Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Damica Odom

Centreville,Illinois

Summary

Experienced educator with a strong focus on holistic learning, instructional design, and fostering lifelong learning. Passionate and results-driven professional skilled in empowering scholars to achieve their academic and personal goals. Proficient in developing and implementing comprehensive programs aimed at equipping scholars with the essential skills for success in education, career, and personal growth.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director of First Year Experience

Harris-Stowe State University
2023.01 - Current

• Orchestrated a 66% surge in Bridge Program enrollment from Summer 2022 to Summer 2023, showcasing exceptional strategic planning and execution skills.

• Achieved a 14% increase in student GPAs during the transition from high school to college summer sessions, demonstrating a keen ability to drive academic excellence.

• Directed the strategic allocation of a $200,000 budget for the Summer Bridge program, meticulously managing financial resources and optimizing program effectiveness.

• Spearheaded impactful workshops on effective communication, leadership, and career development, fostering invaluable skills crucial for student success in competitive professional landscapes.

• Successfully curated and executed two high-impact New Student Orientation programs, accommodating an impressive 300 families per event, highlighting exceptional organizational and logistical prowess.

• Demonstrated adeptness in program planning, budgeting, and service development, meticulously tailoring initiatives to meet diverse student needs and preferences.

• Supervised and mentored a dedicated team of over 50 students, ensuring seamless facilitation of first-year experience programming and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

• Pioneered innovative teaching strategies in the HSSU Seminar course, enhancing student engagement and participation while fostering a dynamic learning environment.

• Offered expert guidance and support to students, providing invaluable insights and strategies to help them achieve their educational, social, and professional goals.

• Developed and executed comprehensive programs fostering personal, educational, cultural, and social development, reflecting a steadfast commitment to holistic student growth.

• Authored a comprehensive 140-page holistic school planner and guidebook, empowering students with essential resources and tools for success both inside and outside the classroom.

• Achieved a noteworthy 93% retention rate among first-year summer bridge students, highlighting dedication to student success and support.


Implementation Specialist

Edmentum
2022.07 - 2022.09

• Stayed updated on industry developments in online education to provide tailored guidance on implementations for remote learning initiatives, particularly for students with disabilities or behavioral challenges requiring home-based education.
• Collaborated closely with physical public schools to facilitate the implementation of online learning solutions for students with specialized learning requirements, ensuring alignment with individualized education plans (IEPs) and other accommodations.
• Met project deadlines consistently while delivering high-quality online learning platforms and resources tailored to the unique needs of students in remote learning environments.
• Identified opportunities to enhance operational efficiency within the partnership framework and successfully implemented process changes to improve the delivery of remote learning services.
• Provided strategic advice and support to physical public schools on the implementation of online learning technologies and tools, customizing solutions to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities or behavioral challenges.

Virtual Teacher

Edmentum
2021.11 - 2022.09

• Effectively addressed student behavioral concerns to cultivate an optimal classroom learning atmosphere.

• Inspired and captivated students, fostering their skill development and academic proficiency.

• Communicated regularly with parents to update them on their child's academic progress and behavioral development.

• Maintained meticulous records of attendance, grades, and pertinent student data to facilitate informed decision-making. '

• Formulated strategies to proactively manage classroom behavior, foster a positive learning environment, and prioritize student safety.

• Encouraged critical thinking among students to enhance their problem-solving abilities and promote intellectual growth.

Adjunct Professor of Education

Southwestern Illinois College
2021.01 - 2021.07

• Developed and instructed university courses focusing on study skills, university history, and strategies for college success, integrating guest speakers to enhance student learning experience.
• Designed curriculum and facilitated hands-on learning activities to teach students technology integration in education, emphasizing the use of educational platforms for classroom instruction.
• Instructed students on the effective utilization of various educational technology tools, including Google Classroom, Newsela, Pear Deck, among others, to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
• Provided guidance on using technology as a pedagogical tool rather than solely relying on it, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in educational settings.
• Demonstrated practical skills in technology integration by leading interactive sessions and workshops on incorporating technology into classroom instruction.
• Fostered student engagement and participation through interactive lessons and discussions on the responsible and effective use of technology in educational settings.
• Collaborated with faculty and staff to align course content with educational objectives and standards, ensuring relevance and applicability to student needs.
• Evaluated student progress and provided constructive feedback to support their development in utilizing technology for instructional purposes effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development by staying updated on emerging educational technologies and best practices in technology integration in education.

Distance Education Teacher

Kansas City Public Schools
2020.05 - 2020.07

• Spearheaded the establishment of a comprehensive distance education program during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving the creation of virtual classrooms from scratch and distribution of Chromebooks to students to facilitate remote learning.
• Developed and implemented innovative brain breaks and engagement strategies to maintain student focus and well-being during virtual instruction, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.
• Conducted home visits to ensure students had access to necessary resources and provided personalized support to families navigating remote learning challenges, demonstrating dedication to student success and well-being.
• Maintained regular virtual communication with both parents and students via platforms such as Zoom, Newsela, Pear Deck, Google Classroom, and ClassTag, fostering strong partnerships and collaboration in the remote learning process.
• Leveraged technology tools including Zoom, Newsela, Pear Deck, Google Classroom, and ClassTag to deliver engaging and effective virtual instruction, adapting teaching methods to meet the unique needs of remote learners.
• Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices and innovative teaching strategies for distance education, contributing to the ongoing improvement and refinement of virtual learning experiences.
• Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in navigating the challenges of remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of education and support for students and families.

Elementary School Teacher

Benjamin Banneker Elementary
2018.08 - 2020.02

• Implemented culturally relevant pedagogy to foster holistic learning experiences, catering to individual strengths and weaknesses based on standardized testing results while honoring diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Utilized innovative teaching strategies to spark curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning activities grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy, ensuring relevance and engagement for all students.
• Proactively monitored student behavior patterns and implemented culturally responsive interventions as needed to cultivate a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Developed and executed inclusive lesson plans informed by culturally relevant pedagogy, accommodating the diverse needs of all students, including those with individualized 504 plans, to promote equitable access to education.
• Led as the lead teacher on my grade level band, advocating for culturally relevant pedagogy and holistic learning approaches to enhance student engagement, academic achievement, and overall well-being.

Education

Master of Arts - Education

University of Missouri - St Louis
St Louis, MO
08.2020

Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences

Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
05.2018

Skills

  • Data Analysis
  • Student Engagement
  • Inclusive education
  • Student Motivation
  • Programming
  • Student Advocacy
  • Excel
  • Classroom Management
  • Technology Integration

Certification

•Teaching License -IL, MO, IA

•Inner Knowledge and Mindfulness Certification
•120 Hour Advanced TEFL Certification

Timeline

Assistant Director of First Year Experience

Harris-Stowe State University
2023.01 - Current

Implementation Specialist

Edmentum
2022.07 - 2022.09

Virtual Teacher

Edmentum
2021.11 - 2022.09

Adjunct Professor of Education

Southwestern Illinois College
2021.01 - 2021.07

Distance Education Teacher

Kansas City Public Schools
2020.05 - 2020.07

Elementary School Teacher

Benjamin Banneker Elementary
2018.08 - 2020.02

Master of Arts - Education

University of Missouri - St Louis

Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences

Tennessee State University

•Teaching License -IL, MO, IA

•Inner Knowledge and Mindfulness Certification
•120 Hour Advanced TEFL Certification

Damica Odom