Debbie Gaffney
Grafton,USA
Summary
Innovative educator with expertise in curriculum design, leading the introduction of Advanced Placement courses and dual-credit programs. Developed data-driven lesson plans that improve student engagement and academic performance. Collaborates with educators and administrators to create inclusive learning environments and enhance overall educational outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
46
46
years of professional experience
Work History
Secondary Science Teacher
Jersey Community High School
Jerseyville, IL
07.2020 - 05.2025
- Instructed dual-credit courses in BIOL 130, BIOL 145, BIOL 132, BIOL 165 at Lewis and Clark Community College while collaborating with on-campus instructors.
- Secured authorization for advanced placement courses, expanding academic opportunities in science curriculum.
- Planned and taught AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology.
- Aligned school science curriculum with state and national standards to enhance educational quality.
- Utilized diverse instructional approaches to accommodate various learning styles and foster positive relationships.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development to remain informed on best practices in secondary education.
- Led workshops for colleagues focusing on effective reading strategies in classroom settings.
Secondary Science Teacher
Southwestern High School
Piasa, IL
07.2005 - 07.2020
- Developed lesson plans and instructed courses in biology, AP Environmental Science, and chemistry.
- Secured $40,000 in grants from Monsanto and additional grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Southwestern Foundation, Illinois Rural Wind Project, and Illinois Clean Energy Commission Acres for Pollinators for educational projects.
- Expanded science curriculum by developing and instructing a STEM course for students.
- Led professional development in instructional strategies, 21st-century skills, and formative assessment.
- Designed and initiated Southwestern Summer Science Camp for 4th to 6th graders, enhancing science literacy.
- Actively participated in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiatives.
- Instructed dual-credit courses at Lewis and Clark: BIOL 130, BIOL 145, and BIOL 165.
Secondary Science Teacher
North Greene High School
White Hall, IL
01.2002 - 07.2005
- Developed lesson plans and instructed advanced courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physical science, and physics for grades nine to twelve.
- Coordinated in-service training on calculator-based labs technology for science and math teachers to enhance instructional practices.
- Mentored three new teachers in Illinois, fostering skill development and confidence in classroom management.
- Oversaw school improvement initiatives targeting reading strategies to boost overall academic performance.
- Secured $28,000 grant from Pfizer for purchase of Vernier data-collection devices and computers.
- Managed logistics and activities for volunteer-led river cleanup events to promote community engagement.
Office Manager Accounts Receivable
Shop N' Save
Jerseyville, IL
05.1979 - 01.2002
- Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy in accounts receivable and payable.
- Managed daily office operations, contributing to seamless workflow across departments.
- Supervised staff members, organized schedules, and delegated tasks effectively.
- Trained new employees on office procedures and company policies for optimal integration.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist
Greenville College
Greenville, Illinois05-2017
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL12-2011
Certification - Secondary Education in 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
- Curriculum design and alignment
- Instructional implementation
- Advanced lesson development
- Literacy strategies
- Diverse instructional approaches
- Professional development
- New teacher support
- Classroom management
- Collaborative teaching
- Student engagement techniques
- Writing and speaking skills
Certification
- Secondary Education, 6 - 12, SIUE, 2001
- Biology, 6 - 12, SIUE, 2001
- Chemistry, 9 - 12, SIUE, 2001
- General Science, 9 - 12, SIUE, 2001
- Environmental Science, 9 - 12, SIUE, 2011
- Zoology, 9 - 12, SIUE, 2001
- Reading Specialist, K - 12
Professional Presentations
- Science Literacy: Engaging in Argumentation from Evidence, Greenville College
- Meeting New ILS for Science Standards through Engineering Putt-Putt Boats, 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
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 Manager 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 - Secondary Education in Biology
Southern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Biology emphasis in Ecology, Environmental Biology and Evolution
Southern Illinois University