Debra L. Smith
DIberville,MS
Summary
Dynamic music educator with over 25 years of experience in elementary and middle school settings. Recognized for exceptional relationship-building skills and reliable communication, enhancing student engagement and collaboration across interdisciplinary lesson plans.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Music Teacher
Moss Point School District
Moss Point, MS
07.2012 - Current
- Oversaw music education for beginner bands in grades 5 and 6. Managed middle school band and music appreciation courses for one year. Led elementary music programs for grades pre-k through 5 for the past decade.
- Extra assignments included: WIDA school testing coordinator, textbook inventory supervisor, and chromebook supervisor.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods incorporating technology to foster student creativity and interest in music.
- Led school-wide performances, coordinating logistics and rehearsals to showcase student talent effectively.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
Grades 3-8 Music Teacher
Byhalia Middle School
Byhalia, MS
07.2011 - 06.2012
- Taught beginning band and concert band grades 6-8 and general music grades 6-8.
Beginner Band Teacher
Moss Point School District
Moss Point, MS
07.2010 - 06.2011
- Established a beginner band program for grades 5 and 6 at the newly unified Moss Point Escatawpa Upper Elementary School.
- Organized annual concerts, showcasing student progress and fostering community involvement.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
Middle School Band Director
Bay Minette Middle School
Bay Minette, AL
07.2006 - 06.2009
- Taught and created all band, Special Needs Music, Humanities, and Arts Through History classes.
- Member of Member of Sunshine Committee, "Show Me Character" Committee, Positive Behavioral Support Team, and "Support Our Schools" Committee.
- Led professional development workshops for colleagues on effective music teaching practices.
- Built strong connections with parents through regular communication about student progress and upcoming events in the band program.
- Coordinated special events such as concerts, festivals, and competitions to provide meaningful experiences for students outside the classroom setting.
Middle School Band Director
Escambia County Middle School
Atmore, AL
09.1995 - 06.2006
- Band (5-8), Special Needs Enhanced Music, Humanities instructor
- Member of BBSST Committee, Grant Committee, 21st Century Learning Community Organizer/instructor
- Implemented innovative teaching methods that improved student engagement and retention in the band program.
Education
Master of Science - Education
Troy State University
Troy, AL08-1994
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
Troy State University
Troy, AL06-1992
Skills
- Classroom management
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship building
- Cross-curricular connections
- School assembly preparations
- Instrumental instruction
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Reliability
Timeline
Elementary Music Teacher
Moss Point School District
07.2012 - Current
Grades 3-8 Music Teacher
Byhalia Middle School
07.2011 - 06.2012
Beginner Band Teacher
Moss Point School District
07.2010 - 06.2011
Middle School Band Director
Bay Minette Middle School
07.2006 - 06.2009
Middle School Band Director
Escambia County Middle School
09.1995 - 06.2006
Master of Science - Education
Troy State University
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
Troy State University