Debbie Gaffney
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated science educator with over 24 years of experience, recognized for a profound commitment to student success and engagement. Expertise in developing innovative lesson plans that inspire curiosity and foster a collaborative learning environment, leveraging data-driven strategies to address challenges and enhance academic outcomes. Proactive leader who champions parental involvement and collaborates effectively with administrators to empower students in reaching their full potential. Passionate about improving reading abilities across all grade levels, with a strong foundation in various instructional models, ensuring diverse learning styles are met and every student thrives academically.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Secondary Science Teacher
Jersey Community High School
07.2020 - 05.2025
- Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support in AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and dual-credit courses BIOL165, BIOL 145 through Lewis and Clark Community College.
- Contributed to the development of the school's science curriculum, ensuring alignment with state/national standards and best practices.
- Utilized diverse instructional approaches to accommodate different learning styles and to cultivate positive connections with students
- Promoted critical thinking skills amongst students through inquiry-based learning approaches within various scientific disciplines.
- Participated in ongoing professional growth opportunities to stay current on best practices in secondary education.
- Led professional development workshops for colleagues on reading strategies in the classroom
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Participated in After School Tutoring, volunteered for the After school Enrichment Program, and a member of the Professional Development Committee
Secondary Science Teacher
Southwestern High School
07.2005 - 07.2020
- Develop standards-aligned lesson plans and instruct students in Environmental Science, Biology Honors, Biology I, AP Chemistry, Chemistry Honors, Chemistry I, and STEM
- Initiated and developed curriculum for STEM course, that increased enrollment and student interest in science classes
- Instruct dual-credit Lewis and Clark Community College courses: BIOL 130, BIOL 165, BIOL 138 and BIOL 145 while collaborating with on-campus instructors
- Actively serve on the Lewis and Clark Community College Biological/Environmental Lab Tech and Restorative Ecology Advisory Committee
- District coordinator for hazardous chemical maintenance and disposal
- Served on several leadership committees: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), School Improvement Committee, Lab Safety Committee, Instructional Coach
- Faculty Sponsor for student clubs: Initiated Chemistry Club, accredited with American Chemical Society, National Honor Society, Recycling Club, Chemistry Demonstrations (elementary schools)
- Initiated and taught Southwestern Summer Science Camp for 4th - 6th graders to promote science literacy and to fill the gap in science retention over summer
- Certified as an Illinois teacher mentor, having mentored three new teachers
- Awarded grants from Monsanto ($40,000), Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Southwestern Foundation, Illinois Rural Wind Project, and Illinois Clean Energy Commission K-12 Acres for Pollinators ($11,000)
Secondary Science Teacher
North Greene High School
01.2002 - 07.2005
- Developed lesson plans and instructed courses in Biology, Advanced Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry I and II, Physical Science and Physics to students in grades 9 - 12
- Chairperson of Reading and Instructional Strategies School Improvement Committee
- Coordinated in-service training for science and math teachers in the use of calculator-based labs
- Received a $28,000 Science and Technology grant from Pfizer for the purchase of Vernier data-collection devices and computers
- Organized student and parent volunteers for river cleanup as Captain of Illinois River Sweep
Office Manage Accounts Receivable
Shop N' Save
05.1979 - 01.2002
- Accounts receivable, management
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
Greenville College
Greenville, IL05.2017
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL12.2011
Certification in Secondary Education - Biology
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL12.2001
Bachelor of Science - Biology emphasis in Ecology, Environmental Biology and Evolution
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL05.1980
Skills
- Workplace professionalism, demonstrate emotional intelligence in teamwork
- Effective written and verbal communicator, community engagement
- Curriculum design expertise, STEM curriculum development and implementation/instruction
- Expertise in Illinois Learning Standards, advanced lesson development skills
- Fair and patient classroom management; procedural organization, supportive learning atmosphere
- Enhanced literacy strategies in curriculum
- Research-based teaching methods, diverse teaching strategies, project-based learning, virtual instruction
- Effective presentation of professional development programs
- Effective science communication, educational content expertise, learning approaches
- Knowledge of safety regulations, laboratory oversight and coordination, chemical handling expertise
- New educator development, guidance and mentorship
- Experienced grant writer
Affiliations
- American Chemical Society
- National Science Teachers Association
- American Association of Chemistry Teachers
- International Literacy Association
- Environmental Education Association Illinois
Certification
- Professional Educators License, 141117
- Reading Specialist, K - 12
- Secondary Education, 6 - 12
- Biology, 6 - 12
- Chemistry, 9 - 12
- General Science, 9 - 12
- Environmental Science, 9 -12
- Zoology, 9 - 12
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
- "Science Literacy: Engaging in Argumentation from Evidence", Greenville College
- “Meeting New ILS for Science Standards through Engineering Putt-Putt Boats” at Illinois State University's "Teachers in the Lead: New Illinois Learning Standards for Science” Conference
- "Reading Strategies in the Content Areas", Jersey Community High School, Professional Development
- "Environmental Literacy in the Classroom: Developing a Relationship Between People, Water and Land through Curriculum", National Great River Research and Education Center Symposium, Lewis and Clark Community College
- "Formative Assessment: What, Why, When, and How:, Southwestern High School, Professional Development
- " High Altitude Balloon Launching: A STEM Activity", St. Louis And Suburban Radio Club Conference, Collinsville in collaboration with student presenters
- "21st Century Skills in the Classroom", Southwestern High School Professional Development
- "Problem-Based Learning Collaboration: Car Depreciation Over Time", Southwestern High School in collaboration with Math teacher
Timeline
Secondary Science Teacher
Jersey Community High School
07.2020 - 05.2025
Secondary Science Teacher
Southwestern High School
07.2005 - 07.2020
Secondary Science Teacher
North Greene High School
01.2002 - 07.2005
Office Manage Accounts Receivable
Shop N' Save
05.1979 - 01.2002
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
Greenville College
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Southern Illinois University
Certification in Secondary Education - Biology
Southern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Biology emphasis in Ecology, Environmental Biology and Evolution
Southern Illinois University
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