Deborah A. Smith
Ashburn,VA
Summary
Dedicated, resourceful and innovative instructor who strives to help students succeed in the classroom, while supporting colleagues and administration in facilitating each child’s social and intellectual growth, by creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and open communication. Encourages socialization, sportsmanship, and teamwork while motivating students so that physical activity will be an enjoyable part of life.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Physical Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools, McNair Upper ES
8 2018 - Current
- Elementary Lead Teacher for FCPS
- Taught physical education classes covering fitness strategies, sports concepts and safety.
- Managed classroom behavior to maintain safe and orderly learning environments during physical activities.
- Conducted professional development workshops for fellow teachers on topics related to physical education best practices and teaching strategies.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in physical education instruction.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques, ensuring all students were challenged according to their abilities and needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lessons that incorporated physical education concepts into other subject areas.
Adapted Physical Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2016 - 6 2018
- Developed strong communication skills between students, parents, teachers, therapists, and administrators to ensure success for all parties involved in the program.
- Ensured a safe and inclusive learning environment by adhering to guidelines, protocols, and regulations for adapted physical education programs in both the small group and general education setting.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of adapted physical education.
- Collaborated with other educators and therapists to create comprehensive plans addressing each student''s specific needs.
- Maintained accurate records documenting student performance, attendance, medical information, and any necessary accommodations or modifications made during instruction.
- Carried heavy caseload of approximately 35-40 elementary and middle school students every year.
Physical Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools, Forest Edge ES
08.2013 - 06.2016
- Elementary Lead Teacher for FCPS
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to both large and small groups, ensuring all students were challenged according to their abilities and needs.
- Increased student participation by incorporating engaging activities and group projects into daily lesson plans.
- Created a safe and inclusive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations for behavior and respect among students.
- Conducted professional development workshops for fellow teachers on topics related to physical education best practices and teaching strategies.
- Tailored lesson plans to accommodate students with special needs, ensuring accessible and equitable participation for all.
Physical Education Teacher
Webster Central School District, Klem North ES
08.2008 - 01.2013
- Contributed to positive school culture by actively participating in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and extracurricular activities.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to address the individual needs of each student while promoting an inclusive learning environment for all learners in both a small and large group setting.
- Developed strong relationships with students by fostering trust, respect, and open communication in the classroom setting.
- Organized school-wide events such as field days and fitness challenges to promote a healthy lifestyle among the entire school community.
- Utilized various teaching methods, including hands-on activities, visual aids, and demonstrations, to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Supervised safe use of equipment during classes while ensuring proper maintenance for optimal functionality.
- Enhanced student physical fitness by implementing fun and interactive activities during classes.
- Prepared lesson plans to teach age-appropriate exercises in alignment with school curriculum.
- Collaborated with colleagues in developing benchmark lessons and identifying curriculum needs of faculty.
- Ensured alignment between curriculum objectives, instructional strategies, and assessments, leading to clearer expectations for students and improved outcomes.
Physical Education Teacher
Webster Central School District, Spry MS
01.2001 - 06.2008
- Managed classroom resources efficiently, ensuring all equipment was properly maintained for safe use during class activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects, integrating physical education concepts into other subject areas for more comprehensive learning experiences.
- Established high expectations for all students, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone felt valued and supported in both a single and multiple class setting..
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in physical education instruction.
- Enhanced student physical fitness levels by incorporating innovative exercises and sport activities into the curriculum.
- Adapted lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs, differentiating instruction to ensure every student could succeed in achieving their personal fitness goals.
- Organized and led sports teams teaching benefits of sportsmanship.
- Prepared lesson plans to teach age-appropriate exercises in alignment with school curriculum.
- Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades, and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques, ensuring all students were challenged according to their abilities and needs.
Education
Master of Science - Education
SUNY At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY12-2005
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education
SUNY, Brockport
Brockport, NY12-2000
BBA - Finance
St. Bonaventure University
Saint Bonaventure, NY05-1994
Skills
- Fitness assessment
- Large Group Instruction
- Relationship Building
- Common Core Standards
- Verbal and written communication
- Special needs support
- Student engagement & motivation
- Physical literacy
- Curriculum planning
Timeline
Adapted Physical Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2016 - 6 2018
Physical Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools, Forest Edge ES
08.2013 - 06.2016
Physical Education Teacher
Webster Central School District, Klem North ES
08.2008 - 01.2013
Physical Education Teacher
Webster Central School District, Spry MS
01.2001 - 06.2008
Physical Education Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools, McNair Upper ES
8 2018 - Current
Master of Science - Education
SUNY At Buffalo
Bachelor of Science - Physical Education
SUNY, Brockport
BBA - Finance
St. Bonaventure University
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