Debbie Adair Soro
Retired High School English/Drama Teacher
Longview
Summary
Creative, passionate, dynamic educator with a proven track record at Modesto City Schools, excelling in theatrical production management and fostering student confidence. Skilled in instructional design and student advocacy, I have successfully developed engaging lesson plans, created project based learning activities, and led extracurricular activities and clubs. I take pride in enhancing student learning experiences and promoting critical thinking. I am committed to excellence in education and student success.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Stanislaus County Office Of Education
07.2016 - 07.2024
- Instructed adult learners who were seeking their high school diploma.
- Created Individual Learning Plans for students and assigned and taught courses as needed.
- Taught courses in English, science, math, social science, and electives.
- Developed strong relationships with adult students and created a safe environment for them to succeed.
- Assisted with housing, employment, and mental health referrals as needed.
- Served as a WASC leader for Curriculum and Instruction.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Researched online curriculum offerings and piloted Edmentum and Edgenuity with students.
Teacher English, Drama, AVID, Human Relations,
Modesto City Schools, James C. Enochs High School
07.2007 - 07.2016
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing and enforcing clear expectations for behavior.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as project based learning, Socratic Seminar, Cornell Notetaking, pair-share, and others.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior. Encouraged parent communication about their child's educational journey.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units, Advocacy units, and Learning by Design.
- Differentiated instruction as neede to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Advisor to GSA, BSU, Each Mind Matters clubs.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, school climate, and student behavior and expectations such as School Site Council, PBIS, Link Crew leader, and co-advisor Every 15 Minutes.
- Co-founded HARRT (Healthy and Responsible Relationships Troup), trained students about healthy and unhealthy relationships, advised student advocacy projects, directed "The Sirens" at Gallo Center for the Arts.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Organized "A Day of Respect" event.
- Founded "SOAR after school tutoring center."
- Directed "I'm Sorry the Bridge is Out, You'll Have to Spend the Night" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends."
- Traveled with students to elementary schools and convalescent hospitals with "Where the Sidewalk Ends."
Teacher English, English Department Chairperson
Modesto City Schools, Grace M. Davis High School
07.2001 - 07.2007
- Scheduled and supervised department meetings. Liaison between department members and administration.
- Aided in scheduling classes for 15 department members.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing and reinforcing clear behavioral expectations.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as project based learning, Socratic seminar, Cornell Notes, and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior.
- Communicated with parents regarding student's academics, behavior, and attendance.
- Mentored student teachers, sharing best practices and providing evaluations and feedback.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings. Advisor for GSA, Fashion Club.
- Served on school site council. WASC leader.
- Guided students through college application process including creating a comparison essay project for three intended colleges.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
- Organized "Day of Respect" event.
- Participated as teacher leader in "Challenge Day." Organized transportation, accomodations for teens to attend statewide Challenge Day training.
Teacher Drama, English
Modesto City Schools, Peter Johansen High School
07.1993 - 07.2001
- Established first drama department, taught beginning and advanced drama, stagecraft courses.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Produced and directed shows, created weekly "Lunchbox Theatre" program.
- Organized transportation, fund raiser, travel, accommodations, and ticket purchase for students to Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
- Built drama department from one class offering to four lass offerings.
- Created "Production Curriculum" so that students would receive credit for performance and rehearsal.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as project based learning and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units between US History and American Literature that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students including an essay project that was graded in both English and history.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Mentored student teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance, evaluations, and feedback.
- WASC leader.
- Participated in many district wide curriculum committees.
- Led professional development workshop for peers on Service Learning curriculum and projects.
- Coached Mock Trial.
Education
Masters in Education - Education: SEL And Special Populations
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD07-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA06-1987
Skills
Theatrical production management
Efficient task organization
Student advocacy
Skilled in both teamwork and self-directed tasks
Fosters confidence in students
Commitment to excellence
Problem-solving skills
Instructional design
Timeline
Teacher
Stanislaus County Office Of Education
07.2016 - 07.2024
Teacher English, Drama, AVID, Human Relations,
Modesto City Schools, James C. Enochs High School
07.2007 - 07.2016
Teacher English, English Department Chairperson
Modesto City Schools, Grace M. Davis High School
07.2001 - 07.2007
Teacher Drama, English
Modesto City Schools, Peter Johansen High School
07.1993 - 07.2001
Masters in Education - Education: SEL And Special Populations
Augustana University
Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts
San Diego State University