Deborah Sewell
Washington,DC
Summary
Adjunct Faculty Student-centered Professor with expertise in English, Reading, and Writing. Offers fifteen-year background supporting students, developing instructional plans and organizing and grading exams and tests. Commended for sustaining effective learning environment through prepared classes and relevant assignments and consistently achieving classroom management and academic goals.
Inspiring Professor brings advanced teaching skills and department leadership experience. Goal-oriented to advance department, improve teaching and modernize courses.
Overview
52
52
years of professional experience
Work History
Professor of Integrated, English, Reading and Writing (IERW)
Montgomery College
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Developed innovative teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and success rates.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
- Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.
- Graded tests and assignments and uploaded to school database.
- Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
Professor of English
Montgomery College - TP/SS Campus
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Designed and developed instructional activities using data from student learning style assessments.
- Organized detailed list of resources to help students go beyond classroom environments and delve into topics of interest.
- Used effective teaching techniques and learning strategies in translating lesson plans into productive student learning experiences
- Evaluated students' abilities and grasp of English language, keeping appropriate records and preparing progress reports.
- Tutored students struggling with course material.
- Assigned books and other materials to improve reading comprehension.
- Developed lesson plans and adapted curriculum to meet individual needs of students
- Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
- Sourced optimal curricula and developed lesson plans to fully cover target material for each course.
- Made use of available technologies in daily learning, such as Zoom and Blackboard.
Professor of Reading
Montgomery College - TP/SS Campus
01.2007 - 01.2017
- Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
- Developed diversified course curriculum to meet regulatory standards and support learning objectives.
- Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create multi-layered web of learning incorporating practical activities, discussions, and projects into lessons.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
Reading Coordinator
Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campu
Takoma Park, MD
08.2013 - 05.2016
- Continuously updated professional knowledge in the field of literacy education through attending workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities.
- Coordinated with parents and guardians to share student achievements, discuss concerns, and provide support for at-home practice of reading skills.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to ensure continuous growth in reading proficiency.
- Established a positive classroom atmosphere that encouraged active participation and open communication among students.
- Enhanced reading comprehension skills by implementing targeted instructional strategies and activities.
- Reached out to vendors to evaluate available curriculums and associated materials.
- Supported the integration of technology tools within the classroom to foster digital literacy and enhance overall learning experiences for students.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Chair, Academic Appeals Committee
Montgomery College - Takoma Park/Silver Spring
Takoma Park, MD
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Chaired Academic Appeals meetings, disseminating information, and fielded questions.
- Maintained impartiality and objectivity during meetings and decision-making.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Adjunct Professor
Montgomery College - TP/SS Campus
Takoma Park, MD
08.2004 - 05.2007
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
- Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for classroom.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Incorporated instructional technologies in course delivery for both in-class and online instruction.
- Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Used exams, quizzes and assignments to assess student comprehension.
- Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
Computer Teacher
District of Columbia Public School System
09.1999 - 06.2004
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Set up computers and networking systems, delivering step-by-step instructions on basic use.
- Managed resources effectively by maintaining an organized inventory of classroom technology equipment and software licenses.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Trained and developed students' skills in word-processing, programs.
- Attended professional development technology courses to increase knowledge base and learn new information.
- Used lectures, demonstrations and discussions to instruct students individually and in small groups.
- Enhanced classroom management skills by implementing clear guidelines and consistent consequences for behavior issues.
- Assisted with the planning and execution of school-wide technology initiatives, supporting the integration of technology throughout all subject areas.
Summer School Coordinator
District of Columbia Public School System
Washington, DC
06.1996 - 08.1997
- Oversaw students and monitored behavior during activities.
- Addressed behavioral issues promptly, implementing appropriate disciplinary measures as needed.
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to ensure the successful execution of summer school programs.
Local School Restructuring Team (LSRT) Chair
District of Columbia Public School System
09.1994 - 06.1996
- Planned and oversaw meetings in accordance with governing documents.
- Chaired meetings, disseminating information, and fielded questions.
- Maintained impartiality and objectivity during meetings and decision-making.
- Developed long-term strategic plans to guide organizational growth and success.
Classroom Teacher - Grades PreK/K, 1,3-6
District of Columbia Public School System
01.1971 - 06.1988
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Administered quizzes and tests to assess student understanding of material.
- Participated in faculty meetings.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Developed and administered tests for students to measure academic proficiency and understanding.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Completed student progress reports quarterly to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
Staff Development Coordinator
District of Columbia Public School System
Washington, DC
09.1974 - 06.1975
- Evaluated success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Facilitated open communication channels among employees, fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to growth and learning.
- Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings, and workshops.
Reading Resource Teacher
District of Columbia Public School System
09.1972 - 06.1974
- Implemented reading lessons for eight third grade students.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly, ensuring continuous academic growth.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about student progress and ways to support learning at home.
- Supervised small reading groups of students.
- Promoted love of reading and literacy to all students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Created positive and engaging environment in classroom that encouraged literacy skills.
Education
Doctor of Education - Child And Youth Studies-Curriculum Development
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL01.2000
Master of Arts Computers in Education and Training -
Trinity College
01.1991
Master of Arts Language Arts -
Trinity College
01.1974
Bachelor of Science - Magna Cum Laude -
DC Teachers College
01.1972
Skills
- Computer Skills - Microsoft, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Blackboard
- Flexible Schedule
- Academic Advisory
- Attention to Detail
- Active Listening
- Time Management
- Student assessment
- Lesson Plan Creation
- Blackboard
- Expertise in subject matter
- Remote Instruction
- Test Proctoring
- Grading and Reporting
- Lecturing
- Class Instruction
- Examination administration
Organizations
- National Association of Parliamentarians
- Women's Committee, Washington Performing Arts Society
- DC Democratic Women's Club
- Treasurer 2011-2013, 2013-2015
- DC Federation of Democratic Women
- National Federation of Democratic Women
- Convention Treasurer 2011
- Johanna Morris Women's Missionary Society Turner Memorial AME Church
- McLeod-Powell Lay Organization Turner Memorial AME Church
- Washington DC Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Affiliations
- Women's Committee Washington Performing Arts Society
- Turner Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church
- National Association of Parliamentarians
Timeline
Professor of Integrated, English, Reading and Writing (IERW)
Montgomery College
01.2017 - 01.2023
Professor of English
Montgomery College - TP/SS Campus
01.2017 - 01.2023
Reading Coordinator
Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campu
08.2013 - 05.2016
Chair, Academic Appeals Committee
Montgomery College - Takoma Park/Silver Spring
08.2011 - 05.2013
Professor of Reading
Montgomery College - TP/SS Campus
01.2007 - 01.2017
Adjunct Professor
Montgomery College - TP/SS Campus
08.2004 - 05.2007
Computer Teacher
District of Columbia Public School System
09.1999 - 06.2004
Summer School Coordinator
District of Columbia Public School System
06.1996 - 08.1997
Local School Restructuring Team (LSRT) Chair
District of Columbia Public School System
09.1994 - 06.1996
Staff Development Coordinator
District of Columbia Public School System
09.1974 - 06.1975
Reading Resource Teacher
District of Columbia Public School System
09.1972 - 06.1974
Classroom Teacher - Grades PreK/K, 1,3-6
District of Columbia Public School System
01.1971 - 06.1988
Doctor of Education - Child And Youth Studies-Curriculum Development
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Arts Computers in Education and Training -
Trinity College
Master of Arts Language Arts -
Trinity College
Bachelor of Science - Magna Cum Laude -
DC Teachers College