Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Dawn Galanis

Weddington,NC

Summary

Dedicated and passionate secondary English teacher with a proven track record of creating inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning environments, where all students are empowered to reach their fullest potential. Skilled in designing and delivering differentiated lessons that cater to diverse learning styles and needs, with a strong emphasis on literacy, critical thinking, and communication. Experienced in developing innovative lessons, and fostering academic growth through creative instructional strategies, and individualized support. Exceptional communicator and team builder, committed to ongoing professional development, and collaborative efforts to enhance school-wide educational practices and outcomes.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

High School MYP & DP English Teacher

Union Day School
Weddington, NC
08.2022 - Current
  • Encouraged constructive dialogue among students through leading discussions on English language arts topics.
  • Utilized various technologies, including multimedia presentations, to enrich classroom learning experiences.
  • Regularly assessed student performance and identified areas for academic improvement.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere that fostered respect and inclusion among all students.
  • Stimulated critical thinking skills by asking thought-provoking questions in class discussions.
  • Maintained school behavior policies while promoting a positive classroom environment.
  • Provided personalized instruction to cater to individual learning needs and styles.
  • Engaged with parents in conferences to support student achievement and progress.

Middle School MYP English Teacher

Union Day School
Weddington, NC
10.2021 - Current
  • Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Managed classrooms efficiently to cultivate love of learning and disciplinary focus.
  • Modeled teaching around North Carolina standards to align with requirements.
  • Instructed students on how to fully express ideas.
  • Customized innovative methods and materials to produce effective learning experiences.
  • Integrated technology into classroom settings to engage students and diversify instruction.
  • Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for students.
  • Designed clear and creative learning materials to promote student engagement in pronunciation exercises.
  • Handled disciplinary problems with calm and poise and reported escalating issues to principal.

Responsibilities & Accomplishments

Union Day School
Weddington, NC
10.2021 - Current
  • Organized and led domestic and international educational trips for high school students, fostering cultural awareness and real-world learning experiences
  • Served as Yearbook Advisor, guiding students through the planning, design, and production process
  • Played a key role in organizing prom fundraisers and coordinating the school's inaugural prom event
  • Organized and led domestic and international educational trips for high school students, fostering cultural awareness and real-world learning experiences
  • Emceed 8th grade graduation ceremony, demonstrating strong public speaking and event-hosting skills
  • Played a key role in organizing prom fundraisers and coordinating the school's inaugural prom event
  • Supported staff morale by organizing fun and engaging activities to build community among teachers
  • Honored as Teacher of the Year for the 2022–2023 school year in recognition of excellence in teaching and dedication to the school community

Middle School English Teacher

Socrates Academy
Matthews, NC
08.2011 - 10.2021
  • Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Managed classrooms efficiently to cultivate love of learning and disciplinary focus.
  • Attended professional development training to improve knowledge and skills.
  • Met with parents and guardians in conference sessions to discuss students' progress.
  • Evaluated students' comprehension of lessons through relevant test questions.
  • Integrated technology into classroom settings to engage students and diversify instruction.
  • Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for students.
  • Identified online resources to complement traditional course materials and aid in student learning.
  • Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques. (Socratic Seminars)
  • Offered before school tutoring for students needing extra help.
  • Oversaw international field trip (Greece on 4 occasions) and local overnight stays at Camp Thunderbird.

4th Grade Integrated Units Teacher

Socrates Academy
Matthews, NC
01.2008 - 06.2011
  • Maintained positive classroom environments by reinforcing rules for behavior and relationship-building actions.
  • Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
  • Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
  • Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
  • Established and communicated clear learning objectives to foster student progress and academic performance.
  • Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
  • Oversaw class field trips (Biztown-Junior Achievement, Raleigh)
  • Created collaborative environment in classroom where students worked together to support everyone's learning.
  • Prepared, administered and graded daily work and quizzes/tests to evaluate student's progress based on state standards.

Education

BBA - Marketing And Advertising

Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
05.1985

Master of Arts - Reading Teacher Education

St. John's University
Jamaica, NY
05.1987

Skills

  • Self-motivated
  • Classroom management
  • Technology integration
  • Collaborative learning
  • Effective communicator
  • Student engagement
  • Empathy and patience
  • Decision-making skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Socratic questioning

Languages

Greek
Professional

References

Dr. Janis Dellinger-Holton

Adjunct Professor Queens University

Former Socrates Academy Principal

(919)601-3456

Suzanne Thompson

Assistant Principal Western Union Elementary School

suzanne.thompson@ucps.k12.nc.us

(704)843-2153 ext.4305

Dr. Tom Miller

Executive Director The Seaside School Santa Rosa Beach, FL

millert@seasideschools.net

(910)431-7441

Emily Moore

Operations Support Specialist NC Association for Public Charter Schools

emily.moore@ncpubliccharters.org

336-214-9121

Timeline

High School MYP & DP English Teacher

Union Day School
08.2022 - Current

Middle School MYP English Teacher

Union Day School
10.2021 - Current

Responsibilities & Accomplishments

Union Day School
10.2021 - Current

Middle School English Teacher

Socrates Academy
08.2011 - 10.2021

4th Grade Integrated Units Teacher

Socrates Academy
01.2008 - 06.2011

BBA - Marketing And Advertising

Adelphi University

Master of Arts - Reading Teacher Education

St. John's University