Darsy Smith Torres
Takoma Park,MD
Summary
Caring math and science teacher with over 8 years of experience in instruction and collaboration. Expert in closely monitoring student progress while implementing modern educational techniques into daily practices. Energetic and motivated with extensive knowledge in various subjects. Committed to long-term student success through well-rounded educations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Accelerated Math Teacher
District of Columbia International School
08.2024 - Current
- Provided instruction to 8th students enrolled in Accelerated 8th math and Integraded Math 1.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Provided meaningful math instruction to improve math skills of children.
- Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades, and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
- Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Designed a review packet of key areas that students should focus on MAP and CAPE while preparing for each test.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
Math Teacher and Coach- Track and Field
Chesapeake Math & IT Academy
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Taught Algebra II, and Quantitative Modeling to high school students in 9-12 grades.
- Developed and implemented a variety of student activities such as games, projects, and whiteboard problem-solving activities.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to develop differentiated lessons for students with special needs. Monitored student progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage student participation and engagement such as rough draft thinking and retake of quizzes. Established a successful tutoring program for students needing additional support in Algebra II.
- Monitored student progress and provided individual tutoring to ensure student success.
- Coordinated the Track and Field team practice and event schedules, practicing plans, and workouts for 55 athletes and established a homework completion program to support athletes after practice
Math Teacher and Head Coach- Track and Field
E.L. Haynes
08.2022 - 12.2023
- Implemented assessment tools to track students’ progress in learning mathematics in grades 9-10 in an inner-city school district.
- Developed innovative and differentiated lessons and activities to engage students in learning mathematics. Implemented assessment tools to track students’ progress in learning mathematics.
- Followed the IM K–12 Math curriculum and merged cultural aspects of Washington D.C. and other geographic areas into the lessons.
- Coached students in math competitions and helped them achieve high scores in standardized tests (ANET, PARCC)
- Meet with parents and share student's academic progress.
- Case manager of students with IEPs. Collaborated with the College Office and other departments to support students in college applications.
- Served as academic adviser of 12-17 students per academic year.
- Organized Track and Field events in the school and outside of school (e.g. Sta vs. Student events).
- Served as the adviser of the Environmental Club
Biology Teacher and Research Assistant
University of Maryland
01.2018 - 05.2022
- Utilized a variety of teaching strategies in person and via Zoom.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create project-based learning activities for biology classes.
- Organized and led experiments with the students. Reported progress of experiments and analyzed data using SAS software.
- Maintained and organized databases.
- Wrote scientific/ technical reports and literature reviews
- Presented project progress and results at national and local conferences.
Biology Teacher and Research Assistant
University of Puerto Rico
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Assisted with in-person and online instruction via Zoom, Canvas, and Google Classroom.
- Designed experiments for students in the eld and laboratory.
- Designed and implemented project-based learning to develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills among students.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
Education
Ph.D. - Entomology
University of Maryland, College Park
College Park, MD05-2025
Master of Science -
University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez Campus12-2017
Bachelor of Science -
University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez Campus12-2014
Skills
- Supported students in understanding the mathematical principles of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry with relevant tools and software such as Canvas, DeltaMath, IXL, Desmos, GeoGebra, Quizziz, and Kahoot
- Online teaching via Zoom or Google Meet
- Mathematical modeling with R, SAS or excel
- Project-based learning
- Peer tutoring
Affiliations
- Member of The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics from 2022-
- Member of the The Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi from 2017-
- Department of Entomology Representative in Graduate Student Government UMD from 2020-2021
Certification
MSDE- Maryland Conditional /Non-Degree Certificate to teach HS Math
STEM Professional Experiences
Entomologist Research assistant January 2018 - May 2022
Biological Control Technician January 2021 - January 2022
USDA- several internships (from 2010-2021)
Research and Technical publications (see inserted link below)
Orcid - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0296-0374
Extension publications-https://extensionesp.umd.edu/tag/darsysmith/
University of Maryland Master's Thesis- https://www.proquest.com/openview/6b8d0480ab2d26e81cf166bcc8842ec2/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=44156
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Accelerated Math Teacher
District of Columbia International School
08.2024 - Current
Math Teacher and Coach- Track and Field
Chesapeake Math & IT Academy
02.2024 - 06.2024
Math Teacher and Head Coach- Track and Field
E.L. Haynes
08.2022 - 12.2023
Biology Teacher and Research Assistant
University of Maryland
01.2018 - 05.2022
Biology Teacher and Research Assistant
University of Puerto Rico
01.2015 - 01.2017
MSDE- Maryland Conditional /Non-Degree Certificate to teach HS Math
Ph.D. - Entomology
University of Maryland, College Park
Master of Science -
University of Puerto Rico
Bachelor of Science -
University of Puerto Rico
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