Debra Ferguson
Stone Mountain
Summary
Dynamic educator with expertise in assessment, differentiated instruction, and classroom management. Proven ability to motivate students and foster collaborative learning environments, enhancing student engagement and achievement.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Retired Early Intervention Teacher
Gwinnett County Schools
Suwanee, GA
08.1999 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement effective intervention strategies.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional methods.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making to improve student outcomes and program effectiveness.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by consistently enforcing classroom rules, routines, and expectations.
- Implemented ongoing assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
- Improved student engagement by creating interactive and collaborative learning environments.
- Facilitated the development of social skills among students through group activities and peer interactions.
Classroom Teacher
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Suwanee, GA
08.1999 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated classroom management strategies to enhance student learning environments.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations.
- Collaborated with colleagues to refine instructional strategies and share best practices.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on pedagogical techniques and classroom management.
- Advocated for continuous professional development opportunities for teaching staff and self-improvement efforts.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
- Boosted student confidence through consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Conducted small group interventions for struggling learners, providing targeted support that led to increased academic achievement.
- Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
- Assessed student progress using various assessment tools, adjusting instruction as needed to address identified areas of need.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
Education
Master of Science - Reading And Literacy
Walden University
Minneapolis, MNBachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo, NYSkills
- Assessment and evaluation
- Literacy development
- Mathematics instruction
- Data collection and analysis
- Classroom management
- Motivating students
- Collaborative teamwork
- Positive role model
- Small group instruction
- Instructional strategies
- Data collection
- Differentiated instruction
Accomplishments
Worked to help K-5 students who are at risk of nor reaching or maintaining grade level performance in reading and math, I targeted, small-group instruction, and co-teaching to help students gain necessary skills
Timeline
Retired Early Intervention Teacher
Gwinnett County Schools
08.1999 - Current
Classroom Teacher
Gwinnett County Public Schools
08.1999 - Current
Master of Science - Reading And Literacy
Walden University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
SUNY Buffalo State
Teacher of the Year, Head ES and Taylor ES in GCPS
Selected as TOTY at two of the three schools in the Gwinnett County Schools.