Hi, I’m
Risa Clayton
Summary
Committed educator bringing 17 years of background in the field of education from preschool to the university. Supports students' learning needs through effective lessons using best practices and formative assessment. Leverages teaching experience and incorporates data, immediate feedback, and reflective practices to continuously improve education for elementary students.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Clark County School District, CCSDLas Vegas, NV
Elementary School Teacher
07.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Improved delivery of instruction by analyzing and distilling test data to identify opportunities for intervention and enrichment
- Mentored student teacher and new colleagues
- Team member of our school leadership team with the focus of increasing schoolwide academic achievement
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Participated as an RTI team member
- Partnered with parents to maintain open communication, advise on available resources and build parental abilities necessary for student support
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes
- Encouraged creativity by giving students choices in learning topics and methods
- Student-led goal setting and student-led conferences
- Designed Arts Integration lessons for the grade level
- Taught writing across the curriculum
VIPKidLas Vegas, NV
ELL Teacher
04.2019 - 06.2021
Job overview
- Assessed student needs during class to address challenges quickly
- Engaged students using props, visuals, and Total Physical Response
- Encouraged students to apply learned skills in open conversation
- Provided descriptive feedback to parents to increase student achievement
- Improved student grammar and conversational skills through role play assignments
- Attended professional development workshops for continued growth in the field
- Conducted assessments and evaluations of student progress in language development
Clark County School DistrictLas Vegas, NV
Strategist
10.2014 - 06.2016
Job overview
- Planned weekly professional development sessions for the staff based on the administrators preferences, classroom observations/walk-thrus, and data collection
- Planned weekly meetings with each grade level team to discuss lesson plans, instruction, and formative assessment data collection
- Analyzed weekly meetings alongside Principal to prepare for the following week
- Identified and predicted challenges and prepared accordingly
- Identified communication errors among staff and solved promptly
- Mentored teachers individually
- Presented to the State Team in regards to the school goals, specific challenges, and progress the school had made
University of NevadaLas Vegas, NV
University Supervisor
08.2013 - 10.2014
Job overview
- Planned meetings for student teachers and cooperating teachers to address current assignments, teaching requirements, graduation requirements, etc.
- Participated in supervisory meetings at UNLV to discuss current student teacher progress, challenges, and next steps
- Actively problem solved when situations would arise for student teachers
- Built relationship between UNLV and community schools through partnership and common goals
- Addressed challenges with both parties accordingly
Clark County School DistrictLas Vegas, NV
Elementary School Teacher
08.2007 - 07.2013
Job overview
- Diversified instruction with lessons, activities, and group time to keep students interested and learning
- Led, mentored, co-taught, and supervised student teachers from UNLV
- Practiced formative assessment throughout each lesson
- Reflected on students' daily progress and allowed for this to guide daily intervention and planning
- Built an encouraging classroom environment where students were celebrated for their individual growth
- Identified students needs and personalized instruction to close knowledge and skill gaps
- Monitored and supported the social, behavioral and physical development of each student to further enhance academic success
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
Clark County School DistrictLas Vegas, NV
Substitute Teacher
08.2005 - 07.2007
Job overview
- Maintained classroom order and enforced school and class rules
- Maintained student attendance and assignment records to prevent lapses during teacher absences
- Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at consistent level
- Collaborated with other staff members to ensure a positive learning environment for students
Education
Concordia UniversityPortland, OR
Master of Arts from Educational Leadership
09-2011
Nevada State CollegeHenderson, NV
Bachelor of Arts from Elementary Education and Minor in Life Science
05-2007
Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT
Master of Arts from Curriculum And Instruction
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Arts Integration
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Curriculum Planning and Implementation
- Relationship Building
- Social-Emotional Support
- Student Engagement
- Student Rapport
- Classroom Culture
Community Service
- Life Church, Awana Teacher Volunteer, 2017-2018
- Canyon Ridge Christian Church, Infants- Preschool Classroom Volunteer, 2013-2017
- Canyon Ridge Christian Church, Awana Teacher Volunteer, 2013-2017
- Dress for Success Women's Organization, Volunteer, 2014-2016
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher
Clark County School District, CCSD
07.2021 - Current
ELL Teacher
VIPKid
04.2019 - 06.2021
Strategist
Clark County School District
10.2014 - 06.2016
University Supervisor
University of Nevada
08.2013 - 10.2014
Elementary School Teacher
Clark County School District
08.2007 - 07.2013
Substitute Teacher
Clark County School District
08.2005 - 07.2007
Concordia University
Master of Arts from Educational Leadership
Nevada State College
Bachelor of Arts from Elementary Education and Minor in Life Science
Western Governors University
Master of Arts from Curriculum And Instruction