Leena Hall-Young
Jacksonville
Summary
Dedicated educator skilled in re-engaging diverse learners and enhancing literacy rates through individualized instruction and creative learning strategies. Proven success in increasing student engagement and fostering academic confidence, while building strong relationships with families. Focused on creating safe, nurturing learning environments that promote both social-emotional growth and academic excellence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ELA Instructor & Literacy Intervention Educator
Duval MYcroSchool
01.2025 - Current
- Instruct courses including English Language Arts, Intensive Reading, Journalism, Speech & Debate, and Creative Writing.
- Prepare students for the Florida FAST ELA assessment and Classical Learning Test (CLT) through targeted intervention and individualized instructional strategies.
- Supported students in developing reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and critical thinking skills, enhancing overall literacy outcomes.
- Taught 9th-12th grade students in Drop Back educational program, re-engaging and supporting diverse learners through tailored instructional strategies.
- Foster positive relationships with students while creating structured, supportive, and encouraging learning environments.
- Mentored and provided emotional support to students facing academic and personal challenges, fostering resilience and personal growth.
Curriculum & Development Educator
Nasri Academy for Gifted Children
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Created specialized curriculum and enrichment opportunities tailored to diverse learning styles and developmental needs, supporting individualized student progress.
- Created engaging educational activities that fostered creativity, critical thinking, and student confidence, enhancing overall learning experience.
- Taught and mentored students in grades 3-8 while fostering positive academic and emotional development.
- Supported diverse learners through individualized instruction and patient guidance.
- Supported students with reading comprehension, writing development, vocabulary building, and academic confidence.
- Provided one-on-one and small group Language Arts tutoring through after-school intervention and enrichment programs.
- Developed and taught culinary arts enrichment activities that promoted creativity, teamwork, and essential life skills, contributing to student personal growth.
- Built strong relationships with students and families to support overall student success.
- Las Vegas, NV
Summer Camp Curriculum Instructor
Unity Baptist Church
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Designed and implemented specialized curriculum and enrichment activities for children ages 4-12.
- Created engaging STEAM-based learning opportunities that fostered creativity, exploration, and hands-on problem solving.
- Led arts and crafts activities that enhanced creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
- Organized culinary arts activities that promoted basic cooking concepts, teamwork, and responsibility.
- Maintained a safe, structured, nurturing, and fun environment for campers throughout daily activities and transitions.
- Adapted activities to meet the developmental and learning needs of multiple age groups.
- Fostered positive social interaction, teamwork, and confidence-building among campers.
- Learning Center Summer Camp | Ages 4-12
Head Coach - Marathon High Program
William M. Raines High School
01.2019 - 05.2020
- Guided and supervised students in athletic and team-building activities to foster skills and collaboration.
- Instilled discipline, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance in student athletes to enhance personal growth and team cohesion.
- Maintained safe, supportive environment during practices and events to promote athlete well-being and performance.
English Department Chair | Lead Teacher | AICE Instructor | ELA Educator
William M. Raines High School
01.2008 - 01.2020
- Increased AICE exam proficiency rates from 55% to 88% through targeted instructional strategies and intervention support.
- Led curriculum development and instructional planning for English Language Arts courses.
- Mentored and coached educators to improve classroom practices and student outcomes.
- Developed structured learning environments that encouraged responsibility, confidence, and academic growth.
- Organized enrichment programs and tutoring sessions to increase student engagement and academic achievement.
- Mentored and supervised students in classroom and extracurricular settings to foster personal and academic growth.
- Helped 80% of Intensive Reading students achieve measurable Lexile growth.
Women's Varsity Volleyball Coach
William M. Raines High School
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Mentored students to foster confidence, accountability, and teamwork.
- Supervised students during practices and competitions to ensure safety and skill development.
- Developed training programs for athletes to improve skills and teamwork.
- Coordinated game strategies and practice schedules for optimal performance.
- Mentored student-athletes in sportsmanship and personal development.
Education
Master of Education - School Counseling
University of North Florida
05-2026
CAG Summer Institute - Gifted Education Training
01-2024
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
University of North Florida
Associate of Arts - Education
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Skills
- Literacy development
- Homework tutoring
- Group tutoring
- Academic support
- Literacy-based projects
- Creative writing workshops
- Educational enrichment
- STEAM activities
- Child supervision
- Youth mentorship
- Behavior management
- Social-emotional support
- Conflict resolution
- Family communication
- Daily routines
- Time management
- Creative activities
Certification
- Florida Professional Certification - English 6-12
- ESOL Certification
- Gifted Education Professional Development Training
Volunteer Experience
2025, NACAC Presenter, Scholarship Search Tips: Local and National
Awards
- Duval County Teacher of the Year | 2019 - 2020
- Teacher of the Year - William M. Raines High School
Timeline
ELA Instructor & Literacy Intervention Educator
Duval MYcroSchool
01.2025 - Current
Summer Camp Curriculum Instructor
Unity Baptist Church
06.2022 - 08.2022
Curriculum & Development Educator
Nasri Academy for Gifted Children
01.2021 - 01.2025
Head Coach - Marathon High Program
William M. Raines High School
01.2019 - 05.2020
English Department Chair | Lead Teacher | AICE Instructor | ELA Educator
William M. Raines High School
01.2008 - 01.2020
Women's Varsity Volleyball Coach
William M. Raines High School
01.2008 - 01.2009
Master of Education - School Counseling
University of North Florida
CAG Summer Institute - Gifted Education Training
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
University of North Florida
Associate of Arts - Education
Florida State College at Jacksonville