Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Cierra Gilkey

Cierra Gilkey

Memphis,TN

Summary

Compassionate and trauma-informed professional with experience in crisis intervention, education, case support, and advocacy. Proven ability to work effectively with individuals impacted by trauma, deliver client-centered services, and communicate clearly and empathetically. Strong foundation in sociology and legal studies, with an emphasis on trauma, victimization, and social justice. Skilled in documentation, case tracking, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

Professional educator skilled in creating dynamic, inclusive classroom experiences that drive student success. Adept at leveraging diverse instructional strategies to meet varied learning needs, ensuring comprehensive understanding of material. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in ever-evolving educational settings, with focus on critical thinking and communication.

Professional educator with strong background in developing and implementing engaging curriculum. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environment that encourages student growth and achievement. Skilled in classroom management, lesson planning, and adapting to diverse educational needs. Known for reliability and flexibility, ensuring smooth and effective teaching operations.

Knowledgeable with solid background in developing engaging lesson plans and fostering positive learning environment. Successfully guided students to achieve academic milestones through innovative teaching methods. Demonstrated proficiency in classroom management and curriculum development.

Experienced with curriculum development, ensuring educational content meets all necessary standards and engages students. Utilizes range of teaching methods to address different learning styles, promoting well-rounded understanding of subjects. Strong understanding of classroom management techniques to maintain productive and respectful learning environment.

Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills.

Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

ACT Prep Teacher & Post-Secondary College Counselor

Freedom Preparatory Charter School
09.2024 - Current
  • - Lead instructional activities in a supportive learning environment, working closely with students impacted by academic, social, and personal challenges.
  • - Practice trauma-informed communication and intervention strategies to maintain emotional safety in the classroom.
  • - Engage parents and guardians in student success planning, including through written and verbal communication.
  • - Guide high school students through the college application process, including transcript review, schedule planning, and academic advising.
  • - Coordinate and lead college campus tours and post-secondary information sessions.
  • - Assist students with FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and career exploration.
  • - Maintain accurate documentation related to college readiness and post-secondary planning.

Substitute Teacher/Teaching Assistant

Memphis-Shelby County Schools
03.2022 - Current
  • - Provided structured academic and emotional support to students, including those facing behavioral and trauma-related challenges.
  • - Intervened in classroom incidents to de-escalate conflict and support student well-being.
  • - Maintained confidential student records and documented behavioral and academic concerns.

Recreational Summer Counselor

City of Memphis
05.2023 - 08.2023
  • - Supervised and supported youth participants, many from high-needs communities, in structured programs.
  • - Delivered mentorship and crisis support in a recreational setting, using tact, empathy, and quick judgment.

Academic Affairs Assistant

Wiley University
08.2019 - 04.2020
  • - Supported students navigating academic and personal challenges through documentation, scheduling, and academic advising.
  • - Communicated clearly with faculty, students, and outside agencies regarding support services.

Education

Master of Science - Criminal Justice & Legal Studies

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
09-2025

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

LeMoyne-Owen College
Memphis, TN
12.2023

Skills

  • Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution
  • Trauma-Informed Practices
  • Advocacy & Case Management Support
  • Social Work & Counseling Principles
  • Interpersonal Communication & Active Listening
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Confidential Record Keeping
  • Documentation & Reporting
  • Team Collaboration & Client Engagement
  • Classroom management
  • Relationship building
  • Critical thinking
  • Lesson planning
  • Motivating students
  • Student engagement
  • Behavior management
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Positive role model and mentor
  • Growth mindset
  • Public speaking
  • Classroom instruction
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Collaborative learning
  • Student-centered learning
  • Child development
  • Curriculum implementation
  • Student assessment
  • Learning strategies
  • Innovative lesson planning
  • Curriculum development
  • Technology integration
  • Social-emotional learning training
  • Community involvement
  • Data-driven instruction

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

ACT Prep Teacher & Post-Secondary College Counselor

Freedom Preparatory Charter School
09.2024 - Current

Recreational Summer Counselor

City of Memphis
05.2023 - 08.2023

Substitute Teacher/Teaching Assistant

Memphis-Shelby County Schools
03.2022 - Current

Academic Affairs Assistant

Wiley University
08.2019 - 04.2020

Master of Science - Criminal Justice & Legal Studies

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Science - Sociology

LeMoyne-Owen College