning & Development District
01.2003
- Assisted with training/marketing materials, reporting data collection, and participant job placement support
Project GOALS Facilitator
Starkville School District Family Centered Programs
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Supported at-risk students through academic monitoring, counseling, and supervision of mentors/tutors
Job Placement Counselor
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Supported individuals with disabilities through job readiness training, assessments, placement, and employer coordination
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Mississippi College
Jackson, MS01-2021
Master of Science - Continuing Education (Counseling Psychology)
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL01-2012
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS01-1996
Skills
- Instructional Leadership and Collaboration
- Curriculum Planning and Assessment
- Supporting Students with Disabilities (IEP / 504)
- Career Readiness and ACT WorkKeys
- Classroom Management and Student Support
- Educational Technology Integration
- Communication with Parents and Stakeholders
Certification
- Administrator
- English (Grades 7–12)
- Psychology (Grades 7–12)
- Social Studies (Grades 7–12)
- SREB Literacy Ready Certification (Grades 7–12)
Timeline
English Teacher
Noxubee County School District
01.2023 - 01.2025
English Teacher
Louisville Municipal School District
01.2015 - 01.2019
English Teacher / English Department Head
Oktibbeha County Schools
01.2005 - 2015
Project ACCESS Coordinator
Golden Triangle Planning & Development District
01.2003
Project GOALS Facilitator
Starkville School District Family Centered Programs
01.2001 - 01.2002
Job Placement Counselor
Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
01.1999 - 01.2000
English/ACT Prep Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
2025 - Current
English Teacher
Columbus Municipal School District
2019 - 2023
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Mississippi College
Master of Science - Continuing Education (Counseling Psychology)
University of West Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Mississippi State University
LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Mississippi State Accountability Team
- Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP): Item Writing, Item Review, Bias & Sensitivity Review, MAAP-A Standard Setting
- Principals’ Boot Camp – Participant
- English Department Chair
- Textbook Adoption Committee Chair
- After-School Program Coordinator