Debra-Ann Raiford
Kingston Elementary School
Virginia Beach,VA
29
years of professional experience
Dynamic educator with strong classroom management and student engagement skills. Proven ability to implement differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Work History
SOL Tutor
4 Months- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
- Adapted instructional methods based on individual student needs, enhancing personalized learning experiences.
- Boosted student confidence in problem-solving by providing individualized support and targeted feedback during tutoring sessions.
- Used positive reinforcement, repetition, and review to help students master challenging material.
- Improved students'' understanding of mathematical concepts by utilizing visual aids, hands-on activities, and real-life applications.
Grade 5 Teacher
1 Year 9 Months- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated individualized instruction to support diverse learning needs of students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects enhancing student engagement.
- Utilized assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Created a positive classroom environment promoting respect, responsibility, and academic growth.
- Utilized data-driven decision making to inform instructional practices and identify areas requiring additional support or intervention.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the varying learning styles of students and promoting academic success.
Grade 5 Teacher
20 Years 10 Months- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance learning experiences and digital literacy skills.
- Engaged with parents through regular communication regarding student achievements and areas for improvement.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine teaching practices and stay current with educational trends.
- Served on various committees to contribute input on curriculum development, assessment practices, and school policies.
- Provided targeted support for struggling learners, resulting in improved test scores and overall performance.
- Continuously updated knowledge of current educational trends by participating in conferences, seminars, and online courses relevant to Grade 5 teaching practices.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and work ethic while maintaining a positive learning environment that fostered growth and progress.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons, enriching the educational experience for students.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
Grade 4 Teacher
4 Years 6 Months- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state educational standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and collaboration.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to meet diverse learning needs.
- Utilized various educational technologies to support interactive learning experiences.
- Led professional development workshops focused on best practices in teaching methodologies.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, offering guidance on best practices for lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques.
- 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.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
Master of Education - Curriculum And Instruction
Collegiate Professional License PreK-6 - Education
Skills
Collaborative learning
Student engagement
Teaching strategies
Reflective practice
Time management
Classroom management
Positive reinforcement
Accomplishments
Teacher of the Year, Alanton Elementary School, 2000
Reading Teacher of the Year, Kingston Elementary School, 2003
Teacher of the Year, Kingston Elementary School, 2006
Citywide Finalist for Teacher of the Year, 2006
Timeline
SOL Tutor
Kingston Elementary School
11.2023 - 03.2024Read More
Grade 5 Teacher
Cape Henry Collegiate
08.2021 - 05.2023Read More
Grade 5 Teacher
Kingston Elementary School
08.2000 - 06.2021Read More
Grade 4 Teacher
Alanton Elementary School
12.1994 - 06.1999Read More
University of Virginia
Master of Education from Curriculum And Instruction
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Randolph-Macon College
Bachelor of Arts from Fine Arts
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Virginia Wesleyan University
Collegiate Professional License PreK-6 from Education
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