Darlena Swann
Summary
Dedicated teacher with expertise in elementary education and collaborative teaching methods. Experienced in developing lesson plans to meet district and state standards. Ability to create engaged classroom environments supporting a diverse population. Technically proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google and have the ability to learn new technology and online systems quickly. Confidently offers classroom instruction and personalized student support using balance of traditional and modern approaches.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Teacher
Harnett County Schools
02.2024 - Current
- Managed a classroom size of 18 to 20 students daily
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Taught reading, ELA, math, writing, science ,and social studies via whole group and small group instruction.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives using Benchmark curriculum.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Administered Mclass, iready (reading & math), district math assessments.
6th Grade Science Teacher (Middle School)
Lee County Public Schools
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed a classroom size of 18 to 20 students daily with four class period rotations(
- Taught physical science, biology, and earth science
- Used technology regularly in daily lessons and encouraged use by students to enhance learning experience and keep up with current trends.
- Designed innovative science curricula to engage students and promote critical thinking.
- Encouraged student participation in hands-on laboratory experiments to enhance scientific knowledge.
- Created and assigned weekly classwork
- Used exams and standardized assessment tools to measure student progress.
- Integrated Smartboard and other instructional technologies into classroom.
- Administered NC Check-in assessment
- Collaborated with Science teachers, Instructional coach and district mentor to develop quarterly educational plans for students, ensuring optimal progress.
Elementary School Teacher
Durham Public Schools
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Managed a classroom size of 15 to 20 students daily
- Taught reading, ELA, math, writing, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning via whole group and small group instruction.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives using American Reading Company(ARC), Heggerty, and Eureka math curriculums.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework
- Administered various tests including Mclass, IRLA (reading), iready (reading/math), district math assessment and determined student reading & math levels based on assessment findings..
- Attended school concerts, cultural events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
Teacher's Assistant
Durham Public Schools
04.2019 - 07.2022
- Co-managed a classroom size of 15 to 20 students daily to support the lead teacher.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance using HMH, LetterLand, and Eureka math curriculum.
- Graded assignments and reported individual progress to teacher.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lesson plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Attended training classes, parent conferences and faculty meetings to stay updated on student progress.
- Summer School Splash Learning: Served as a co-teacher for Kindergarten (2021) and 2nd Grade (2022).
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Durham Public Schools
04.2018 - 04.2019
- Followed lesson plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as a substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
Medical Communication Specialist
PPD Company
11.2016 - 03.2017
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Listened and responded to customer requests and forwarded necessary information to superiors.
- Documented call interactions according to PPD and client guidelines using Salesforce tracking system.
- Identified and recorded product complaints and adverse events, processes fulfillments via mail, fax or email, incoming phone calls, and other administrative duties assigned on the Basaglar project.
- Maintained knowledge and understanding of PPD and client provided SOPs and current FDA regulations.
Reimbursement Specialist
Biologics, Inc. (McKesson)
09.2016 - 11.2016
- Streamlined reimbursement processes by implementing efficient filing and tracking systems.
- Improved departmental accuracy through meticulous attention to detail while reviewing claims submissions.
- Ensured timely payment of claims by promptly addressing and resolving any discrepancies or issues with insurance providers.
- Followed up on denied and unpaid claims to resolve problems and obtain payments.
- Established strong working relationships with insurance providers, fostering open communication channels for smoother claim resolutions.
- Supported company objectives by maintaining compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations governing medical billing practices.
- Maintained patient confidentiality by adhering to strict HIPAA guidelines when handling sensitive information.
- Ensured prescriptions are received by pharmacies and other assigned clerical duties using Salesforce tracking system on Cosentyx project.
Customer Care Assistant
Xerox Commercial Solutions
09.2012 - 03.2013
- Responded to customer inquiries in a call center environment for Medicare recipients regarding prescription drug plans and billing questions by using a computerized system.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference or escalation purposes.
- Offered prompt assistance to customers via phone, email, for better quality service.
- Educated customers about billing, payment processing and support policies and procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Health Information Management
East Carolina University
Greenville, NCMasters in Business Administration
Strayer University
Research Triangle Park, NCMasters in Elementary Education (2022- Current)
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NCSkills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Problem-solving skills
- Classroom Management
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Lesson planning
- Test Administration
- Virtual online teaching
Affiliations
- NC Association of Educators
- Toastmasters International
Professional organizations
NC Association of Educators
The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) is educators, students, activists, and workers who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society.
Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person.
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher
Harnett County Schools
02.2024 - Current
6th Grade Science Teacher (Middle School)
Lee County Public Schools
08.2023 - 12.2023
Elementary School Teacher
Durham Public Schools
08.2022 - 06.2023
Teacher's Assistant
Durham Public Schools
04.2019 - 07.2022
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Durham Public Schools
04.2018 - 04.2019
Medical Communication Specialist
PPD Company
11.2016 - 03.2017
Reimbursement Specialist
Biologics, Inc. (McKesson)
09.2016 - 11.2016
Customer Care Assistant
Xerox Commercial Solutions
09.2012 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Health Information Management
East Carolina University
Masters in Business Administration
Strayer University
Masters in Elementary Education (2022- Current)
Elizabeth City State University
Similar Profiles
Rocio AltamiranoRocio Altamirano
Administrative Assistant/ Bookkeeper at Harnett County SchoolsAdministrative Assistant/ Bookkeeper at Harnett County Schools
Jessica BeardJessica Beard
Teacher's Assistant/Bus Driver at Harnett County SchoolsTeacher's Assistant/Bus Driver at Harnett County Schools
Jamie WhiteJamie White
SLP-Assistant at Soliant Healthcare / Harnett County SchoolsSLP-Assistant at Soliant Healthcare / Harnett County Schools
Aimee WallaceAimee Wallace
Teacher Assistant at Harnett County SchoolsTeacher Assistant at Harnett County Schools
Susan StrobelSusan Strobel
Elementary School Teacher, Palo Verde Elementary School at Casa Grande Elementary School DistrictElementary School Teacher, Palo Verde Elementary School at Casa Grande Elementary School District