Debra Beach
Walterboro
Summary
Experienced Educator with over 30 years in ELA, specializing in literacy development and data-driven instruction. Implemented the Daily Five model and mentored colleagues to improve instructional practices. Fostered strong relationships with students and guardians while leveraging assessments to drive student achievement.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
5th Grade ELA Teacher
Northside Elementary School
Walterboro
07.2024 - Current
- Facilitated literacy development through modeling close reading techniques, providing literary texts, and fostering meaningful discussions about literature.
- Designed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles, enhancing student comprehension and participation.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments, including standardized tests.
- Assessed student progress through various evaluation methods.
- Developed behavior management systems to encourage positive behaviors from students while maintaining a safe learning environment.
- Cultivated relationships with students and guardians through proactive communication and constructive feedback, supporting student growth and engagement.
- Enhanced instructional skills through continuous professional development in ELA.
Reading Interventionist /Reading Coach
POLARIS TECH CHARTER SCHOOL
Ridgeland
08.2019 - 06.2024
- Developed annual reading plan to enhance literacy outcomes school-wide
- Trains teachers in data analysis and using data to differentiate instruction
- Works with teachers to ensure that research-based reading programs are implemented with fidelity
- Collaborated with all teachers to prioritize coaching and mentoring activities that directly impact student achievement
- Works effectively with adults and supports reflection and refinement of teaching practices
- Managed operations for Scholastic Book Fair during 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
- Created and maintained school library from 2019-2023, facilitating access to resources until media center established in new building
Reading Interventionist
FOREST HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Walterboro
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Collaborated with teachers to address specific needs of struggling readers, enhancing support strategies
- Worked with struggling readers in small groups to improve decoding, fluency, comprehension, and writing skills
- Analyzed data to identify struggling readers at risk of failing, informing targeted interventions
ESOL tutor
FOREST HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Walterboro
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Designed engaging lesson plans for diverse ESOL students.
- Facilitated small group discussions to enhance language skills.
- Assessed student progress and provided targeted feedback.
- Assisted ESOL students with homework and individualized needs two days a week after school
- Acted as an interventionist at Summer Reading Camp from June to July 2019
Classroom teacher
NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Walterboro
08.1996 - 06.2018
- Fourth grade ELA / Social Studies teacher | Aug 1996 - Aug 2012
- Trained and served as ADEPT evaluator (2007 and 2008)
- Mentored student teachers, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth (2006/2007 and 2007/2008)
- PTO Vice President (2005/2006 and 2006/2007)
- Served on District ELA committee (2009/2010 and 2010/2011)
- Led collaborative book studies with colleagues to improve instructional practices and student engagement.
- Participated in exemplary writing committee to develop and refine writing standards.
- Collaborated with accelerated reader committee to enhance student literacy programs.
- Served as model teacher for implementation of Sylvia Ford's 'Best Practices'
- Served as lead ELA teacher for grades 3-5
- Served as Assistant Coach for Northside Star Cheerleaders
- Fifth grade ELA / Social Studies teacher | Aug 2012 - June 2018
- In addition to normal classroom responsibilities:
- Served as grade level chair
- Guided new teachers through mentoring and professional development to enhance their teaching effectiveness.
- Exemplified effective strategies as a model teacher for Daily Five during 2017/2018
- Member of Veteran Cohort Writing Group for District 2017/2018
- Served on Exemplary Writing Committee
- Instructed students at Summer Reading Camp during June and July 2017
- Instructed students at Summer Reading Camp during June and July 2018
Fourth Grade ELA /Social Studies teacher
COLLETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Walterboro
08.1991 - 05.1995
- Coordinated grade level chair team to align curriculum and improve instructional strategies.
- Guided a student teacher as a cooperating teacher, fostering their professional development and instructional skills.
- Supported classroom management tasks to enhance student engagement and learning.
Education
High School Diploma -
THOMAS HEYWARD ACADEMY
Ridgeland, South Carolina05-1987
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY
Florence, South CarolinaMasters - Reading and Literacy
WALDEN UNIVERSITY
Skills
- Literacy Teacher endorsement
- Reading Coach endorsement
- Daily 5 implementation
- Daily Five model
- Data-driven instruction
- I-ready assessment
- Mastery Connect
- Classworks
- Renaissance Learning
- Calkins writing instruction
- Adept evaluator
- SC Mentor teacher
Awards
- Honor Teacher of the Year - Northside 2007
- Teacher of the Year - Northside 2008
- District Elementary Teacher of the Year - Colleton County 2008
- Colleton County 80% Club Award for Exemplary Student Performance 2016/2017
Certification
Elementary Education Certified
Timeline
5th Grade ELA Teacher
Northside Elementary School
07.2024 - Current
Reading Interventionist /Reading Coach
POLARIS TECH CHARTER SCHOOL
08.2019 - 06.2024
ESOL tutor
FOREST HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
09.2018 - 05.2019
Reading Interventionist
FOREST HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2018 - 06.2019
Classroom teacher
NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.1996 - 06.2018
Fourth Grade ELA /Social Studies teacher
COLLETON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.1991 - 05.1995
High School Diploma -
THOMAS HEYWARD ACADEMY
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY
Masters - Reading and Literacy
WALDEN UNIVERSITY