Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Deborah Lawson

San Bernardino,CA

Summary

Positive and Biblically-minded 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. Hardworking and passionate Jesus follower with strong people skills. Every day I seek to lift Jesus up to students and all those around me, in order to know and glorify Him more in everything I do. This is the chief aim of my whole life.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

4th Grade Teacher

Water Of Life Christian School
07.2023 - Current
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
  • Increased student participation with interactive learning tools and diverse teaching methods.
  • Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
  • Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
  • Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
  • Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.

4th-8th Grade Teacher

Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2020 - Current
  • Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
  • Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
  • Built positive relationships with students, parents and staff to strengthen and support the educational process.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Attended professional development courses and in-service trainings.
  • Collaborated with teammates in utilizing effective teaching strategies.
  • Started and co-led a student worship team with my husband for school chapels.
  • Discipleship group leader, meeting twice monthly with teen girls with the goal of mentoring them in how to know, love and serve Jesus.

4th-5th Grade Instructional Aide and Tutor

Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2019 - 07.2020
  • Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
  • Monitored student progress to identify areas requiring extra support and implement action plans to meet needs.
  • Tutored individual students in both math and ELA.
  • Monitored student behavior in classes, recess and on field trips for unsafe or rule-breaking concerns.
  • Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.

Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Gilbert Christian Schools
04.2019 - 05.2019
  • Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans for students with challenging behavior.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback to students, parents and school administrators.
  • Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
  • Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.

9th Grade English Teacher

Higley High School
08.2002 - 05.2004
  • Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to address student issues.
  • Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
  • Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
  • Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.

2nd-7th Grade Teacher

Benjamin Franklin School
08.2000 - 05.2002
  • Taught middle school math and German (1 year), as well as 2nd grade (1 year).
  • Prepared daily lesson plans for activities.
  • Communicated objectives for all lessons, units and projects to students and parents.
  • Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
  • Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
  • Planned and supervised class projects, field trips and visits by guest speakers.
  • Used tests, quizzes, and other assignments to gauge students' learning and determine understanding of course materials.
  • Supported student skill development in alignment with personal and academic goals.
  • Scheduled appointments with parents to discuss student progress and classroom behavior.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
05.1995

Skills

  • Safe, Positive Learning Environment
  • Time Management
  • Self-Contained Classrooms
  • Positive Interactions & Problem-Solving Skills
  • Teacher Training
  • Family Involvement
  • Team & Teacher Collaboration
  • Activity Planning
  • Class Recordkeeping & Assessments
  • Google Apps & Organizational Skills

Languages

German
Limited Working

Timeline

4th Grade Teacher

Water Of Life Christian School
07.2023 - Current

4th-8th Grade Teacher

Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2020 - Current

4th-5th Grade Instructional Aide and Tutor

Gilbert Christian Schools
08.2019 - 07.2020

Long-Term Substitute Teacher

Gilbert Christian Schools
04.2019 - 05.2019

9th Grade English Teacher

Higley High School
08.2002 - 05.2004

2nd-7th Grade Teacher

Benjamin Franklin School
08.2000 - 05.2002

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies

Azusa Pacific University
Deborah Lawson