DENA C. ERICKSON
443 Cresthaven Drive,South Carolina
Summary
An innovative and compassionate educator with eight years of excellent instructional experience seeks the opportunity to support and empower the students, parents, and staff of your organization as a Middle School teacher. I am quipped with a strong ability to promote and facilitate a safe, inclusive, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment for all students.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School ELA Teacher
High Point Academy
Spartanburg, SC
08.2022 - Current
- Demonstrated significant student gains in both ELA MAP and ELA SC State testing scores each year.
- Chosen as a Middle School Teacher of the Year finalist in 2024.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to teach English Language Arts to middle school students.
- Gather and analyze student data to help develop appropriate instruction.
- Compile, administer and grade examinations and other assigned work.
- Maintain records of student grades, attendance, behavior reports, and other relevant information.
- Used videos, lectures and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
- Collaborate with colleagues to develop new instructional strategies for teaching ELA topics.
- Educate students on spelling, grammar and language rules through developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Implement differentiated instruction strategies based on individual student needs.
- Use positive reinforcement method to redirect poor behavior.
- Serve as the advisor student led P7 club for Middle and High School students.
- Encourage critical thinking skills by having students analyze text, write essays, and participate in class debates.
- Integrate current technologies into classroom lessons to engage all learners.
- Assist students with building academic, social, and emotional development skills.
- Provide individualized instruction for students who required extra help in the subject area.
- Create a positive learning environment by using various approaches such as cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and technology-based instruction.
- Assess student progress through formative assessments such as quizzes, tests, and discussions.
- Provide support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Created a positive learning environment by using various approaches such as cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and technology-based instruction.
Middle School Science Teacher
Carver Middle School
Spartanburg, SC
08.2017 - 07.2022
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
- Helped students build learning and study skills to achieve educational goals.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
- Assisted fellow teachers with assignment development, special projects, tests, administrative updates and grading.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
- Supported students as Student Council Advisor for five years.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Worked outside normal hours to be available to answer parent and student questions.
- Promoted athletic success as Volleyball Coach Assistant.
- Attended and participated in department staff meetings to brainstorm ideas on student success, while implementing MTSS and PBIS strategies.
- Maintained positive classroom environments by reinforcing rules for behavior and relationship-building actions.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Improved student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management techniques to foster academic curiosity.
- Oversaw class field trips to keep students safe and educated about related topics.
- Monitored student data to drive classroom instruction and progress .
Insurance Sales Agent
State Farm Insurance
BOILING SPGS, South Carolina
07.2011 - 07.2017
- Upsold products to policyholders and potential new clients.
- Pursued continued professional development through insurance workshops, course and webinars.
- Offered policy guidance and management to promote asset protection.
- Increased sales through consultative sales approach and focused relationship building with new and existing policy holders.
- Gave sales presentations, negotiated contracts and promoted services to customers.
- Engaged customers and provided high level of service by carefully explaining details about documents.
- Analyzed customer needs and provided best options, upselling products and services.
- Wrote policies, finalized documents and filed paperwork.
- Communicated with clients by phone and email to answer questions and offer services.
- Offered information about policy and coverage details.
CII Assistant / Interim Director
Converse University
Spartanburg , SC
09.1997 - 05.2010
- Organized and maintained filing and document management systems by coordinating, archiving and purging files.
- Developed administrative processes to achieve organizational objectives and improve office efficiency.
- Handled management of communication to executives by taking and making telephone calls, reviewing and prioritizing mail and composing and typing correspondence.
- Took part in various admissions events to meet with and engage prospective students.
- Corresponded with prospective students via email and developed professional relationships by using active communication and interpersonal skills.
- Counseled and advised students directly on course choices, schedules and study habits.
- Employed skills in crisis intervention to help resolve difficult situations.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Education
MEd. - Elementary Education
Converse University
Spartanburg, SC05.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Converse University
Spartanburg, SC05.2008
Skills
- Teaching, tutoring and counseling
- Engage in differentiated instruction
- Promote behavioral/cognitive skills development
- Excellent classroom management
- Developed creative course material
- Motivating students
- Significant student gains
- Analyzing student data
- Excellent reporting and documentation
- Effective listening skills
- Have Title I knowledge and experience
- Excellent student rapport
- Calm under pressure
- Ability to administer quizzes, tests and exams
- Promote positive atmospheres
- Flexible and adaptive
- Interactive teaching/learning
- Relationship building
- Gifted/Talented Endorsed
Timeline
Middle School ELA Teacher
High Point Academy
08.2022 - Current
Middle School Science Teacher
Carver Middle School
08.2017 - 07.2022
Insurance Sales Agent
State Farm Insurance
07.2011 - 07.2017
CII Assistant / Interim Director
Converse University
09.1997 - 05.2010
MEd. - Elementary Education
Converse University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Converse University
Similar Profiles
Katrina M. RehmKatrina M. Rehm
Teacher- ESOL, 5th Grade & ASL at High Point AcademyTeacher- ESOL, 5th Grade & ASL at High Point Academy
Alexandra BurkeAlexandra Burke
High School Science Teacher at High Point AcademyHigh School Science Teacher at High Point Academy
Isabella RicoIsabella Rico
Speech and Debate Coach at High Point AcademySpeech and Debate Coach at High Point Academy
Nicole DiRoma, DNP, A-GNP-CNicole DiRoma, DNP, A-GNP-C
Charge Nurse and Preceptor at Pelham Medical CenterCharge Nurse and Preceptor at Pelham Medical Center
Kevin ThomasKevin Thomas
Vice President , Chief Information Officer at SAFE Federal Credit UnionVice President , Chief Information Officer at SAFE Federal Credit Union