Dara Carter
Orange,VA
Summary
Innovative and accomplished educator with 18 years of experience, a passion for learning, and a proven ability to effectively teach a diverse population of students. Skilled communicator with a demonstrated proficiency in developing and delivering multimodal lessons that focus on student engagement and information retention. Seeking a position in elementary or middle school education within a forward-thinking school system that supports a strong parent-teacher-student partnership.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher- 7th Grade Life Science
Orange County Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives and educational goals..
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects, PBL opportunities, and hands-on lab activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring all students have equal opportunities for educational success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments and effectively utilizing this data to inform future lesson planning.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Coordinated activities, such as field trips and extracurricular activities, to enhance student learning experiences.
- Served on school and district committees focused on curriculum development, positive student behavior programs (PBIS) and school climate improvement contribute positively to the overall school environment.
6th Grade Science teacher
Orange County Public Schools
01.2008 - 07.2019
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to provide accurate data on academic performance.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies and utilized differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs.
- Developed and incorporated engaging activities to enhance student participation and learning outcomes.
- Organized extracurricular activities, such as the Astronomy Club, EcoWarriors Club and Physics Club, as well as field trips, including the 7th grade Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) field trip, that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
- Developed and coordinated grade level LGMS Science Fair and acted as a mentor and advisor to participants of the Piedmont Regional Science Fair.
- Participated in curriculum development team to develop and update district assessments, lesson plans, CERs, and pacing guides to reflect current Science Standards of Learning.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 6th grade students.
5th Grade Teacher
Orange County Public Schools
08.2006 - 07.2008
- Planned and instructed students on district curriculum for all core subjects based upon grade appropriate Standards of Learning
- Developed resources and practices to enrich classroom instruction and student educational experiences
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, utilizing this data to effectively modify instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Participated on the district level elementary curriculum team to develop resources and assessments for 5th grade learners.
Education
Master of Education - Elementary Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA05.2003
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.2001
Associate of Arts and Sciences - Associate of Science
Germanna Community College
Locust Grove, VA05.1992
Skills
- Student Motivation and Engagement
- Innovative Lesson Planning and Implementation
- Classroom Management and Positive Behavior
- Differentiated and Data Driven Instruction
Certification
Postgraduate Professional License
- Elementary Education Pre-K – 6
- Middle Education Grades 4 - 8
Leadership And Committee Involvement
- Curriculum Leader- Science 6th/ 7th grade
- Coordinator and Lead Contact Person 6th and 7th grade MWEE Field Trip
- PBIS Committee Member
- Participant Sponsor & Mentor Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair
- Coordinator Building Level Science Fair- LGMS
- LGMS Engineering Club Sponsor
- LGMS Leo Club Co-Sponsor
- LGMS Astronomy Club
- LGMS EcoWarriors Club
- LGMS Science Department Head
Awards and Recognitions
- Locust Grove Middle School Teacher of the Year, Orange County Public Schools
- Conservation Educator of the Year, Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District
- Educator Recognition Award Charlottesville Astronomical Society (CAS)
- Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award Orange County School Board
- Excellence and Equity Educator (E-cubed) Award, OCPS Academic Gifted Program
References
- Joe Wilson, Assistant Principal, Prospect Heights Middle School, (540) 661-4400
- Kristen Boudreau, Building Level Curriculum Team Lead, Prospect Heights Middle School, (540) 661-4400
- Jessica Sarver, STEM Coordinator, Taylor Education Administration Complex, (540) 661-4550 ext. 1553
- Becky Ramirez, 7th grade Team Lead, Prospect Heights Middle School, (540) 661-4400
Timeline
Teacher- 7th Grade Life Science
Orange County Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
6th Grade Science teacher
Orange County Public Schools
01.2008 - 07.2019
5th Grade Teacher
Orange County Public Schools
08.2006 - 07.2008
Master of Education - Elementary Education
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Old Dominion University
Associate of Arts and Sciences - Associate of Science
Germanna Community College