Deborah Lawson
Queen Creek,AZ
Summary
Positive and hard-working teacher devoted to promoting student learning and encouraging individual potential. Skillful in directing classroom environments and enhancing student behavior through positive feedback while holding students accountable for their choices. Skilled in activity coordination, student assessment and record keeping. Persistent in uncovering and meeting individual student needs. Caring relationship-builder with big-picture mindset and good decision-making skills. Every day I seek to help students feel seen and heard, and strive towards helping them to meet their potential.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th Grade Teacher
Water Of Life Christian School
07.2023 - 05.2024
- Implemented data-driven instruction, tailoring teaching methods to address individual student needs and improve overall performance.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
4th-8th Grade Teacher
Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2020 - 05.2023
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Used tests, quizzes, and other assignments to gauge students' learning and determine understanding of course materials.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
4th-5th Grade Instructional Aide and Tutor
Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Provided one-on-one support for students needing additional assistance, improving their understanding of course material.
- Prepared supplementary materials for diverse learners, helping accommodate varying learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
- Contributed to a positive classroom environment by establishing rapport with students and addressing individual needs.
- Supported the development of students'' critical thinking skills by facilitating group activities and discussions.
9th Grade English Teacher
Higley High School
08.2002 - 05.2004
- Contributed meaningfully to school-wide initiatives such as curriculum development committees or interdisciplinary project planning teams.
- Assessed student learning through various formative and summative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to maximize retention of key concepts.
- Increased reading comprehension levels by implementing research-based strategies for vocabulary development and text analysis.
- Ensured a supportive learning environment by consistently monitoring classroom dynamics and addressing individual student needs.
- Enhanced students'' critical thinking skills through the implementation of interactive group activities and problem-solving exercises.
2nd- 7th Grade Teacher
Benjamin Franklin Charter School
07.2000 - 05.2002
- Participated in professional development opportunities, continuously improving instructional techniques to stay current with educational trends.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and promoting mutual respect among students.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, utilizing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining consistent routines for smooth transitions throughout the day.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using assessments, adjusting teaching strategies to optimize learning outcomes.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
- Assigned daily lesson plans designed to motivate students and allow for creativity.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students and adjust lesson plans accordingly, ensuring continuous improvement in academic performance.
- Developed engaging project-based assignments that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills among 7th-grade students.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA05.1995
Skills
- Classroom Instruction
- Safe, Positive Learning Environment
- Time Management
- Engage Students
- Self-contained Classroom
- Positive Interactions & Problem- Solving Skills
- Team & Teacher Collaboration
- Growth Mindset
- Google Apps & Organizational Skills
Certification
State of AZ Standard K-8 Elementary Education Teaching Credential
Hobbies
I love to workout and enjoy the outdoors by hiking, kayaking, biking, and traveling. I am a musician that loves to play piano and sing. I also love to read, am a life-long learner, and I love to spend time with my family.
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher
Water Of Life Christian School
07.2023 - 05.2024
4th-8th Grade Teacher
Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2020 - 05.2023
4th-5th Grade Instructional Aide and Tutor
Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2019 - 07.2020
9th Grade English Teacher
Higley High School
08.2002 - 05.2004
2nd- 7th Grade Teacher
Benjamin Franklin Charter School
07.2000 - 05.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Azusa Pacific University
State of AZ Standard K-8 Elementary Education Teaching Credential
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